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Substance Abuse Treatment

Substance abuse, or what is simply known as drug abuse, is a pattern of using harmful drugs wherein the user ingests substances with methods or amounts that are both harmful to themselves and others. It is a form of substance-related disorder, which is often related to high levels of intoxication that modify perception, judgment, and physical control.

Substance Abuse Treatment

Main Reasons for Substance Abuse

People who gravitate towards abuse of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco have various and perplexing reasons.One important thing that people want out of substance abuse is that it alters a person’s logic and rationality. Many fall into substance abuse because of several other reasons, including:

  • People who suffer from anxiety, depression, and other mental illness want to ease their difficulty. A mental disorder can be a burden to some people, so much so that they will try almost anything to relieve their anguish. Drugs and alcohol can momentarily make that person feel good about himself and temporarily remove the problem. Mental illness can be a frightening experience. It can be so bad that they are afraid of seeking help and try to solve the problem by themselves.
  • Outside influences that cause people to justify that they can too. Influences from family members, friends, entertainers, and role models who display substance abuse as something that can be handled and controlled, greatly affects the thinking of young adults. This becomes a problem, especially if they see acquaintances doing the same thing. People who have a family history of drug and alcohol abuse are more likely to foster addiction than those who have no family background of addiction.
  • People chase that first high. People who have experienced extreme pleasure from drugs would often tell you that it is the best feeling of their life. Trying to recapture that feeling becomes a vicious cycle that becomes extremely hard to break. Substance abuse overwhelms the pleasure sensors in the brain, which is why people tend to get hooked. They also develop a tolerance – the more they use, the harder it is to get that feeling back.

“Drugs take you to hell, disguised as heaven.” Donald Lynn Frost

Substances That Are Not Considered Drugs

Certain legal substances are also abused mainly for their mood altering effects, although some have no intoxicating and mood-altering properties, like steroids. Some common substances that are not considered as drugs are:

  • Coffee
  • Alcohol
  • Anabolic Steroids
  • Cigarettes and Tobacco
  • Inhalants
  • Solvents

Symptoms of Substance Abuse

The immediate family and friends should be the first to notice signs of substance abuse. Early detection increases the chances getting a person into substance abuse treatment programs. Some common signs of substance abuse may be:

  • Losing interest in activities he once enjoyed
  • Failing grades or worse performance at work
  • Hostility and irritability
  • Depression, hopelessness and suicidal attitude
  • Avoiding friends and family members in order to get high or intoxicated
  • Paraphernalia like rolled paper, small boxes, pipes, and baggies
  • Getting in trouble with authorities

Use or Abuse—The Difference

Some people would contend that recreational use of drugs is not unsafe and is simply use, not abuse. The most vocal enthusiasts of recreational drug use are those who advocate the use of marijuana. They dispute that marijuana is not an addictive substance, but has many medicinal benefits, unlike other substances.

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Benjamin Franklin

Illegal drugs are not the only ones that can be misused. Even ordinary substances like coffee and cigarette also can be more dangerous when taken in excess. Theoretically, almost all substances can be misused and abused when taken in excess.

A clear split between substance use and substance abuse is not available. Is it use or abuse to have a couple of drinks after work to unwind? Is drinking more than two cups of coffee in the morning use or abuse?

His and Her House specialists can help you make that determination.

Can Treatment Programs for Substance Abuse Cure Addiction?

So, can treatment programs for substance abuse really cure addiction? Regardless of the length of the treatment for substance addiction, recovery does not immediately end after the patient exits the substance abuse treatment center. Addiction to a substance is not generally something that is quickly cured.

“There is not a drug on Earth that can make life meaningful” Sarah Kane

Recovery from substance abuse and addiction can be a continuing and long-standing process. The functional cure for addiction is the frequent decision to say “no” when relapse triggers appear. Developing the habit of abstinence is what is required to cure substance abuse. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication, and a lot of help.

Rehabilitation and Recovery

Rehab for substance abuse helps people gain control and cope with substance abuse and beat tough times when relapse provocation is strong. Residential treatment programs for substance abuse also impart the necessary skills to prepare patients for the day-to-day struggles of mending addiction.

Long periods of recovery involve ongoing therapy, and some people find hobbies and activities relaxing in addition to supporting their ongoing rehabilitation. Key activities may include anything that involves physical movement or anything creative including:

  • Meditation
  • Yoga
  • Exercise
  • Art classes

A good treatment program also includes solid aftercare plans before leaving treatment to help support a strong and effective long term recovery. As a matter of fact, studies have shown that ongoing attendance to aftercare programs is linked to fewer relapses.

Relapses: What happens?

Relapses should not be seen as a failure, but rather as a stumbling block on the lifelong journey to sobriety. It brings about an opportunity to reexamine one’s track and get back into a treatment program for substance abuse that offers the support and help necessary to maintain sobriety.

“View relapses as learning opportunities, not as failure.” Anonymous

A lot of struggling people who suffer addiction complete more than one stay in a rehab for substance abuse. This allows them to be able to find solid ground in their rehabilitation journey.

Rehab for substance abuse is there to help you shape strong skills and resistance to maintain self-restraint and support through the recovery battles.

“Just before sunrise, there is a dark night.” Unknown


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