Alcohol Abuse Advice

Understanding Addiction and Seeking Help

Others pick up the drug or alcohol habit out of curiosity or peer pressure. For most, what started out as curiosity, results in a devastating, downhill spiral that could ruin their lives, if left untreated. This article will offer addiction information and some advice on how to deal with this problem. >u Drugs don’t necessarily have to be illegal substances to lead to addiction. Alcohol, pain pills or muscle relaxants can easily be swiped from a parent’s or friend’s home. After using a prescription drug or alcohol several times, it can be hard to give up that feeling of euphoria. When the “free” supply runs dry, these substances can be purchased illegally on the street, or through a friend, without much difficulty. Withdrawal symptoms can force the user to seek out the substance at any cost. >u Most substances cause basically the same symptoms during withdrawal. Shaking, trembling hands, nausea, vomiting, lethargy, agitation and spending time alone are all tell-tale signs of addiction. When alcohol or drugs become the main focus in a person’s life, they are addicted. Family, friends and work are lowest on the totem pole for the addict. No matter how much pleading or begging you do, the addicted person cannot change their lifestyle. Major lifestyle changes and treatment must be introduced to save the addicted person from spinning out of control — or prevent premature death. >u Those who aid in addiction are considered enablers. Providing money for alcohol or drugs so that you don’t have to witness horrible withdrawal symptoms can keep the addiction alive. Helping with household chores or cleaning up after a person while intoxicated can also enable the addict. Often, people will avoid public embarrassment by trying to cover up and make excuses for an alcoholic or the drug abuser. >u Those who are substance abusers may have a desire to get better locked away inside. They want to get better and lead a more productive life with friends, family and work, but they just don’t know how to get help. The first step is admitting that they have a problem. Drug abusers must cut all ties with those that have the same intentions. Beginning a new life can begin at the doors of a treatment center. Here, the addict can learn what it takes to be sober for a lifetime. Under a doctor’s care, detoxification (detox) treatment can help the addict flush the body of drugs or alcohol. Without proper care during withdrawal, the health risks can be severe. The next step is checking into a free-standing residential addiction treatment facility that will allow the patient to live on the site while being treated. Here, the addict will receive 24-hour support and counseling. For the addict who has developed health problems, a hospital-based addiction treatment center may be the best option. Outpatient treatment programs, long-term residential care or day treatment centers are also available. Addiction to drugs or alcohol can have detrimental effects on a person’s health, family life, association with friends, and in the workplace. If left untreated, the addict will surely face an untimely death. It is of utmost importance to seek a treatment plan. The support of family and friends is crucial in turning around the life of an addict.