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Addiction: An
overview
Drug abuse, misuse, and or dependency (substance abuse) involves
the repeated and excessive use of a drug to produce pleasure or
escape reality despite its destructive effects. For many, use
begins in their teens. Later, as use increases an invisible
line is crossed and brain chemistry is “high jacked “an ominous
shift can occurs where use becomes addiction. At this stage
addiction or periodic use becomes an even bigger problem. Often
Usage continues in spite of very painful and harmful
consequences. Typically, these consequences are conflict with
loved ones, missing work, legal issues such as fighting or DUI,
financial hardship, medical/psychiatric issues from overuse,
over dose and many others. Legal substances such as
prescriptions (i.e., Oxycontin, VcodIn, Valium etc) are misused
until physical dependency occurs. At this point in the continuum
of addiction life becomes extremely chaotic, THE ADDICT OR
ALCOHOLIC AT THIS STAGE LIVES TO USE -LIFE SOLELY REVOLVES
AROUND ACQUIRING THE DRUG/ALCOHOL AND USING |
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Options for Recovery |
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The most common treatment
for abuse, dependence, or compulsive use such as binging is
abstinence with the assistance of medication assisted treatment
or a 12 step approach. For example, Many who achieve lasting
recovery use a 12-step program such as AA (Alcoholics
Anonymous), NA (for narcotics), or Celebrate recovery (A
Christian 12 step program), in conjunction, with in depth
counseling to achieve recovery. Using a neurobiological,
psychological, social, and spiritual model to facilitate
recovery is the most comprehensive manner to address addictions.
This is the model that we use at Enduring Hope Counseling
Services. |
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Behavioral Symptoms of Drug Abuse |
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Angry outbursts, mood swings, irritability, manic behavior,
or overall attitude change.
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Talking incoherently or making inappropriate remarks.
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Risky behavior, such as driving under the influence of
drugs, starting a fight, or engaging in unprotected sex
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Secretive or suspicious behavior: frequent trips to the
restroom, basement, or other isolated areas for privacy
while using drugs
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Deterioration of physical appearance and grooming
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Wearing sunglasses and/or long-sleeved shirts frequently or
at inappropriate times
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Frequent absences from work or school; drop-off in quality
of work or grades
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Neglect of family responsibilities
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Evidence of money problems: frequent borrowing, selling
possessions, or stealing items from employer, home, or
school
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Legal problems rooted in drug use: arrest for driving under
the influence, possession of a controlled substance,
disorderly conduct, or stealing
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Using drugs first thing in the morning
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Using increasing doses of a drug
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Social Symptoms of Drug Abuse |
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Abandoning or spending less time on activities such
as hobbies, sports, and socializing
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Inability to relax or have fun without doing drugs
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Associating with known drug users and dropping
friends who don’t use drugs
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Talking about drugs all the time and encouraging
others to use
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Estrangement from old friends and loved ones
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Physiological signs of drug abuse |
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Frequent exhaustion or weakness
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Unexplained injuries and infections
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Blackouts
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Flashbacks
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Delusions
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Paranoia
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Withdrawal symptoms such as nausea,
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tremors, and sweating
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