In 2014, The National Household Survey on Drug Use and Health revealed that the percentage of Americans, age 12 and older, that were illicit drug users was higher in 2014 than in every year from 2002 to 2013. Illegal drugs are illegal to use, make, or sell, are highly addictive, and can cause serious health problems.
Also known as substance use disorder, drug addiction is a dependence on an either illegal or legal drugs or prescription medication. Those affected have the compulsion to use a substance regardless of whether or not it could be harmful to themselves or others around them. Some users want to quit but often find they can’t do it on their own. Drug addiction can result in serious, long-term consequences. Including problems with relationships, employment, mental and physical health, and the law.
Even though there is a large variety of illicit drugs with increasing availability, there are specific substances that continue to be often associated with abuse. These include marijuana, cocaine, and heroin.
Here is a list of commonly abused illicit drugs:
Behaviors or symptoms that are associated with drug addiction include the following:
Stimulant Drugs (methamphetamines or cocaine) increase the user’s heart rate and brain activity, putting them in a state of hyperactivity. Symptoms of abuse include:
Opioids (heroin) can alter a user’s mood as the drug affects chemicals in the brain and also slows down the central nervous system, affecting breathing. An addiction to opioids can cause the following:
Hallucinogenic Drugs (marijuana, LSD) give the user an altered perception of their time, space, and reality. The following are signs of intoxication and abuse:
A person’s risk of drug addiction is influenced by their individual biology, social environment, and stage of development or age. The chances are greater for some to become addicted to drugs if they have more of the following risk factors:
Ask yourself the following questions, write down any thoughts or feelings that come to mind, and seek the help you need and deserve:
Yes, several facilities can offer treatment both inpatient and outpatient that can be available to assist you or a loved one right away.
Many people struggling with a drug addiction will rarely admit it and are typically reluctant to seek help. Signs that your loved one may be suffering from addiction include:
Coordinating an intervention can present your loved one with an opportunity for change. An intervention can be done by family and friends in consultation with a professional and should be planned carefully. Anyone who cares about your loved one and wants to help with their struggle can be involved, including your pastor, church members, co-workers, etc.
During an intervention, everyone involved gathers together to talk directly with your love one in a heart-to-heart manner about his/her addiction and the consequences with hopes that a plan for treatment will be accepted.
If you have spoken to your loved one and offered help and support but he/she wasn’t taking your gestures the next steps you should take are caring for yourself and avoiding self-blame. Seek support for yourself by finding people you can lean on and stay safe by not allowing yourself to get into dangerous situations. You can still support your loved one with addiction and encourage treatment, but you can’t force them to change. Remember, you can’t control a loved one’s decisions, allow them to accept responsibility for their actions.
The first step is for the person suffering from addiction to acknowledge that there is a problem. Treatment options depend on various factors, including what drug caused the substance abuse and how the person was affected by its use. Typically, treatment involves a combination of inpatient and outpatient programs, psychotherapy including cognitive behavioral therapy, medication, self-help groups, and support from individual sponsors.
Individual, family or group therapy sessions
Focus is on understanding the nature of addiction and prevention of relapse
Treatment offered in inpatient, residential, and outpatient programs which are determined by the level of care needed
These programs provide those suffering from addiction with the necessary support they need to enable them to stop taking the drug as soon as possible in a safe manner. Depending on the level of care required, this therapy can require admission to a residential treatment center or hospital or it can be provided in an outpatient setting.
A critical component of the drug treatment program led by a professional therapist or counselor. The focus of psychotherapy will include the following:
These groups typically use the 12-step model to help with addiction. A popular self-help group is Narcotics Anonymous. The message of these support groups is that addiction is a chronic disorder with the potential for relapse. Support groups help drug users cope with any feelings of shame, self-blame, or isolation they feel to prevent a relapse.
Withdrawal symptoms are unique to the type of drug and require various treatment approaches to treat associated side effects. The process of detoxification may involve the gradual reduction of a drugs dosage or temporarily substitute other medications to help with withdrawal. Common medications used for this purpose include buprenorphine, methadone, or a combination of naloxone and buprenorphine.
Illicit drug abuse and addiction is a treatable condition. It is possible for a person suffering from addiction to abstain from drug use. Many users don’t take steps to seek help until they suffer enormous consequences.
The treatment process is long, can be complicated for the user, and can include periodic relapses. Those who have suffered from addiction typically say they are never “cured,” instead, they learn positive coping mechanisms to cope with their disease.
Loved ones of a person with addiction often are faced with the stress of their own during periods of active addiction. Support programs and resources are available for loved ones as well. Al-Anon is a popular program that countless friends and family members of drug addicts have found support and guidance.
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