Couples Drug And Alcohol Rehab For Addiction Treatment
Substance misuse is a serious issue when it affects just 1 member of the family, but it can be even more problematic when it affects 2 people who are in a relationship, live together, or are married. Drug and alcohol rehab for couples is crucial for …
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Substance Abuse In The Us
Currently, the United States is facing a fentanyl crisis. The number of individuals reporting fentanyl abuse has jumped from 15,000 in 2016 to 37,000 in 2019.
More than 20 million people in the US were diagnosed with SUD in the last year, and only half were able to receive treatment. In 2019, about 71,000 people died in the US of a drug overdose.
There are many people who could benefit from an inpatient treatment program, or other form of substance abuse treatment.
You Are Worthy: Let Springboard Recovery Help You Find Your Recovery
If youre struggling with substance addiction, we understand that the recovery challenges are very real, theyre intimidating, and youll need help to get through. At SpringBoard Recovery, our passion is to help you lead a balanced, healthy, and fulfilling life once again. We believe there is much more to sobriety than just stopping the addiction. We prioritize holistic wellness, so we can help get you healthy from the inside out.
We know that taking the first steps to addiction recovery can be scary and lonely. Were here to help every step of the way. All you have to do is decide youre ready to stop this life of addiction and begin a new life one full of hope and purpose. Contact us today and let us help you to do so.
This article would not have been possible without the kind and generous cooperation of those featured in these real-life addiction recovery stories Melissa, Dejah, Jason, Cody, and Brent. Each of these recovering addicts was happy to offer access to their individual story details and their social media photos.
Their respective reasons for doing so were absolutely identical across the board to demonstrate that, even with the hardest of addictions to conquer, namely heroin and meth, you must never, ever give up hope because recovery is possible. Recovery is always possible.
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Matthew Perry: I Nearly Died A Few Years Ago When Colon Burst From Drug Use
Matthew Perry said having to use a colostomy bag an external bag for feces to be stored for a year helped him kick his drug addiction.
The Friends alum revealed that his gastrointestinal perforation in 2019 was actually his colon bursting from opioid abuse, and the damage was so severe he ended up in a coma for two weeks.
I woke up and realized I had a colostomy bag, he recalled to People magazine. They said, Its all too messy down there. We cant do surgery. But in about a year you can reverse that.
It was pretty hellish having one because they break all the time.
The horrible experience prompted Perry, 53, to get sober from drugs with help from his therapist.
My therapist said, The next time you think about taking OxyContin, just think about having a colostomy bag for the rest of your life,’ Perry said. And a little window opened, and I crawled through it, and I no longer want OxyContin.
The Whole Nine Yards star, who will discuss his troubles further in his forthcoming memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing, also was able to win his battle against alcoholism after an experience in which he believes he sensed God in his kitchen.
It was this bright yellow object that became all-encompassing. I couldnt see the kitchen anymore. It was just this light, and I felt loved and understood, and in the company of God or whatever, he told the publication.
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Common Symptoms Of Drug Abuse
Neglecting responsibilities at school, work, or home .
Using drugs under dangerous conditions or taking risks while high, such as driving while on drugs, using dirty needles, or having unprotected sex.
Experiencing legal trouble, such as arrests for disorderly conduct, driving under the influence, or stealing to support a drug habit.
Problems in your relationships, such as fights with your partner or family members, an unhappy boss, or the loss of friends.
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Common Substances Of Abuse
Some of the most commonly abused drugs in the US include:
- adverse effects on pregnancy
- mental health issues
Some individuals may struggle with abusing more than one substance at a time, or dealing with co-occurring disorders. Abusing more than one substance, like opioids and alcohol, can lead to an increased risk of developing a mental health disorder.
Coronavirus: Feeding The Ogre Of Addiction
The effect of focusing the nations efforts on controlling the virus has been to the detriment of evidence-based opioid addiction treatment. Make no mistake coronavirus has been feeding the ogre, and, until something is done to redress the balance, it has made it stronger.
Only a few months ago, the American Medical Association released an urgent national brief, using data compiled from the U.S. Overdose Detection Mapping Application Program , which collects real-time overdose numbers. The brief was blunt. In at least 40 states, including Pennsylvania, suspected drug overdoses across the nation had risen by almost a fifth from March, 2020 onwards, when compared with data from before the coronavirus arrived.
In western Pennsylvania, the high rate of overdoses, including those that prove fatal, are now mirroring what was happening at the height of the opioid epidemic in 2017. For example, in Beaver County, the corona effect has been devastating fatal overdoses have spiked by 30% from the first 3 months of the year.
The countys District Attorney David Lozier recently spoke about how peoples mental wellbeing, including rates of opioid use and addiction, was now a huge, ongoing concern: COVID has sucked the wind out of every other issue. Now this year, the numbers are going up like 2016 and the first half of 2017. Were seeing an increase in domestic violence, Childline and child abuse calls, a worsening mental health picture, and worsening drug and alcohol pictures.
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How Drug Abuse And Addiction Develops
Theres a fine line between regular drug use and drug abuse and addiction. Very few drug abusers or addicts are able to recognize when theyve crossed that line. While frequency or the amount of drugs consumed do not necessarily constitute drug abuse or addiction, they can often be indicators of drug-related problems.
If the drug fulfills a valuable need, you may find yourself increasingly relying on it. You may take illegal drugs to calm or energize yourself or make you more confident. You may start abusing prescription drugs to relieve pain, cope with panic attacks, or improve concentration at school or work. If you are using drugs to fill a void in your life, youre more at risk of crossing the line from casual drug use to drug abuse and addiction. To maintain a healthy balance in your life, you need to have positive experiences and feel good about your life without any drug use.
Drug abuse may start as a way to socially connect. People often try drugs for the first time in social situations with friends and acquaintances. A strong desire to fit in to the group can make it feel like doing the drugs with them is the only option.
As drug abuse takes hold, you may miss or frequently be late for work or school, your job performance may progressively deteriorate, and you may start to neglect social or family responsibilities. Your ability to stop using is eventually compromised. What began as a voluntary choice has turned into a physical and psychological need.
What Is Drug Addiction
Drug addiction can be defined as a progressive disease that causes people to lose control of the use of some substance despite worsening consequences of that use. Substance use disorder can be life-threatening.
Addictions are not problems of willpower or morality. Addiction is a powerful and complex disease. People who have an addiction to drugs cannot simply quit, even if they want to. The drugs change the brain in a way that makes quitting physically and mentally difficult. Treating addiction often requires lifelong care and therapy.
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The First Step To Overcoming Drug Abuse And Addiction
Developing an addiction to drugs isnt a character flaw or a sign of weakness, and it takes more than willpower to overcome the problem. Abusing illegal or certain prescription drugs can create changes in the brain, causing powerful cravings and a compulsion to use that makes sobriety seem like an impossible goal. But recovery is never out of reach, no matter how hopeless your situation seems or how many times youve tried and failed before. With the right treatment and support, change is always possible.
For many people struggling with addiction, the toughest step toward recovery is the very first one: recognizing that you have a problem and deciding to make a change. Its normal to feel uncertain about whether youre ready to start recovery, or if you have what it takes to quit. If youre addicted to a prescription drug, you may be concerned about how youre going to find an alternate way to treat a medical condition. Its okay to feel torn. Committing to sobriety involves changing many things, including:
- the way you deal with stress
- who you allow in your life
- what you do in your free time
- how you think about yourself
- the prescription and over-the-counter medications you take
Its also normal to feel conflicted about giving up your drug of choice, even when you know its causing problems in your life. Recovery requires time, motivation, and support, but by making a commitment to change, you can overcome your addiction and regain control of your life.
Can Addiction Come Back
Substance use disorder is a relapsing disease. People who are in recovery from this disease have a higher chance of using drugs again. Recurrence can happen even years after you last took drugs.
Because of the possibility of relapse, you need ongoing treatment. Your healthcare provider should review your treatment plan with you and change it based on your changing needs. If you have a problem with prescription drugs, including opioids, inform your healthcare providers. They can help you find other options to manage pain.
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Famous Drug Addicts Before And After
1. Mischa Barton
Mischa Barton was one of the most famous teen idols in the world thanks to her image of the-girl-next-door. She, however, lost control due to substance and alcohol abuse, and she was placed in a psychiatric ward in 2009.
2. Charlie Sheen
Charlie Sheen was one of the most respected and loved actors, and then he was known to abuse drug and alcohol, attend playboy parties and fight with HIV. Nowadays, when people talk about famous drug addicts before and after, he is always the one that comes to people’s mind.
3. Pete Doherty
Pete Doherty is famous for being in the rock band, and for being married to Kate Moss. His addiction to cocaine, heroin, ketamine, cannabis and other such drugs has made him turn into another person.
4. Macaulay Culkin
Being the most famous child star, Macaulay Culkin struggled with drug abuse. Although he never openly admitted drug use, his physical appearance suggested otherwise. He was believed to have entered rehabilitation around 2013.
5. Amy Winehouse
Amy Winehouse did not win her battles with drugs and alcohol abuse, and passed away in 2011 tragically. Her photographs showing the physical transformation she went through are among the most famous drug addicts before and after pictures on the Internet.
6. Lindsay Lohan
Another one of Americas sweethearts went wrong. As one of the most well-known wild child of Hollywood, Lindsay Lohan has admitted to have trouble with alcohol addiction and have tried cocaine many times.
7. Kate Moss
Why Do People With Substance Use Disorder Need More And More Drugs Over Time
People feel intoxicated after using drugs. Over time, the brain is changed by drugs. The brain becomes desensitized to the drug so that more of the drug must be used to produce the same effect.
As the person consumes more, drugs start to take over the persons life. One may stop enjoying other aspects of life. For many people, social, family and work obligations fall to the side. The person with SUD starts to feel like somethings wrong if he or she isnt under the influence of the substance. They may become consumed with the need to recapture that original feeling.
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Chicken Vs Egg: Which Came First Heroin Or Oxycontin Addiction
For centuries, people have debated one age old question: which came first, the chicken or the egg? While both sides of this argument have their valid points, the question itself has evolved, making its way into other areas of society, including the …
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Things To Think About Before You Start
If youre thinking of taking steps to stop taking drugs or cut down, dont be afraid to reach out for help. Its much easier to make positive changes when youve got help and support from other people.
You could:
- Speak to your doctor about your worries. Theyll be able to give you advice and useful information.
- If you can, talk to family and friends about your drug use. Asking for help can make a big difference, especially in the first few weeks.
- Find your nearest drug service. You can search for your nearest service and look at treatment options further down the page.
- Join a peer support group like Narcotics Anonymous or Cocaine Anonymous.
If you have a dependency, please speak to a professional before stopping using suddenly, so you can carefully manage any withdrawal symptoms.
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Do I Have To Hit Rock Bottom Before I Get Help
No! Hitting rock bottom is not a prerequisite to seeking help for substance abuse help is available whenever you are ready for it. Unfortunately, statistics show that many people who are struggling with substance abuse will not seek help until they …
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Statistics On Drug Abuse And Prevalence
Drug misuse and abuse are prevalent issues in the United States. The following information provides an overview of some of the statistics:2,3
- Approximately 13.5% of individuals aged 12 and older reported illicit drug use within the previous month, when surveyed in 2020.
- In 2020, nearly 14 million people aged 12 and older reported misusing prescription medications, including psychotherapeutic drugs, painkillers, stimulants, and sedatives in the past 30 days.
- The number of drug overdose deaths quadrupled from 1999 to 2019.
- The number of drug overdose deaths increased by 5% from 2018 to 2019.
- In 20182019 opioid-related overdose deaths rose by more than 6%.
- Between 1999 and 2019, over 500,000 people died of an opioid-related overdose, both from prescription and illicit forms of opioids drugs.
- The 2020 survey found that over 7 million people reported using hallucinogens in the past year.
- More than 9 million individuals reported past-year use of opioids in 2020.
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Before You Start To Take Drugs
Prior to being introduced to taking drugs your life may have been what is considered normal, where you didnt know or experience what it is like being on drugs. You may have had a promising career you were looking forward to or still have been in your studies in college. Your brain cells would be healthy and you would probably have no mental disorders that are very common to drug addicts. You would certainly have different friends as drug users associate with drug users making it even harder for them to change their habits and ways. The best thing a parent can do for their children is to teach them and enforce the fact that drugs are bad from an early age. Drugs no doubt ruin your life and are a complete waste of time and money. They will drag you down until you either come to your senses after you hit rock bottom or until they kill you. You dont want your child to even have drugs once because they may realize that drugs were the thing that has been missing in their lives and become addicts.
What Are Symptoms Of Substance Use Disorder
Symptoms of drug addiction include:
- Bloodshot eyes and looking tired.
- Changes in appetite, usually eating less.
- Changes in physical appearance, such as having a poor complexion or looking ungroomed.
- Difficulty completing tasks at work, school or home.
- Engaging in risky behaviors, despite knowing negative consequences .
- Inability to reduce or control drug use.
- Issues with money.
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Before And After Using Drugs
The consequences of substance abuse differ based on the types of drugs used and the frequency with which they are abused. Physical signs of drug abuse vary, including changes in the users appetite, dental cavities and tooth loss, dramatic weight loss, changes in skin tone and color, hair loss and more. However, the impact drugs can cause on a person are undeniable and there is nowhere these physical impacts are more evident than on users faces.
The potentially health effects of drug abuse are revealed below in gifs which showcase the physical impact of drug abuse on individuals charged with drug-related offenses throughout the years. We created these before and after images as gifs to show the transformations before and after substance abuse.
Dont Let Relapse Keep You Down
Relapse is a common part of the recovery process from drug addiction. While relapse is frustrating and discouraging, it can be an opportunity to learn from your mistakes, identify additional triggers, and correct your treatment course.
What causes relapse?
Different triggers can put you at risk of relapsing into old patterns of substance use. While specific causes of relapse differ from person to person, some common triggers include:
- Negative emotional state
- Positive emotional state
- Physical discomfort
- Trying to test your personal control
- Strong temptation or urge
- Social pressure
The important thing to remember is that relapse doesnt mean drug treatment failure. Dont give up. Call your sponsor, talk to your therapist, go to a meeting, or schedule an appointment with your doctor. When youre sober again and out of danger, look at what triggered the relapse, what went wrong, and what you could have done differently. You can choose to get back on the path to recovery and use the experience to strengthen your commitment.
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