Effective Ways To Treat Drug Addiction
03/22/2013|Admin
A drug addict craves drugs and compulsively seeks them out, regardless of the consequences. A drug addiction typically arises gradually beginning with voluntary, intermittent and/or acute drug usage, increasing to drug abuse and then escalating into a full-blown addiction. When a drug addict begins using drugs he/she probably uses them primarily during social occasions, but may also use them while alone. As time progresses, the drug user may increase the quantity and frequency of the drug use possibly leading to drug abuse.
Over time, the drug abuser may continue to increase the amount of drugs he/she consumes until he/she develops an uncontrollable urge to use drugs. Once the abuser gets to the point where drugs is the only thing on his/her mind and actively seeks those drugs, regardless of the negative consequences an addiction to drugs has formed. At this point the drug addict experiences intense daily, weekly or monthly drug cravings that continue to intensify until those cravings are satisfied. The drug addict compulsively seeks out his/her drugs of choice, regardless of any possible danger. He/she is consumed with drugs. The drug addicts brain chemistry has been altered and he/she no longer thinks or behaves like he/she once did.
How To Talk To Someone With An Alcohol Or Drug Addiction
You might feel anxious or worried about talking to your loved one, and thats completely normal. It may be helpful to set aside time to talk when you and your loved one are sober and youre both feeling calm.11
Theres no perfect way of knowing how to help someone dealing with addiction, but a few ways to start the conversation can include:10, 11
- Emphasizing your love and concern, such as saying, I love you and I am concerned about your drinking/substance use.
- Sticking to the facts and providing examples like, I am worried by your angry behavior when you drink/use drugs.
- Letting them know that treatment can help, and they dont have to do it alone. You might say, I know it is not easy for you, but I have read that many people can stop drinking/using drugs if they get some type of treatment.
- Acknowledge their feelings. Let them talk and listen without judgment or arguing.
- Reinforce that you want to help and that youre going to stick by them. You might say, I am here for you no matter what, and I want you to know that I am willing to help you.
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Prepare Meals And Eat Them As A Family
In todays modern, chaotic world, its all too easy to eat separately. One partner grabs a burger on the way home, the other snacks on salad at work and the kids heat up ready-made foods they can find in the freezer.
A family meal allows everyone to reconnect at the end of a day that may have been stressful, lonely or upsetting. Each meal helps build upon the work done in family therapy, and the ritual of eating together can promote a sense of common ground and togetherness.
The activity doesnt have to stop at the table, either. Spending time making the meal together or cleaning up afterwards can increase the benefits. Even one meal together per week can have a significant impact.
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How Many People Get Treatment For Drug Addiction
According to SAMHSA’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 22.5 million people aged 12 or older needed treatment for an illicit* drug or alcohol use problem in 2014. Only 4.2 million received any substance use treatment in the same year. Of these, about 2.6 million people received treatment at specialty treatment programs .
*The term “illicit” refers to the use of illegal drugs, including marijuana according to federal law, and misuse of prescription medications.
Against The Odds: 5 Ways To Help A Friend Struggling With Drug Abuse
Psychreg on Mental HealthWHAT’S IN THIS ARTICLE?
In a world full of uncertainties, regrets, and struggles, the best way to survive is to make a meaningful connection with another person by building any companionship. Of course, building a sturdy companionship includes maintaining and nurturing it by being compassionate and patient, even if, and especially if, the other person is no longer easy to understand as they struggle to overcome a particular phase of their life.
We all go through a rough phase of our life, but some people experience hardship in overcoming it mostly if that phase involves being addicted to drug use. If you have a loved one who is struggling with a drug abuse problem, one of the things that you can do is to be the warmth that they need by offering them your presence and following these doable ways to help them:
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Find Substance Abuse Treatment Programs For Veterans
The Department of Veterans Affairs offers veterans and their families a wide range of support services for substance abuse:
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Find a VA treatment center. Search for a local VA substance use disorder treatment program or a VA medical center with mental health specialists.
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Contact the Veterans Crisis Line at and press 1, chat online with a VA responder, or send a text message to 838255 to receive confidential support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Dont: Enable Your Loved One
There can be a fine line between helping someone with an addiction and enabling them. Sometimes when we think were protecting a loved one from the consequences of their addiction, we are actually enabling them to continue with potentially destructive behavior.
For example, if youre trying to figure out how to help an alcoholic, keeping them from drinking and driving is helpful, since that could put them and others in danger. However, consistently offering to drive them home whenever they get too intoxicated is enabling their actions, because its setting up a formula in which you are constantly available to rescue them.
Studies show that people with addictions are more likely to proactively seek treatment when they are forced to face the consequences of their actions. So, if you want to know how to help someone with an addiction, allow them to make mistakes without the promise of your rescue.
Its important to set up boundaries and rules, both for your well-being and the well-being of your loved one and its important to enforce those rules and boundaries. This is the only part of Recovery in which tough love is beneficial, since its done for both you and your loved ones protection.
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State And Local Government Assistance
Some of this public assistance comes through an individual states substance abuse agency in several states, this agency is included under a larger municipal health or behavioral health department. These agencies develop and implement their states addiction prevention and treatment programs, and manage the state, federal, and other funds that are allotted to substance abuse.2
However, these agencies do not account for the majority of money spent by states and local governments on substance abuse programs.2
Child protective services, corrections systems, drug courts, and other smaller agencies are the major users of state and local funding for drug and alcohol treatment programs.2
Talk To A Close Friend Or Loved One
While there are signs and symptoms of addiction, the disease can also be silent.
Friends, family, and loved ones may or may not realize whats happening. However, finding someone you trust to reach out to is a great first step in getting help.
You might find comfort in a parent, a friend, a teacher, a coach, or another person who can offer a safe space to listen and support you. Be prepared for any type of reaction once you open upshock, sadness, anger, and fear are all normal emotions when learning someone you care about is addicted to drugs . Remember that a negative reaction doesnt always mean the person is judging you. He or she may just need time to process the news.
You cant control anyones reaction. However, you can prepare them leading up to the conversation with phrases such as:
- I need to tell you something. Ive chosen you because I trust you with this information, and I need support.
- This is really hard for me to admit and talk about, and I would love your patience as I try to share this with you.
- Im not sure what my next step is, but Im ready to get help. I would love your support as I do this for myself.
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Find Support For Yourself
Being in a relationship with a person who has a substance use disorder is often stressful. It’s important that you accept that what you are going through is difficult and seek support. There are many resources that exist for this purpose.
Consider joining a support group, for instance, such as Al-Anon or Nar-Anon. Children and teens can get support from Alateen. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration offers a variety of resources designed to provide insight and support for families of addicts.
It’s also essential to develop stress management strategies. This is an important step in helping you help your loved one. These strategies will help you cope with the stressors you will likely encounter when helping a friend or family member seek and receive help with an addiction.
Symptoms Of Drug Abuse
There are many signs both physical and behavioral that indicate drug use. Each drug has its own unique manifestations, and symptoms of abuse vary from drug to drug. However, some general signs that your loved one may be addicted to drugs include:
- Sudden change in behavior
- Problems at school or work
- Lack of energy or motivation
- Becoming careless about personal grooming
- Loss of interest in hobbies, sports and other favorite activities
- Changes in sleeping patterns
- Sudden requests for money or a spike in spending habits
If you or someone you love is struggling with substance use or addiction, The Recovery Village can help. Contact us today to learn more about drug or alcohol detox and our other addiction treatment programs that can work well for your needs.
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Dont: Give In To Manipulation
When a person with an addiction is unwilling to seek treatment, they will resort to whatever they need to do to continue feeding their addiction. This may include lying or trying to guilt the people who care for them. Its important to establish boundaries and learn how to say no. It may be very difficult to not react negatively or to stick to your established rules, but its necessary for everyone involved.
Tips For Finding The Best Drug Addiction Treatment For You
Remember that no treatment works for everyone. Everyones needs are different. Whether you have a problem with illegal or prescription drugs, addiction treatment should be customized to your unique situation. Its important that you find a program that feels right.
Treatment should address more than just your drug abuse. Addiction affects your whole life, including your relationships, career, health, and psychological well-being. Treatment success depends on developing a new way of living and addressing the reasons why you turned to drugs in the first place. For example, your drug dependency may have developed from a desire to manage pain or to cope with stress, in which case youll need to find a healthier way to relieve pain or to handle stressful situations.
Commitment and follow-through are key. Drug addiction treatment is not a quick and easy process. In general, the longer and more intense the drug use, the longer and more intense the treatment youll need. And in all cases, long-term follow-up care is crucial to recovery.
There are many places to turn for help. Not everybody requires medically supervised detox or an extended stint in rehab. The care you need depends on a variety of factors, including your age, drug-use history, medical or psychiatric conditions. In addition to doctors and psychologists, many clergy members, social workers, and counselors offer addiction treatment services.
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Dont Let Their Care And Well
Perhaps it has been a long time since you put your own well-being first due to your concern for a loved one wrapped up in drug addiction. But not only is it a mistake to forfeit your own well-being, but it is unfortunate to miss out on the many opportunities for the help and support that are available.
Even as your loved one is engaged in drug rehab and treatment, there are opportunities for family therapy, individual therapy, support groups for friends and family of addicts, and integrated family programming to reinforce their long-term transformation. It is in everyones best interest that you give sufficient attention to your own needs, your physical health, and your mental health. The way forward is together, and the best path is one of positive transformation all around.
Alta Mira offers comprehensive treatment for people struggling with drug and alcohol addiction as well as co-occurring mental health disorders and process addictions. Contact us to learn more about our renowned Bay Area programs and how we can help you or your loved one start the journey toward recovery.
Tips To Overcome Drug Addiction:
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How To Raise The Subject
People often worry that initiating a discussion with the person with the problem will lead him or her to take drastic steps. They might make a scene in front of other family members, move out of the house, drop out of school, use more excessively, try to hide their problem, or retaliate against them or other family members. However, you might find the conversation to be a wonderfully productive experience. Perhaps the person simply hasnt noticed behavioral changes or doesnt realize that his or her substance use was or is causing a problem. And without change, the problems may become so severe that the same drastic outcomes could result.
To Help Them You Must Help Yourself
You might not know this, but the recovery and healing process is as much for your loved one as it is for you and your family.
Drug addiction affects family relationships and each family member of an addict/alcoholic in different ways.
Emotions and behaviors surrounding the addiction run deep within a family. The complicated nature of addiction can require education and therapy for everyone in the recovery process.
We always recommend family members take part in our family program. Once the client has completed drug addiction treatment, we recommend the family continue working with support programs through organizations like Al-Anon, Nar-anon, Alateen, Co-Dependents Anonymous, as well as forms of family therapy when needed.
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Find Help For An Addicted Loved One Today
Its obvious that addiction affects Albertan families in devastating ways. It causes family members to develop specific roles as a way of coping with the turmoil of addiction. Thats why its so important to get help for an addicted loved one sooner rather than later. It is never too early to get help. You may think that addiction is only hurting your loved one, but that couldnt be more wrong. Addiction has the ability to devastate the entire family unit. Instead of allowing substance abuse to progress in your home, contact our addiction specialists and interventionists in Alberta today to see how we can help your family and your loved one.
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Environmental And Social Factors
Friends and peers have a great impact on ones life. Sometimes, this impact can have negative consequences. In many cases, people start using illicit drugs or abusing alcohol to better fit into their social circles.
To minimize this risk in children, teaching them the power of independence and ensuring they are aware of the various health risks that come with using drugs can help them more easily make healthy choices.
If they are already using or are at-risk, then reaching out to community prevention programs and resource centers that aim to prevent substance abuse can be a great way to provide support to these struggling youths.
Amongst older individuals, their abuse of alcohol or other drugs may also be influenced by environmental or social factors, such as living with an abusive or addicted individual, peer pressure from negative friend groups, or high-stress work, school, or home responsibilities.
Ways to prevent these external influencers from having a major impact on your own life may be to start talking to a counselor, surrounding yourself with good friends, or seeking support from other family members and acquaintances.
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