Drug Addiction and Treatment in North Carolina: It’s Time to Make a Change
Substance abuse is something that affects the lives of almost everyone in America. The majority of people have been directly or indirectly affected by this growing problem. Whether it is a family member, a close friend or even you, drug addiction is a growing problem in this country. It is often hard to decide what to do or how to proceed when you or a loved one has a drug problem.
Many Addicts Won’t Admit They Are Addicts
While it may begin recreationally, drug dependency develops into a compulsive need to use. Many addicts adopt the philosophy that they can stop at any time. When asked why they don’t stop immediately, they will offer excuses and rationalizations. They don’t want to stop now, but if something changed they would. While they may believe this to be true, it is usually the substance that is in control. If the person in question is not yet ready to make a change, it will be difficult to persuade them that they need to do so. This is why many drug treatment centers say that a person has to hit “rock bottom” before they will be ready to finally quit. The reasoning is that if they don’t know how low the substance will take them, they will think that the problem is manageable.
Getting Help
Getting help for your own drug addiction is as simple as asking for it. Caring friends and family members that stayed by your side will likely be enthused by your willingness to make a change. Friends who are currently using may not be the best to turn to, but even they may offer some encouragement. Drug treatment centers are plentiful, and local facilities can be found online complete with reviews and success stories. If you are not willing to commit to rehab just yet, AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) or NA (Narcotics Anonymous) meetings are daily and plentiful. Sitting in on a few meetings and hearing the stories of other addicts is sometimes exactly what a person needs to realize that they need help.
If you are someone who has a loved one battling addiction, it may seem very difficult to know what to do. It is hard to be a loving friend or family member without enabling the person to continue abusing drugs. Make sure that they know you are always there to help them if they decide to get clean. Try to be understanding to the fact that addiction is a disease, and you may not be dealing with the same person you’ve known for so long. Interventions are a useful tool, and can be called to make it known that the addict’s behavior is affecting those around them. The most important thing is to be supportive and encouraging to the inflicted party as they seek help.
Method of Treatment
An effective treatment program can be difficult to identify, and success is often reliant on the person seeking care. Generally, many treatment centers offer similar plans in terms of tackling addiction. Detoxification is the first step. This means cleaning the system of drugs, often involving a withdrawal period. This is one step in which a trained professional is recommended, as withdrawal symptoms for certain drugs can be very dangerous and sometimes deadly.
Behavioral therapy is the next step in the process. This helps the patient understand and handle their addiction. It includes meetings, family therapy, motivational incentives and other forms of group and individual therapy. This will also include evaluation and treatment of other mental health issues that a patient may be self medicating. At first these will be rigorous programs, meeting daily and sometimes multiple times per day. In the later stages, patients will be brought in on a regular, albeit less often basis to help cope and manage their life after drugs. This is a long-term solution, and will help a person stay drug free for the rest of their life.
Remember
While drug addiction is a disease, it can be cured. It may be a long and complicated road, but there is a positive way out. Don’t become powerless to your or a loved one’s addiction. Treatment program’s success rates are often dependant on the patient, and no one treatment is right for everybody. Relapses happen, but that does not mean the process has to be abandoned. There is a brighter future ahead.
Many Addicts Won’t Admit They Are Addicts
While it may begin recreationally, drug dependency develops into a compulsive need to use. Many addicts adopt the philosophy that they can stop at any time. When asked why they don’t stop immediately, they will offer excuses and rationalizations. They don’t want to stop now, but if something changed they would. While they may believe this to be true, it is usually the substance that is in control. If the person in question is not yet ready to make a change, it will be difficult to persuade them that they need to do so. This is why many drug treatment centers say that a person has to hit “rock bottom” before they will be ready to finally quit. The reasoning is that if they don’t know how low the substance will take them, they will think that the problem is manageable.
Getting Help
Getting help for your own drug addiction is as simple as asking for it. Caring friends and family members that stayed by your side will likely be enthused by your willingness to make a change. Friends who are currently using may not be the best to turn to, but even they may offer some encouragement. Drug treatment centers are plentiful, and local facilities can be found online complete with reviews and success stories. If you are not willing to commit to rehab just yet, AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) or NA (Narcotics Anonymous) meetings are daily and plentiful. Sitting in on a few meetings and hearing the stories of other addicts is sometimes exactly what a person needs to realize that they need help.
If you are someone who has a loved one battling addiction, it may seem very difficult to know what to do. It is hard to be a loving friend or family member without enabling the person to continue abusing drugs. Make sure that they know you are always there to help them if they decide to get clean. Try to be understanding to the fact that addiction is a disease, and you may not be dealing with the same person you’ve known for so long. Interventions are a useful tool, and can be called to make it known that the addict’s behavior is affecting those around them. The most important thing is to be supportive and encouraging to the inflicted party as they seek help.
Method of Treatment
An effective treatment program can be difficult to identify, and success is often reliant on the person seeking care. Generally, many treatment centers offer similar plans in terms of tackling addiction. Detoxification is the first step. This means cleaning the system of drugs, often involving a withdrawal period. This is one step in which a trained professional is recommended, as withdrawal symptoms for certain drugs can be very dangerous and sometimes deadly.
Behavioral therapy is the next step in the process. This helps the patient understand and handle their addiction. It includes meetings, family therapy, motivational incentives and other forms of group and individual therapy. This will also include evaluation and treatment of other mental health issues that a patient may be self medicating. At first these will be rigorous programs, meeting daily and sometimes multiple times per day. In the later stages, patients will be brought in on a regular, albeit less often basis to help cope and manage their life after drugs. This is a long-term solution, and will help a person stay drug free for the rest of their life.
Remember
While drug addiction is a disease, it can be cured. It may be a long and complicated road, but there is a positive way out. Don’t become powerless to your or a loved one’s addiction. Treatment program’s success rates are often dependant on the patient, and no one treatment is right for everybody. Relapses happen, but that does not mean the process has to be abandoned. There is a brighter future ahead.