How To Avail Information Regarding Drug Abuse

The abuse of drugs has been a major problem for several centuries. The drugs that have been abused include over the counter drugs, prescription drugs or illegal drugs; with the most common culprits being marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy, heroin, morphine, methamphetamine, valium and vicodin.

Addiction usually develops because it helps people to feel good, if only for a little while. There is a sense of power, euphoria and self confidence. Many people 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 the fact. Curiosity is another major factor leading to drug abuse in many young people.

It is common for a medical person 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 or she may recommend a process of detoxification before people start a long-term treatment regime to deal with their drug problem. Detoxification will help to rid their body of the harmful drugs once they have stopped using then. This is likely to make them sick as they experience withdrawal symptoms like nausea and anxiety. Certain medications may be necessary to help them to deal with the withdrawal symptoms. Methadone, Buprenorphine and Naltrexone are commonly used in the treatment of drug withdrawal to minimize the effect of withdrawal as well as to help curb drug cravings.

Once people have completed their detox period, they 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 them to adequately deal with and improve certain aspects of their life, including their finances, family, work, etc. thus making it easier to stay clean and fresh. Once again, medication may also help to keep people drug-free.

People may choose to undertake treatment on an outpatient, inpatient or residential basis. As an outpatient they will attend regular mental health clinics, hospital clinic or counseling sessions to receive treatment. Inpatients remain in hospital for approximately six to seven 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 complete recovery. People will receive 24 hour care and therapy.

Proper drug education, including the causes and effects of drug abuse, is useful in maintaining abstinence. The best programs will offer this as well as occupational therapy to help people re-assimilate into the world of work and create better circumstances to maintain their progress. Drug addiction treatment typically involves several steps to help a drug addict to successfully withdraw from using the drug. The treatment must be followed by counseling and attending self-help groups to help the recovering drug addict to resist any crave for using the addictive drug again. The first step of drug addiction treatment is called the withdrawal therapy. The next step involves therapies such as counseling, addiction treatment programs and other self-help group meetings.

• John Palsson
• 13/12/2008, 4:59 PM
• 0 Comments