The first step to getting treatment for drug abuse is being able to see and admit that there’s a problem. Drug abuse can quickly lead to dependence and addiction, taking a toll on every part of a person’s life. In order to help you identify and address drug dependence in yourself or loved ones, you’ll need to understand what it means to be dependent on a drug and how that fits into addiction.
Spreading this knowledge is crucial as many individuals aren’t sure whether or not they need help or if they’re even considered addicted to drugs. Regardless of the situation, sobriety is the only answer when it comes to handling substance abuse and drug dependence before it’s too late.
Dependence Is the Last Step Before Addiction
The basis for drug dependence stems from repeated usage of the same substance over a period of time. An individual may start with a single use of a drug before doing it more frequently in social settings. Habits begin forming around this behavior and drug use becomes a daily routine. The more of a substance is taken, the higher the body’s tolerance for it becomes.
A high tolerance to drugs requires the user to consume even more of a substance to feel the same effects. At the same time, the brain is adjusting its processes to accommodate the presence of drugs. When this happens, a dependence has formed which creates physical withdrawal symptoms if broken by ending drug use.
Avoiding these withdrawal symptoms is what completes the cycle of addiction and dependence. An individual tries to quit and is met with painful and uncomfortable symptoms that ultimately cause them to turn back to drug use instead of enduring the symptoms. It’s not a matter of willpower but instead one of safety. Some withdrawal symptoms can be life-threatening if medical attention isn’t available. It’s recommended to undergo detox at a treatment facility to increase your chances of success.
Treatment Isn’t Just for the Individual
Addiction can take control of a person’s life without them even noticing. Relationships can become strained, job performance can start to suffer, and social personalities can be replaced with privacy and seclusion. There are always people that rely on you in some capacity whether it’s a family at home needing support or your team at work picking up your responsibilities.
In most cases, the people around you won’t mention anything even if they notice. They may not feel it’s their place to say anything or they may be concerned with how you’ll react. Do your best to process new information before reacting and opening up when it feels comfortable to do so. During treatment, you’ll learn how to better approach these situations and explain what’s happening without overloading the other person. Addiction worsens over time and creating a support network at home or work can help slow its progress while you find treatment.
Family therapy is another option to explore during treatment as it gives your loved ones a chance to share their story with your recovery team. Details that you weren’t able to observe from the outside can be discovered and used to create the perfect treatment plan. Therapy groups are another common staple of treatment with many groups hosted by previously addicted individuals who can empathize with those going through it currently.
Rehab Is Always Available
Battling addiction and drug dependence should never be done alone. Once you’ve made the decision to work on your drug abuse problem, the hardest part is over. The next step is deciding on treatment. Many addicted persons aren’t aware that the treatment programs offered at professional rehab facilities are more flexible than ever.
For example, if you’re struggling with controlling and limiting your drug use recreationally then outpatient programs could be perfect. This level of treatment would involve a few appointments each week on campus while you return back to your normal day-to-day.
Guests who need help overcoming drug dependence will require more intense treatment programs that include medical detox. Having support to get through withdrawal symptoms gives you a head start towards recovery. The most painful portion of treatment is made comfortable with FDA-approved medication during medical detox. America’s Rehab Campus is here to help no matter how severe your condition is.
America’s Rehab Campuses covers many insurances including Blue Cross Blue Shield. To get started on your own road to recovery, reach out to our compassionate team of recovery specialists today.
