Drug addiction is a complex condition that affects the body and mind. People with drug addiction have a strong desire to use drugs, even though they know the substances they’re taking are causing harm. They may have difficulty quitting drug abuse on their own and need help from family, friends or professionals. Drug addiction treatment includes detox, counseling, ongoing support groups and relapse prevention.
A person with drug addiction may be secretive and lie about their drug use, or they may stop attending social events. They may have trouble concentrating, forget things or have irritable moods. They may also show withdrawal symptoms when they stop using drugs. If you notice these warning signs, it’s important to get drug addiction help near me for your loved one as soon as possible.
Drug use often begins as a way to dampen negative feelings, like sadness or stress. However, as drug use continues, it can lead to serious health problems, including mental illness and physical disease. Getting help from a drug rehab is the only way to break the cycle of drug addiction and live a healthy life.
The first step in drug addiction treatment is usually detox, which helps the body rid itself of drugs and manage withdrawal symptoms. This can be followed by behavioral counseling, which may include individual, group and family therapy to address the underlying causes of the problem and learn healthier ways of coping. Counseling may also include relapse prevention, which is designed to help patients recognize potentially high-risk situations or emotional triggers, such as being around someone who uses drugs, and develop new coping skills that can be used instead of drugs.
Many people in recovery from drug addiction have to change their lifestyles. They might have to move to a different neighborhood, quit their job or cut out toxic friends. They might have to start going to regular in-person or online peer support group meetings. While this can be challenging, it’s a vital part of their recovery and will help them maintain sobriety.
It’s important for family members and friends to understand that it can be difficult to help a loved one recover from drug addiction. If you try to shield them from the consequences of their drug use, you’re enabling them. Enabling can include covering for them, putting their needs before your own, hiding money or other assets to avoid legal trouble and neglecting your own health and well-being. You can also help your loved one by supporting their sobriety, offering to accompany them to doctor’s appointments or drug treatment facilities and encouraging them to join a support group for family members of addicts.