Drug and Substance Abuse
The abuse of drugs has been a problem for several centuries.
Substances that have been abused include over the counter drugs, prescription drugs or illegal drugs; with the most common culprits being cocaine, marijuana, ecstasy, methamphetamine, morphine, heroin, valium and vicodin.
Addiction usually develops because it helps you to feel good, if only for a little while.
There is a sense of euphoria, power and self confidence.
Many persons also use drugs to overcome anxiety and stress or to get over a difficult problem.
It has even been credited with enhancing performance in academics, though this is certainly not true.
Curiosity is another major factor leading to drug abuse in many young persons.
It is common for a doctor to diagnose a drug problem during a routine visit or during a visit for a problem related to the drug abuse.
At this point, he may recommend a process of detoxification before you start a long-term treatment regime to deal with your drug problem.
Detoxification will help to rid your body of the harmful drugs once you have stopped using then.
This is likely to make you sick as you experience withdrawal symptoms like nausea and anxiety.
Certain medications may be necessary to help you deal with the withdrawal symptoms.
Methadone, Naltrexone and Buprenorphine are commonly used in the treatment of drug withdrawal to minimize the effect of withdrawal as well as to help curb drug cravings.
Once you have completed your detox period, you will need to focus on staying "clean" or sober and this can be achieved through the implementation of individual psychological therapy and self-help group.
These are geared towards helping you to adequately deal with and improve certain aspects of your life, including your finances, family, work, etc.
thus making it easier to stay "clean".
Once again, medication may also help to keep you drug-free.
You may choose to undertake treatment on an outpatient, inpatient or residential basis.
As an outpatient you will attend regular mental health clinics, hospital clinic or counseling sessions to receive treatment.
Inpatients remain in hospital for approximately six weeks, during which time they have therapy sessions during the day or during the night; followed by outpatient care.
There are other facilities which provide housing for residents for 6 months or more to allow for recovery.
You will receive 24 hour care and therapy.
This option is most effective for persons with long histories of drug abuse and/or crime as well as those with unstable employment or home circumstances.
Proper drug education, including the causes and effects of drug abuse, is useful in maintaining sobriety.
The best programs will offer this as well as occupational therapy to help you re-assimilate into the world of work and create better circumstances to maintain your progress.
Substances that have been abused include over the counter drugs, prescription drugs or illegal drugs; with the most common culprits being cocaine, marijuana, ecstasy, methamphetamine, morphine, heroin, valium and vicodin.
Addiction usually develops because it helps you to feel good, if only for a little while.
There is a sense of euphoria, power and self confidence.
Many persons also use drugs to overcome anxiety and stress or to get over a difficult problem.
It has even been credited with enhancing performance in academics, though this is certainly not true.
Curiosity is another major factor leading to drug abuse in many young persons.
It is common for a doctor to diagnose a drug problem during a routine visit or during a visit for a problem related to the drug abuse.
At this point, he may recommend a process of detoxification before you start a long-term treatment regime to deal with your drug problem.
Detoxification will help to rid your body of the harmful drugs once you have stopped using then.
This is likely to make you sick as you experience withdrawal symptoms like nausea and anxiety.
Certain medications may be necessary to help you deal with the withdrawal symptoms.
Methadone, Naltrexone and Buprenorphine are commonly used in the treatment of drug withdrawal to minimize the effect of withdrawal as well as to help curb drug cravings.
Once you have completed your detox period, you will need to focus on staying "clean" or sober and this can be achieved through the implementation of individual psychological therapy and self-help group.
These are geared towards helping you to adequately deal with and improve certain aspects of your life, including your finances, family, work, etc.
thus making it easier to stay "clean".
Once again, medication may also help to keep you drug-free.
You may choose to undertake treatment on an outpatient, inpatient or residential basis.
As an outpatient you will attend regular mental health clinics, hospital clinic or counseling sessions to receive treatment.
Inpatients remain in hospital for approximately six weeks, during which time they have therapy sessions during the day or during the night; followed by outpatient care.
There are other facilities which provide housing for residents for 6 months or more to allow for recovery.
You will receive 24 hour care and therapy.
This option is most effective for persons with long histories of drug abuse and/or crime as well as those with unstable employment or home circumstances.
Proper drug education, including the causes and effects of drug abuse, is useful in maintaining sobriety.
The best programs will offer this as well as occupational therapy to help you re-assimilate into the world of work and create better circumstances to maintain your progress.