The realities of Drug Abuse
Most of us do not understand the reason why an individual becomes addicted to drugs or alcohol. We easily mistaken substance abuse as simply a social problem and dismiss drug addicts as morally weak. Substance abuse is actually a brain disease, often relapsing that causes compulsive drug seeking and use. It leads to changes in the structure and function of the brain. One that can affect an individual’s self control and ability to make sound decisions, which is why stopping it is not simply a matter of willpower.
People find themselves abusing substances such as drugs and alcohol for varied and complicated reasons, some are thrill-seekers, some just curious, some succumb to peer pressure and there are also those who use drugs in order to cope with unpleasant emotions and the difficulties of life.
Whatever the cause, it is clear that society pays a significant cost. In the workplace it is costly because of the lost work time and inefficiency. On the streets, over half of the highway deaths in the United States involve alcohol. Drug-related crimes can disrupt neighborhoods due to violence among drug dealers, threats to residents, and the crimes of the addicts themselves. Homeless people also have either a drug or alcohol problem.
Treatment depends upon the severity and nature of the addiction, motivation, and the availability of services. Some users may come into Drug Addiction Rehab voluntarily and have the support of family, friends, and workplace; others may be sent to Substance Abuse Rehab by the courts against their will and have virtually no support system.
Nonresidential programs serve the largest number of patients whereas Residential facilities are those that include hospitals, group homes, halfway houses, and therapeutic communities, such as Phoenix House, Daytop Village and California Drug Treatment, which help substance abusers break out of codependent cycles.
When looking for a Residential Drug Treatment Center, some of the factors to consider include the center’s success rate, ask the graduates of the facility and get feedback; services, some center will help you with legal issues and also assist in intervention; do not forget to ask the center what happens after the program, is there some sort of follow-up done to the graduate. These are just some of things to look out for.
Once a substance abuser is clean, has faced his or her situation, and taken responsibility for oneself, family, and surroundings, a home or an area that was once drug-infested and crime ridden can be cleaned up and people can be happy and prosperous.
