Suffering from Drug Addiction or Alcoholism – Treatment is the Answer

Suffering from Drug Addiction or Alcoholism – Treatment is the Answer

Drug abuse is a serious problem. It is something that puzzles the medical community since it often evolves from deeply rooted issues. It is an illness that may try to convince the person that there is nothing wrong with them. Drug abuse, especially opiates, is taking lives.

Further confusing the problem is the question of why some people abuse drugs, such as opiates, and others do not. Then there are those who, despite their most determined efforts, cannot stay clean and sober no matter how hard they try.

Drug abuse is cunning and baffling that way. Sometimes, it takes devastating life consequences to happen before a person even accepts the notion that there might be a problem. However, at the point when life seems to hit a rock bottom, there is hope.

This hope is available through rehab facilities and treatment programs that offer a solution to alcohol and drug addiction. Here are some tips on how someone with alcoholism or a drug problem can find the help they need to begin a new life.


Symptoms of a Drug Abuse Problem

There are stories abound about different ways people have come to the ultimate realization that they suffer from an addictive personality. For instance, with alcoholism, it is important to distinguish between a problem drinker and someone that is an alcoholic.

With drugs such as opiates, rarely is there such a gray area. They key difference is a tremendous sense of craving that they have to use. Many times there are physical triggers, especially with opiates, but an even bigger battle is the mental obsession.

Most discover to their dismay, many they’re using again and headed for another intoxicated debacle. This happens despite good intentions to not use. Then there is the problem with the person who insists they can stay stopped for important events or for a predetermined length of time.

Invariably, they either miss the mark by a long shot or eventually tear off on another bender. These relapses frequently result in serious life-comprising consequences. Often, it is after one of these life-altering consequences that a disparaging addict mutters the ill-fated words, “never again”.

When someone has a drug problem, soon the never again dissolves, and they find themselves once again baffled and bewildered. These are two of the key signs that someone suffers from an addictive personality.

First, the drug addict often cannot stop once they start, or they want to quit and eventually use again. There are self-help questionnaires, evaluations that target various, very typical behaviors displayed by someone who has a drug problem.

Here are some common questions that someone who has experienced these previous two types of difficulties with drugs can ask themselves.

  • Does all or most of their social life revolve around using drugs or partying?
  • Do they end up doing drugs, especially when they made a concerted promise not to use?
  • What is the motivation behind their drug use? Are the drugs used to alleviate a painful medical issue, or is it to escape the realities of life?
  • Does the person frequently use so much, or so frequently, they totally forget large chunks of time or forego responsibilities?
  • Have friends or family members made comments about their drug us?
  • Is the person untruthful about how much, how often they use, or that they are using drugs at all?
  • Has the person started to forego normal activities because they’re high, or so they can get more drugs or use?
  • Is there a deterioration of family, life or work responsibilities as a result of drug use?

These are just a few common questions that someone can ask to determine if there might be a problem. Someone who senses there could be a problem can also find online quizzes that can help distinguish between a few bad decisions and a serious problem.

These are not a pass or fail test. However, if any of these situations are present, the person is advised to pursue the issue. Most of the time, it simply involves asking for help. Here is what types of help there are for those who have a drug problem.


Help for a Drug Problem

It can be a lonely place once someone is faced with the stark reality that drugs have become a problem. The first thought is that people will look unfavorably upon them or that someone they are abnormal.

Someone suffering from a drug problem is not a bad person. An addict is a sick person who needs to get well. There are ways to get help and to get well. It is a process that begins with what might seem like a truly simple step. However, sometimes it is the hardest step of all.

That first step is to admit there is a problem and that they need help to overcome the problem. Remember, drug abuse is a baffling sickness that continually tries to convince the person that there isn’t a problem at all, or the problem is with everyone else.

Once the addict overcomes the stigma of asking for help, the journey in recovery can begin. It is just that, a journey not a destination. Some people can overcome drug abuse problems on their own, but the likelihood is extremely small. The consequences of failure can be life threatening.

There is especially a problem when drug use has reached a severe level. Withdrawal symptoms can be very dangerous. When someone is determined to have a drug abuse problem and is seeking help, it is strongly suggested that they begin with a detox period.

These withdrawal symptoms, especially from opiates, can be so dangerous that rehab facilities commonly offer medically supervised detox. Once a person is past the precarious point of withdrawal, the most successful way to address a drug problem is through a treatment program.

These facilities are staffed by kind, caring and knowledgeable professionals. Many offer their experience to help provide hope at a time that can seem hopeless. There are facilities that provide residential programs, plus programs that are referred to as outpatient.

Inpatient rehab facilities provide housing for a predetermined time. Outpatient services allow the person to remain living at home and carry on their day-to-day activities. Frequently, the degree of danger for a relapse is determined during assessment.

Remember, one relapse can have profound consequences. When the immediate environment presents a high risk of relapse, it is best to consider strongly the inpatient option.

The key here is to seek help. While it may seem like a hard thing to do, once someone with a drug problem asks for help, they are often amazed at the outpouring of compassion.

One nice aspect of a good treatment program is that it will be equipped to treat multiple types of addiction and the symptoms that compel someone to abuse drugs or alcohol. An alcoholic or an addict just needs to take that first step to seek help. Help is out there.

They will soon appreciate what is meant by the belief that alcoholism and drug abuse are but symptoms of other problems. With help, the problems that compel drug abuse and alcoholism will gradually lose their power. Getting help for any addiction starts with this same simple request, please help.

Everyone has the right to decide for themselves if they have a drug problem. Unfortunately, many never find out until it’s too late. The problem is that an alcoholic or drug addict may go years telling him or herself that they are not.

The first hurdle is to accept that there might be a problem and seek help. Don’t want until tomorrow to make a choice that could change your life forever. Reach out for help today, because tomorrow could be too late.

Comments are closed.