Drug Abuse is a Disease
Drug Abuse or Addiction has been classified as a disease by the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse & Addiction and affects the lives of millions of Americans every year. It costs the United States economy millions of dollars a year and is a leading cause of death in the US (NIAAA, 2021).
Despite it being a disease, there are many people who never seek treatment for this disease. The reasons are numerous. There is an enormous stigma around addiction in our society. People see addicts as entirely responsible for their situation and people with addictions end up using themselves out of a home, job and fulfilling life. This could be because they would rather use drugs because getting clean seems ugly when faced with all the negative pressure that exists today.
This makes the presence of a support system all the more important in an addict’s recovery.
It’s difficult for the addicts
Addiction is negatively viewed by our society. Addiction is viewed less as a disease and more as a choice that addicts made themselves and should take responsibility for. This creates a situation that discourages them from seeking help and instead perpetuates the cycle.
There is also a lack of education around drug addiction. People still see drug addiction through an outdated lens that vilifies drug addiction as a character flaw and something that only people who are inherently problematic are prone to.
All this is in addition to the physical and psychological effects of drug addiction that lead to many addicts finding themselves caught in a cycle where their tolerance shoots up due to the constant intake of the substance, leading to them needing to take more to feel the same effect.
Signs of drug addiction
- Their behavior changes. They would seem withdrawn, impatient or erratic than usual.
- They would be less social.
- They would show signs of a lack of sleep and self-care.
- They would have financial trouble or trouble performing at work.
How to help
Creating a safe and supportive environment is the most important thing you can do for a loved one suffering from an addiction. For most addicts, admitting they have a problem is the first step to recovery, and providing a support system that encourages this will encourage them to take that first step towards recovery. In cases where they may be reluctant to confront their addiction, a well-thought-out intervention can be a useful push. However they start their journey towards recovery, it must always be their decision. An addict who tries to get clean because of outside pressure as opposed to it being their own decision is unlikely to maintain their sobriety.
Getting professional help
While providing that initial support system is invaluable, treating addiction should be done in conjunction with professional medical support. Fortunately, there are several options that are available to you. Several alcohol rehab Austin offers comprehensive programs that tailor a rehabilitation program to the individual while providing an isolated environment where patients can deal with their addiction and find support amongst others dealing with the same thing.
Alternatively, drug detox Austin offers a program that focuses on getting patients clean by offering detox services with licensed medical professionals.
For a more long-term experience, sober living Austin offers patients a chance to live in an isolated community during their road to recovery. The benefit of sober living is that it offers a great chance to build connections and a network.
Whatever you choose, keep in mind that recovery is not linear and it is not easy. However, with persistence and patience, you can help your loved one take that long journey towards sobriety. You can visit here to know about the abovethenews. On the other hand, you can also get more essential info on dbfile. Here is the best news portal thoughtco where you can get the latest news around the world.
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