An addiction is actually a very complicated disease that will eventually take over every aspect of an individual’s life if it is not addressed immediately. In the past, many people believed an addiction was nothing more than a lack of willpower or a moral problem, but recent studies have us that is not exactly true. Here is a glimpse of some of the most commonly abused drugs and what a person can do to overcome their addiction permanently.
Defining Substance Abuse
Due to the complexity of our lives, no two addictions are alike. Some individuals will drink socially or use certain chemicals for years at a time without developing an addiction while others can succumb to an addiction almost immediately. The difference between casual use and abuse is how it is impacting an individual’s life. Most specialists claim an addiction is taking place when the abuse of a certain chemical is negatively impacting a person’s life, that individual realizes what is taking place, and they feel powerless to stop it.
Commonly Abused Drugs
Even though there is quite a bit of controversy surrounding the use of marijuana, it is currently the most commonly abused illicit drug in the United States. While it has been legalized in a number of states, it can still have a negative impact on an individual’s life. Much like alcohol, it doesn’t take much to transition from casual use to an addiction. Those who abuse marijuana regularly will often find it difficult to carry out daily tasks and cope with their feelings unless they are high. They might also become irritable or angry when they are sober.
Opiates are not far behind marijuana with thousands of new addictions developing every single year. What makes opiate addictions so difficult to treat is the fact that this powerful substance plays a very important role in the healthcare community. Millions of opiate-based pills are prescribed and consumed every month, and there is a very high chance of abuse and dependency with this particular class of drugs. Other commonly abused substances include amphetamines, sleeping pills, prescription stimulants, and club drugs such as MDMA.
Overcoming an Addiction
Understanding sobriety can be just as difficult as understanding an addiction. Just because an individual is sober for a long period of time does not mean they have beat their addiction permanently. In fact, the vast majority of addicts will struggle with their past for the rest of their lives. Even more unfortunate is the fact that many of those individuals will relapse one or more times. This is why it is so important to begin this process with a comprehensive plan in place.
Where to Start
Anyone who has recognized they have a problem and already started exploring treatment options has made a great start. Simply understanding that substance abuse is taking place can be very difficult in some situations, and many people will go for years without realizing it. It is also important to recognize that sobriety does not happen over the course of a few days. While it does eventually become easier, the process will last for the rest of one’s life.
For those who recognize substance abuse or an addiction in someone they love, an intervention might be necessary. An intervention is nothing more than a group of loved ones telling the individual who is struggling with substance abuse that they have a support team ready to help them. They will also provide them with tangible details on how they can beat their addiction including information on detox centers, inpatient programs, and outpatient services.
Detoxing is not an absolute necessity for every addict, but it has saved the lives of many people. Depending on the substance one is abusing, suddenly quitting with absolutely no help can actually be deadly. Before detoxing or quitting any drug, it is important to speak with an addiction specialist who has a medical background. These individuals will be able to clearly explain if detox is needed and what to expect. After the detox is over, the addict can then transition to an inpatient facility or outpatient program.
There are few things in this world that are as difficult to overcome as an addiction. This is why it is so important to work with a support team of friends, family members, and addiction specialists who can come together to create the safety net that so many people need.