Drug Addiction Help

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You’re staring into the mirror after two nights of blackout drinking. As you clean the mess of your bathroom, you ask yourself… ”Do I need help with addiction?”. Seeking addiction treatment is a major step towards an alternative lifestyle.  Addiction is a chronic but treatable disease. Thus, receiving drug addiction help is an impressive feat that you should be proud of. 

According to the CDC, 81,000 drug overdose deaths occurred in the United States in the 12 months ending in May 2020. Covid-19 has increased the trend of overdose deaths in the past year. The uncertainty of mass unemployment and lockdown has challenged the lives of millions of Americans. 

This has opened the floodgates for traffickers to distribute controlled substances through new routes and pathways. Since the pandemic influenced opioid shortages, this has caused people to look for other substances such as alcohol or heroin. Substance misuse prevention and education are in dire need.

Many individuals who are struggling with addiction could be using substances to cope with the stresses and traumas of life. You need to recognize the resources you have available to treat your condition.

What Are Some Risk Factors For Addiction?

People become addicted to substances for a variety of reasons. That first high might have been a voluntary decision but the dependence built from excessive use increases. Once a person develops a tolerance to the substance, they begin to require more of it to achieve that same level of high. 

Sooner or later, that person may begin to experience withdrawal symptoms if he or she stops using. This often prompts individuals to use more substances to calm the withdrawal symptoms. 

Some risk factors for addiction may include:

• Aggressive behavior during childhood
• Lack of parental supervision
• Low peer refusal skills
• Experimenting with drugs
• Availability of substances
• Financial hardships
• Genetics
• Pre-existing mental health conditions
• Early use during childhood

Adolescents and young adults are at high risk of being exposed to substance misuse. Long-term substance use in adolescents can drastically impact social and mental development. The prefrontal cortex is the part of the brain that manages decision-making, emotion regulation, and perception.

To counter, these are some examples of protective factors of addiction:

• Stable home environment
• Self-efficacy
• Consistent parental guidance and support
• Current Anti-Drug Education
• Local resources and financial support
• Accessibility to treatment

How Do People Know For Sure If They Need Drug Addiction Help?

If you find yourself unable to quit a substance or behavior, then chances are you’ve become addicted and need drug addiction help. It’s important to note the difference between dependence and addiction. With certain substances and behaviors, a person can become dependent but not addicted. 

Addiction can be characterized as you being unable to control your cravings for addictive substances, despite the negative effects it has on your life. You might be finding yourself spending more time or money on your addiction. 

Withdrawal symptoms are a common indicator that you have become addicted to a substance. Addiction can spring within 2 weeks of consistent drug use, so it’s vital to understand the potency of a substance. 

What Are The Signs And Symptoms That You Need Drug Addiction Help? 

The signs and symptoms of addiction can hide in the subtleties of behaviors and words exchanged. If you suspect someone is misusing substances, it’s important to observe that person and determine more than one sign of addiction.

Addiction can bring about loads of pain and confusion. The long-term effects of addiction can change the way your brain works through the reward centers of the brain. Chemical messengers, known as neurotransmitters, interact with the central nervous system to produce actions. 

Some signs and symptoms of addiction can include the following:

• Isolation
• Lack of interest in activities and hobbies
• Increased tolerance due to dependence
• Spending time with people who misuse substances
• Stealing or pawning for substance use
• Inability to commit to responsibilities
• Increased mental health symptoms
• Work/Family issues

How Do I Tell My Family I Need Help With Addiction?

If you are struggling with addiction and are wondering “how do I tell my loved ones that I need help with addiction”, here’s some advice. You will want to be transparent about your addiction to someone you can trust. 

Approaching your family about your desire for drug addiction help may seem like a mountain to climb. A healthy support system will determine the success of your addiction recovery though. Your support system will guide you through the intense feelings of shame and guilt. 

Experiencing addiction can present many financial and emotional burdens to the family. That’s why you should express your desire to get help and even bring research you’ve done to show that you’re dedicated to this journey and that you receiving drug addiction help will be worth it. 

It might help to ask a friend or family member to seek resources to assist you in receiving drug addiction help. Remember to detail why you’re seeking addiction recovery. 

Don’t carry any shame for admitting yourself into treatment. Anticipate that not all of your loved ones will understand; recognize that resistance can inspire hurtful words. Negative interactions can brew within these types of conversations. Present the facts of addiction as a disease of the brain, rather than a misstep of your conduct.

Addiction can bear many stigmas of moral failings and a lack of resources. Practice self-compassion for yourself because you’ll need the strength to develop proper coping skills. Your mental well-being determines how well you’ll handle the conflict present in your relationships.

The language surrounding addiction could play a role in someone’s decision to enter treatment. Terms such as “junkie” or “addict” strip the humanity of the person. Seek alternative ways to communicate your feelings to support the subject.

Will I Be Fired From Work If I Get Drug Addiction Help?

Considering that addiction is a disease, federal law protects you from discrimination in the workplace. Understandably, firing due to addiction is a common thought among those who aim to recover through treatment. If you act promptly and remain transparent with your employer, you should be covered for the 30-90 days of treatment (or longer, depending on the severity).

To preserve your civil liberties, the following acts are in place for this difficult period:

• ADA – The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
• The Rehabilitation Act of 1973
• The Workforce Investment Act
• The Fair Housing Act
• Health Insurance and Portability Act of 1996
• Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993

What Are My Drug Addiction Help Options?

The continuum of care for addiction treatment includes evidence-based therapies and practices. Addiction is a complex disease that requires treatment for the physical, mental, and even spiritual qualities of a person. 

Drug And Alcohol Detoxification

Detoxification is the first phase of the addiction treatment process. A patient can expect to spend at least 7-10 days in detox. The patient will be overseen by trained medical staff to ensure your withdrawal symptoms don’t overwhelm them. 

This process may include medication to treat the uncomfortable sensations. Detox is invaluable; quitting “cold turkey” can have ineffective results if done improperly. Individuals with severe cases of addiction have an increased risk of fatal overdose or other health-related complications.

Inpatient Treatment

Inpatient treatment programs are intensive and require patients to live in rehab facilities while receiving care. An inpatient treatment patient can anticipate a stay in rehab that’s from 30-90 days, however, longer treatment is available for severe cases. A patient should also expect 24/7 care while in inpatient treatment.

The cost of treatment will depend on the location and amenities offered by the facility. One of the main benefits of inpatient treatment programs is that they provide a distraction-free environment for recovery. If you do not have a strong support system and prefer a deliberate structure, an inpatient treatment program could be suitable.

You’ll undergo therapies such as individual, group, or even family therapy during inpatient addiction treatment. You’ll also work with your counselor to determine the underlying causes of your addiction and plan goals for your development.

Outpatient Treatment

If you don’t have the availability to remain in an inpatient treatment program, then an outpatient treatment facility would be the next best option. Outpatient treatment programs are designed to be more flexible but provide a less intensive quality of care. 

The average length of treatment at an outpatient rehab program is usually 30 days. The sessions will operate on a 5-day basis for approximately 6 hours.

You can expect to participate in group and individual therapy sessions. Therapies such as CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) can be implemented by your counselor to discover the reasons behind your coping mechanisms. The depth of your addiction can be brewed from your past traumas and negative thought patterns.

Intensive outpatient treatment programs are modified outpatient facilities with a more structured approach. This may be suitable for those with moderate to severe cases of addiction who cannot commit to an inpatient patient residence.

After Care

After-care can be classified as extended resources toward addiction recovery. A sober living home is perfect for those transitioning from an inpatient residence. A sober living (or halfway house) is an opportunity to remain in the continuum of care but maintain a job. Sober living residences will accept you at whichever stage you are within the recovery process.

Support groups are the bedrock of the addiction recovery community. It’s vital to connect with the people on the same journey as yourself, you might discover hidden gems in handling your addiction. The 12-Step Program is a common resource in drug addiction help. The 12-Step Program extends through a variety of substances and compulsive behaviors. 

Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Dual diagnosis treatment is an emerging practice used to treat individuals with mental health and substance use disorders. An overwhelming majority of people struggling with addiction will also develop a mental health condition and vice versa. An individual that suffers from both a substance use disorder and mental health disorder simultaneously must adopt treatment for both conditions to successfully treat them. 

If not, the patient could end up in the same cycle of inadequate treatment. Addiction is a complex disease that’s influenced by a buffet of external and internal aspects. Efficient drug addiction help is the key to eliminating the underbelly of struggles these people face.

Your Healing Awaits With Live Free Recovery

After you’ve completed an intervention for addiction, you may be encouraged to seek treatment. Addiction treatment is a vital resource to combat the crisis sweeping the nation. Live Free Recovery is determined to offer you the assistance you need to change the course of this condition. If you or a loved one is struggling with a substance use disorder, contact us today.