The United States is in the grip of an addiction crisis. Drug overdoses are killing more Americans than ever before and substance misuse has become a nationwide health emergency. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports that over 70,000 people died from drug overdoses in 2017 alone – this figure is higher than the number of deaths caused by car accidents or firearms during the same year.
People are addicted to all sorts of drugs, ranging from amphetamines and heroin to prescription medications. While some individuals are able to manage their drug use without any major issues, others fall victim to addiction quite quickly. This is because certain drugs can be highly addictive, creating a powerful urge in the user that is hard – if not impossible – for them to resist.
Addiction severity often varies from person to person depending on factors such as the type of drug they’re using, how long they’ve been using it, how much of it they take at once (or over time), genetic predisposition towards substance misuse or even their personal circumstances (such as depression or anxiety). It’s clear then that different people with different levels of addiction require various forms of help when trying to beat an addiction problem.
Understanding the right kind of addiction treatment services that you might need is crucial in order to gain control of your addiction. But do people with different sevirities of addiction need different types of treatment services? In this article, we will explore the answer to that question in more detail.
Why Do People Starting Using Drugs?
If you’ve never struggled with addiction, you might be wondering why people start using drugs in the first place. The answer is not always easy to pinpoint, as there are a variety of factors that can influence someone’s decision to use drugs. However, it is important to understand the reasons behind drug abuse so we can better recognize and address addiction issues when they arise.
Common reasons for drug abuse include:
- Weight Loss:
- Believe it or not, some people start doing drugs for weight loss purposes. For example, stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine can act as appetite suppressants, making it easier for users to cut down on food intake without feeling too hungry.
- Stress Relief:
- People often turn to drugs when they are stressed out or overwhelmed by life’s problems and responsibilities. Substances such as marijuana, alcohol or opioids provide a temporary reprieve from the pressures of everyday life which can be quite appealing in moments of anxiety or despair.
- Social Acceptance:
- Some people use drugs because they want to fit in with their peers who might already be abusing substances themselves. This is especially common among adolescents who may not always understand the potential risks associated with drug use but want to seem cool and mature in front of their friends and classmates anyway.
- Escape From Reality:
- Drugs offer an escape from reality that some individuals find extremely attractive; this could range from escaping one’s personal issues (for instance traumatic experiences) through hallucinogens like LSD all the way up to simply trying feel “at ease” by using tranquillizers or opiates such as heroin etc..
- Curiosity/Rebellion:
- Many people start using drugs out of curiosity – wanting see what all the fuss is about – while others do so just for rebellious reasons, with the intention of trying something that society frowns upon in order to feel a sense of freedom and defiance.
It is important to note that addiction can affect anyone regardless if they’ve used drugs for one or all the reasons listed above. Substance abuse can take hold quickly and require professional help in order to be overcome, so if you or someone you know might be struggling with a drug problem it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible.
It’s also useful to know what kinds of drugs are commonly associated with major addiction issues. Here are a few of the most common:
- Alcohol:
- This is by far the most commonly abused substance on the list. Alcohol is made from fermented grains and fruits, and is legal in most countries around the world. Unfortunately, it can be very addictive if used frequently or excessively.
- Opioids:
- These are a class of drugs that are derived from opium poppy plants (like heroin). They include prescription painkillers such as OxyContin, Vicodin and Percocet; they can also be found on the street in forms like heroin or fentanyl.
- Cocaine:
- This stimulant drug is made from coca leaves which grow mainly in South America. It produces an intense feeling of euphoria that quickly fades away leaving users with a powerful craving for more – making it highly addictive when abused regularly.
- Methamphatamines:
- This is a powerful stimulant that can be found illegally in various forms such as crystal meth (or “ice”), speed and base. It produces an intense feeling of energy and alertness, but can quickly lead to addiction due to its highly addictive nature.
- Prescription pills:
- These are drugs that have been prescribed by a doctor but are used in an incorrect manner. Examples include sedatives like Xanax and Valium, as well as stimulants like Adderall or Ritalin.
It’s important to remember that addiction can occur with any of the substances listed above, so if you think you or someone close to you might be struggling it is vital to seek treatment immediately. It could potentially save your life or the life of your loved one.
How do Treatments Vary Based on Severity and Drug of Choice
When it comes to treating drug addiction, there is no one-size-fits all approach. Different levels of severity and different drugs of choice require various types of treatment services. It’s important to recognize the specific needs that each person has in order to provide them with the best chance at overcoming their addiction problem; this involves understanding both the type and intensity of their issue as well as what kind of treatments may be most suitable for them.
Typesof Addiction Treatment Services Include:
- Detoxification:
- This is a process where an individual stops using drugs or alcohol completely in order to allow their body time to recover from its dependence on these substances – this can involve symptoms such as nausea, headaches or even seizures depending on how long they’ve been abusing certain substances..
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):
- CBT helps individuals identify any negative thought patterns associated with substance abuse so that they can learn healthier ways of dealing with cravings when they arise.
- 12 Step Programs/Support Groups:
- These are programs based off Alcoholics Anonymous which aimto help people stay away from drug use by providing social support and accountability within a group setting – attending meetings regularly etc.
- Residential Rehab Facilities/Inpatient Care:
- This is when an individual stays in a facility for a set period of time – they are provided with round-the-clock medical and psychological care to help them overcome their addiction issues.
- Outpatient Treatment Programs:
- These involve individuals visiting treatment centers on designated days/times for therapy sessions, counseling or other forms of support.
No matter what type of treatment option you choose, it is important to remember that recovery can take time; addiction doesn’t simply go away overnight. You may have setbacks along the way but if you remain committed and focus on long term goals such as creating a healthier lifestyle, you can eventually achieve sobriety.
Most people get sober in order to improve their overall quality of life. After detoxing from drugs or alcohol, individuals often find that they have more energy and clarity of mind which allows them to focus on the things that really matter in life – such as relationships with friends and family, pursuing hobbies or career goals etc.
It’s also not uncommon for sobriety to bring about a newfound sense of self-worth; when addiction is no longer controlling your life you can start taking steps towards building a fulfilling future for yourself.
It’s also important to remember that recovery doesn’t end after treatment services are completed; it is an ongoing process where you must continue making positive choices each day in order maintain sobriety long-term.
This could include attending support groups regularly, seeking out counseling sessions if needed and avoiding situations where drug use might be present (or at least having strategies ready just incase). Ultimately though it takes hard work, dedication and perseverance but the rewards can certainly be worth it.
Getting the Help You Need
Nobody wants to be addicted to drugs, but unfortunately it can be a difficult cycle to break. It’s understandable that the thought of getting sober may feel daunting at first – especially if you’ve been using for a long time – however there is hope and help available to make this process easier. When done correctly and with guidance from professionals, sobriety can bring about an immense sense of relief and freedom.
For many individuals in recovery, being freed from drugs or alcohol allows them to do things they never thought were possible before; this could range from passionate hobbies like playing music or painting all the way up to taking steps towards achieving their dream career goals etc.
Suddenly life appears brighter than ever before as you now have energy and motivation that was once taken away by addiction; it’s likely that your relationships will improve too since substance abuse often puts strain on those closest too us due its damaging effects on trustworthiness etc.
In short, sobriety offers tremendous benefits both mentally/physically as well as emotionally/spiritually so don’t give up if you’re struggling right now – seek out help today if you need it.
