Overcome Drug Abuse, Dependence, and Addiction
Table of Contents
If you are reading this page, chances are that you or a loved one is struggling with drug abuse. First, understand that although drug abuse is a serious issue, it can be treated. Many people feel ashamed of their addiction; however, you should focus on hope for achieving a better life rather than worrying what others may think. By even reading this information, you are showing a great deal of courage and strength of character in facing the problem. This is the first step towards a better life.
There is a stigma about addiction that can make it even harder to face. However, you need to make a decision to pursue a better life.
There are many people who have overcome addiction and learned to live a better life. The National Institute on Drug Abuse estimated, based on a 2013 survey, that 24.6 million Americans had used illicit drugs in the past month; that’s 9.4 percent of the population.
There is no quick and easy way to overcome drug addiction. You won’t be able to beat this overnight. There will be many trying obstacles to overcome. Nonetheless, every day you are clean will reaffirm how much better life can be free of addiction. There is nothing better you can do for yourself or you loved ones than working towards sobriety. It is an opportunity to rebuild your life and your relationships.
Our team at Rehab-Finder.Org is here to help you start your journey towards sobriety. We know how difficult life can be while struggling with addiction. Let us help you navigate the world of rehab treatment and recovery. We can help you begin to get your life back on track and heal the damage done by your drug addiction.
Understanding Drug Abuse, Dependence, and Addiction
It is important to understand the difference between drug abuse, dependence, and addiction.
All three of these are intertwined and can be damaging to your health and life. However, knowing what each means can help you to know what type of help you need.
Drug Abuse
The term drug abuse is the use of any illegal drugs or misuse of any legal drugs such as prescription medicine.
For example, some people use illicit drugs on the weekend during social activities. These people tend to binge whenever they abuse drugs. While drug abusers are not necessarily dependent or addicted, they run the risk of their abuse worsening.
Drug Dependence
As you continue to use drugs, you will become dependent on the chemicals in the drugs to function. You will gradually build a tolerance to drugs as your body and brain adjust to the stimulant or depressant effects of the drugs. When you stop using the drug, you will experience withdrawal symptoms.
Deciding to seek help is a big decision, but one that will improve your life or the life of a loved one struggling with drug addiction. Don’t wait to reach out.
Dependence is a medically treatable condition that can result even from sustained use of prescription medications. The medical staff at your rehab center will help you to separate yourself from the drug slowly. You can be dependent on a drug without being addicted. However, if you are addicted, you are likely dependent as well.
This can happen even with legally prescribed drugs. For example, if you suffered an injury and were prescribed painkillers, you may begin to develop a dependence on the drugs. This is especially true if you abuse the drugs, taking them in higher quantity or more frequently than intended. You will build a tolerance to them and experience cravings for more. Withdrawal from opiates can be very painful and challenging. Fortunately, treatment can help a great deal.
Drug Addiction
Drug addiction is a brain disease that causes repeated and compulsive drug seeking and use, despite the negative consequences experienced by the addicted individual and his or her loved ones.
Sadly, addiction is often viewed as a weakness. However, it is now understood that it is the result of your brain’s reward pathway rewiring to require drug use. This will make it very hard to limit your use. Fortunately, this can be diminished and reversed with help from a rehab center staff.
As an addict continues to abuse the drug, it becomes the central focus of his or her life. Does your day truly start when you have gotten high? Do you spend the majority of your time seeking, using, and recovering from one or more drugs? Do you put aside other responsibilities and opportunities in order to get high? These are all signs that you have a drug addiction. If these signs sound familiar in you or a loved one, seek help to start on the path to recovery.
Do You Need Drug Abuse Treatment?
Do you think you may have lost control over your life due to drug use? Are you concerned that you may have developed a drug addiction? If you are anxious about your drug use, you should seek help. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean you are an addict in need of rehab treatment. Here are some questions you can ask yourself to determine if you need treatment.
- Has your drug use caused any of your friends and family to pull away from you?
- Have you engaged in illegal or dangerous behavior to get more drugs?
- Have you been late for or missed work due to drug use?
- Do you feel the symptoms of withdrawal whenever you stop using drugs?
- Have you neglected family obligations due to drug use?
- Have you taken higher doses of medications than prescribed, or ran out early?
Drug addiction can be challenging to endure. You likely want to be free of your addiction but may be scared to admit you have a problem. There is a stigma about addiction that can make it even harder to face. However, you need to make a decision to pursue a better life. Contact us so we can help you make a stand against your addiction.
Despite what you may believe, you do not need to hit rock bottom before trying to get clean. The sad truth is that some people wait too long to get sober or fail in their battle with addiction and pass away. Per the Closing the Addiction Treatment Gap initiative, more than 20 million people are addicted to drugs without getting the help they need. If you or a loved one is struggling with drug addiction, get help before it is too late.
Consider these consequences of drug abuse:
- Damage to Relationships: Relationships with loved ones suffer due to drug use.
- Unemployment: Drug abuse can cause attendance and performance issues that may result in loss of employment.
- Financial Hardship: Drug abuse is expensive on its own, even without the legal and employment issues that may come with it.
- Legal Trouble: Addiction and the irresponsible behavior that comes with it may result in prison time and/or a criminal record.
- Low Interest: Drug addicts lost interest in hobbies and life’s pleasures.
- Health Problems: Each drug is different, but virtually all drug abuse will result in some damage to the brain and other vital organs.
- Psychological Issues: Many addicts also struggle with anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
- Addiction: Continued drug abuse will often result in the drug becoming the focus of your life.
In many cases, these consequences can feed into each other. For example, poor decision making can lead to legal and financial troubles. Dealing with legal issues can make financial problems even more severe. This extends beyond just legal costs. For example, losing your driver’s license may make it difficult to get to work, resulting in being late more often. This may lead to losing employment. Additionally, a criminal record may make it difficult to find a new job.
Drug addiction has major effects on your family. Your partner may experiencing anxiety and stress from your irresponsible decisions while under the influence. Additionally, your financial and legal hardships will likely influence your family too. If you have children, they may experience significant emotional distress. A parent struggling with the instability of drug abuse can lead to many issues for a child.
These consequences of drug abuse are serious and should serve as motivation to seek help. Unfortunately, many addicts don’t realize the damage they are really doing. Remember that it’s never too late to get help. If you are concerned about your drug use and think you need help quitting, reach out. You can get over your drug use and start to live a better life.
Getting Started With Recovery: Choose a Rehab Center
Drug addiction is likely damaging your life and your relationships. The first step is recognizing that you have a problem. Often the best way to start repairing the damage done is to own up to your problem and begin seeking help.
If you are going to get help for your drug abuse problem, you will need to select a rehab center. Unfortunately, it is challenging to find all the centers that are available to you. Additionally, each one is slightly different, and navigating the choices can be hard.
When you are searching for a treatment program, it is important to be honest. The more forthcoming you are about your drug use and experiences, the better we can find the right treatment option for you. There are over 14,000 facilities in the U.S. for drug and alcohol abuse; we are certain we will be able to find one that is perfect for your needs.
Here are a few things to know about the options:
Drug-Specific Rehab
Some rehab facilities specialize in one or a few specific drug addictions and may be best equipped to handle withdrawal from these drugs.
Rehabs by Location
You may want to be near friends and family for support during your rehab; or, you may want to be as far away from temptation as possible. Either way, we can find a center in the right location for you.
Rehabs by Length of Stay
There are two major types of drug rehab programs that will affect the length of your stay:
- Inpatient: These programs happen entirely in the treatment center and may be more intensive. They can last as long as a year but are usually between one and three months. Inpatient rehab is a great way to recover in a drug-free environment.
Learn more about inpatient programs. - Outpatient: These programs involve receiving treatment in the facility but living at home. This can be a more flexible and less expensive rehab option.
Rehabs by Treatment
- 12-Step Programs: More traditional rehab treatments will likely focus on the 12 steps to recovery and a sober life. These programs are proven to be effective and have helped many addicts recover with the support of other addicts.
- Holistic: These programs offer an alternative approach that usually does not involve medications to treat addiction. The focus is on healing mentally, physically, and emotionally. These programs may involve yoga, meditation, therapy, and addressing the underlying causes of addiction. Many addicts who have been unsuccessful in traditional rehab benefit from a holistic treatment.
- Faith Based: There are many treatment centers that focus on faith as a central theme of recovery. They may otherwise be very similar to other treatment programs.
Understanding the Drug Abuse Treatment Process
Getting clean can be a scary idea to face. Most addicts are unfamiliar with the process and uncertain about how to proceed. Fortunately, the overall process isn’t that complex and there will be a medical staff available to help you through it.
You can expect that the process will be an emotional one. You’ll have to face your addiction head-on. Additionally, you may miss your home and loved ones if you do an inpatient program. Remember that although the journey is hard, recovery is the right choice for you and the people you care about.
Here are most common steps in recovery:
- Intake: When you first arrive at the treatment facility, the staff will assess your needs. You should be upfront about your history and your drug abuse. They will use this information to tailor your treatment to your needs.
- Detox: Once you stop using drugs, you will start the detox process. This can be very painful because you will experience the symptoms of withdrawal. The center’s medical staff will monitor you and help you through this process. They may offer you medication to help with this. Find more about this process below.
- Treatment: After you have gotten past the worst of withdrawal and the drugs are mostly out of your system, you will begin treatment. During this time, you will learn about your addiction and work on strategies to avoid relapsing. This may involve individual or group therapy sessions. The focus of this stage will be on understanding and addressing the underlying conditions behind your addiction.
- Relapse Prevention: One of the major goals of the treatment process will be learning how to stay clean. You will build a network of people who can help you accomplish that goal, and be taught healthy coping mechanisms as well.
- Aftercare: You are never completely recovered from addiction. Once you have finished rehab, you still need to stay clean. Your options for aftercare include outpatient therapy, Narcotics Anonymous, and living in a half-way home. Navigating life after leaving the rehab facility can be challenging. Line up the support of your loved ones and fellow recovering addicts to ensure your success.
Deciding to seek help is a big decision, but one that will improve your life or the life of a loved one struggling with drug addiction. Don’t wait to reach out.
Detoxification
The detox process is an uncomfortable and even painful experience. There are many symptoms that result from withdrawal. You may experience only a few of these or most of them. The experience largely depends on how long you have been addicted and what drug(s) you were using. Detox can be dangerous, which is why it is important to do it under the supervision of a medical staff.
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Headaches
- Blurry vision
- Confusion
- Labored breathing
- Poor focus
- Extreme agitation and mood swings
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Trouble sleeping
- Increased heart rate
- Cramps
- Stroke
- Hallucinations
- Shakiness
- Low energy
- Poor appetite
- Sweating
- Heart attack
Addressing a Friend’s or Family Member’s Drug Abuse
If you are reading this page to learn about how to address a loved one’s drug problem, know you are taking an important step towards helping him or her. In many cases, it takes a bit of courage and support from a loved one for an addict to see the damage his or her drug abuse is doing. Addiction can be a challenge for the entire family. It is important to realize that addiction is a sickness like any other disease. It can be hard to get addicts to seek help because facing their problem is painful. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to help your loved one.
If you know someone in your life who is abusing, dependent on, or addicted to drugs, you should face the issue head on. You may be wondering whether the person is truly an addict. If this is the case, start by reviewing the signs of addiction below. Remember that not every addiction is the same and some symptoms may vary.
- Missing responsibilities like school or work
- Changes in relationships with loved ones
- Poor decision making when under the influence
- Significant mood changes
- Money trouble
- Prescription drugs going missing from the house
- Unusual sleep patterns
- Notable changes in weight
- Unusually pale skin or marks on the skin
- Bloodshot or dilated eyes
Some or all of these signs may sound familiar. If a loved one is experiencing these symptoms, he or she may be addicted to drugs. You should address the issue directly in a calm, respectful, and, most importantly, supportive way.
As you try to address the issue of addiction with your loved one, remember these dos and don’ts.
Do
- Let them know you understand that this is a hard thing to face
- Tell them you aren’t mad and can forgive them for past mistakes
- Show that you support them and are there for them while they try to make this change
- Let them know there are many options that can help them overcome addiction
Don't
- Try to confront them while they are under the influence of drugs
- Make them feel guilty or like a bad person for their drug use
- Make them think that owning up to the problem will lead to negative consequences like prison
- Let them convince you that it isn’t really a problem
You can support your loved one in many ways while he or she deals with recovery. Encouragement and emotional support can play a huge role in helping him or her get clean. Also, many rehab centers offer programming for the family to learn about treatment and ways to help. In some cases, you may be able to join in the therapy sessions (upon the request of the therapist or counselor). You can also support your loved one during the intake and planning process. Having someone there for emotional support may be more impactful for your loved one than you may ever realize.
Family involvement is quite common for people recovering from drug addiction. According to a 2014 survey conducted in Washington State, 42 percent of treatment providers consider family involvement to be standard practice. Another 24 percent reported involving the family without it being a standard practice. Just over 11 percent reported that the family may be involved in some cases, depending on the needs of the patient. Only 16 percent reported that there was no emphasis on the family. If involvement is important to you, consider a treatment center that considers it part of their standard practice.
You Can Do This!
If you are like many addicts, you may feel a little overwhelmed by the prospect of recovery. There is a lot to consider and it may be hard to imagine life free of drugs. However, if you are reading this part of the page, you probably are serious about beating this disease. There are many options available to you to help you get through this. Contact us to learn about the rehab centers that can offer the right treatment program for you. You don’t have to fight your addiction alone: get help today.
Paying for Drug Rehab
Dealing with drug addiction is no easy matter. For many people, the potential expense can seem daunting. Fortunately, if you have health insurance, your treatment will most likely be covered in part or even fully by your insurance. Even if you don’t have health insurance, there are options available to you.
If you are feeling overwhelmed about where to start, contact us at Rehab-Finder.Org! We know the ins and outs of drug rehab and will be happy to help you find the right options for you.
We will help you understand how drug addiction is affecting your life and how you can get started on the road to recovery. Getting clean is a lot of work; so, we are here to help you with the logistics while you focus on recovery.
Our team will explore your insurance benefits and find a rehab facility that will not only offer you the treatment you need but also will be affordable. We can even help you with travel plans. All of which is at no cost to you.
If you have read through this page, you must be serious about getting past your addiction. Call us to learn what you can do next. Our team is available 24/7 to take your call.
Take your first step towards a clean life and away from drug abuse and addiction; Call us today at 877-251-4813!
