Drug Abuse
Despite the launch of Nancy Reagan's "Just Say No" campaign in the 1980's, drug abuse in the United States continues unabated here in the 21st century. Whether it is a mother who smokes marijuana to cope with stress, or an investment banker that spends his savings on cocaine, the problem of substance abuse cuts across every aspect of American life. And with only a small percentage of those with a problem seeking help from an addiction treatment facility, the problem shows no signs of slowing down.
What is Drug Abuse?
The definition of drug abuse is the use of illegal drugs, or a knowing misuse of legal drugs. Drug abuse generally features an individual who is taking drugs despite knowing that it is causing them harm.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Drug Abuse?
There are a number of telling signs and symptoms that an individual may be abusing drugs, including:
- Isolation from friends, family or loved ones
- Suddenly poor performance at work or school
- Encounters with law enforcement
- A constant need to borrow money
- Nervousness and anxiety
- Secretive behavior pertaining to his or her whereabouts
While not every individual will experience some or all of these behaviors, they should provide a starting point for loved ones who are concerned that someone close to them is using illicit substances.
What are the Dangers Associated with Drug Abuse?
There are a number of potential health, societal or personal problems that go hand in hand with unchecked drug abuse, including:
- Problems with internal health, including heart, lung or kidney disease
- The potential for run-ins with law enforcement due to illegal or reckless behavior
- The loss of trust in a relationship or the failure of marriages because of drug use
- Financial ruin caused by individuals spending all their money on drugs
- Loss of career or education because of poor performance (related to drug use)
Drug Abuse and Teens
Teenagers are perhaps the highest risk group when it comes to drug abuse. Peer group pressure and problems at home or at school can all lead a young person to experiment with drugs. In addition, the health hazards associated with drug abuse come at a very significant time in a young person's life. These are the years when internal functions are developing, and drugs can impede the progress of this development – leaving the individual with potential kidney problems, reproductive issues and more.
A well-informed parent is the best weapon against teen drug abuse. Talking to kids about the dangers of drugs in a truthful manner (and at a young age) will help steer them towards the right path. If all else fails and the problem continue, teen drug abuse treatment helps speak directly to the unique challenges of young people with a drug addiction.
Drug Abuse and Women
Women engage in the abuse of certain drugs as much or more than men. The reasons why, however, are unique to the gender, including:
- Self-image issues. Many women drink because they are not happy with their appearance – and want to numb that pain with drugs. Also, stimulant abuse and cocaine addiction is common in women who have an eating disorder because these drugs suppress the appetite.
- Co-dependency. When a woman is in a relationship where her partner has a drug abuse problem, she is likely to start using herself as well. She will be loathe to quit because she feels that doing so will cost her the relationship.
- Physical and sexual abuse. Finally, those women who have been abused physically or sexually are very likely to turn to substance abuse as a means of self-medicating the pain and shame that they are feeling.
Getting Help for Drug Abuse
When an individual is engaged in drug abuse they need help. They may not realize they need help, or even admit to the fact that there is a problem, but this should not stop friends and family members from acting immediately to ensure that the situation does not develop into a full blown drug addiction.
The first step for many individuals who want to reach out is a drug intervention. An intervention is the process of gathering friends and family of the individual with the express purpose of telling them that they have a problem. This process should be supervised by a professional interventionist who can make sure that everyone is kept safe and that the process is productive.
Once an intervention is complete, provided that the individual now understands the nature of their problem, it is time to move on to drug rehab.
During drug rehab, the individual will first undergo detox. Drug detox is the process in which an individual stops taking drugs (while under medical supervision) and allows the toxins in their body to be flushed out. Although they may experience some uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms during this process, it is vital because it represents the defeat of the physical addiction to drugs.
Counseling and aftercare come next in the process. Drug rehab counseling offers a chance to address the root causes of drug use and learn how to avoid potential triggers and make better decisions about substance abuse and unhealthy behavior. Aftercare helps the individual re-integrate back into mainstream society by providing continued support and accountability once the drug rehab program is over.
Located near the heart of beautiful Palm Springs, California, Michael's House offers residential drug treatment for those individuals who want to enact real, positive change in their lives. The staff at Michael's House understands that in order to be truly successful, a program must take a whole body approach to treatment that enriches the mind, body and spirit. For more information, or a private consultation, contact Michael's House today.
If you have questions about treatment for drug abuse please call our call center 24 hours a day .Get Help Now!
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