Drug addiction, popularly known as substance use disorder, is a condition that affects a person’s personality and includes a change in behaviour patterns and brain functioning. This illness causes a person to engage in legal as well as illegal consumption of the drug. It disturbs the person mentally and physically, and therefore the only solution to cope with these diseases is to fight drug addiction. Substances that are commonly misused are-
- Alcohol, marijuana, and nicotine
- Opioid pain killers such as heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, and morphine
- Prescription drugs and cold medicines.
- Sedatives, hypnotics, and anxiolytics (anti-anxiety medications).
- Meth, cocaine, and other stimulants
- Steroids (anabolic).
- E-cigarettes or vaping
Initially, the consumption of drugs starts on an experimental basis, and with time it becomes very frequent. It is very important to realize the difference between prescription drugs and addiction. The chances of getting addicted to a drug vary. There is possibly a great chance of getting addicted to opioids and painkillers, which involves high risk. Once the drug becomes an addiction, you start consuming it in high doses, and it also makes you start consuming it just to feel better. It is very important to overcome and fight drug addiction, and therefore below are some recovery and prevention options to start your drug-free journey.
Prevention of Drugs:
The prevention of drug use starts with not thinking about consuming them. Although, it is impossible to stop everyone from the consumption of drugs but there are definitely prevention options which can be put across a person to avoid its usage. The best five ways to prevent drugs consumption are:
- Communicate: It is very important to communicate with your children as well as with friends about the misuse and consumption of drugs. It affects the person’s behaviour, physical health, and attitude. There should be a discussion on such topics so that people get aware of such bad practices.
- Avoid Cravings and Social Pressure: A healthy lifestyle includes not only eating well but also developing healthy relationships in society. It is well said that “You become what you see,” and therefore living in a positive environment is necessary. Getting trapped by your friends or relatives into consuming drugs and making it a practice is the wrong choice. Develop a good bond with good people to live a quality life.
- Understanding the Concept of Drug Abuse: Learning the effects and drawbacks of drug consumption can make you self-aware. Understanding the difference between prescription drugs and addiction helps you realize the difference between both. Additionally, if you feel addicted, then stop thinking about it. We will talk about this topic in the recovery part, too.
- Seek Therapy for Mental Illness: A disturbed mind will distract you from focusing on the positives of society. You easily get trapped into addiction habits. when you deal with mental illnesses such as anxiety, panic attacks, and depression. It is better to seek the help of a psychologist or other professional to cure your mental illness and stop you from developing addictive habits.
- Real-Time Pressure and Risk Factor: It is often seen that when a person is occupied or loaded with work, he or she starts building mental pressure along with addiction habits. On the other hand, if you start thinking about your health and adopt a healthy lifestyle, it can make your life better. You must understand the risk factors, i.e., biological, physical, and mental problems after consuming drugs.
Treatment for Drug Addiction:
Although prevention is better than cure if you fall addicted to drugs, you must prefer proper treatment to get out of the addiction. The treatment options to fight drug addiction are as follows:
- Detoxification: Detoxification is very important if your body contains any kind of drug or substance. It is done to clean out all the present substances in your body. This treatment option can also appear even after you have stopped consuming drugs, and you may need a healthcare advisor or supervision for detox. It will not help you get rid of your drug addiction on its own; you must combine it with other therapies.
- Behavioural Counselling: It is critical to maintain a healthy environment and to connect with yourself. If you are coping with drug addiction, then you must keep yourself busy with friends and family members who can help you avoid such substances. Keep yourself engaged in various physical activities such as cycling, exercises, and trekking. One of the best-known American therapies, i.e., Cognitive Behaviour Therapy is a very effective therapy used to drop all addiction habits. This therapy as a treatment also helps you identify your trigger and the phases of drug consumption.
- Medication: It plays a vital role during your recovery stage. Your doctor may recommend medication in addition to other therapies to avoid any other skill development. As mentioned, you need to follow multiple therapies and medications. You may start feeling anxious or face depression. Therefore, to avoid such mental illness and panic attacks, medication should be taken to feel better. Medications also help to reduce the cravings for substances and, hence, control your behaviour pattern towards drugs.
- Rehabilitation Centre: The Rehabilitation Centre involves all the processes involved in fighting drug addiction. It is a type of hospitalization in which the patient is kept for an extended period of time, which can range from months to years. In this process, the patient or addict is given therapeutic support along with awareness of such issues. A rehabilitation center focuses on both long-term and short-term addiction habits.
- Continuous Follow-Up and Commitment: It is necessary to take advice when required. Follow-ups can help you prevent relapse and stay sober. Long-term follow-ups include groups or organizations that help you to track and maintain your recovery status. It is not easy to get rid of drugs, and it is important to realize and understand the healthy lifestyle you will get after getting rid of drugs.
Preventing Relapse:
Drug addiction is very hazardous. Once you get addicted to drugs, there is a high chance of getting back into addiction even after following the treatment process. You start losing control and develop the habit of addiction again. Relapse is a situation when you become worse even after improvement.
Relapse prevention can be done by sticking to your plan and staying committed to your treatment options. If you are getting back to your social life, then make sure that you are not joining the same circle or group that put you in such a hazardous situation. Avoid meeting people who make your life worse. In the event that you become addicted to drugs, you should immediately seek the help of your doctor and a mental health advisor who can provide further assistance.
Drug addiction is a mental disorder. It affects the brain and decision-making habits. The best way to cure addiction is to first realize that you are addicted and it is harming you. If you or any person in your circle gets trapped in addiction then immediate treatment should be considered. Although, the treatment level depends from person to person and the level of consumption habits. Furthermore, look for therapies and professionals who can help you cure your addiction habits.
