National Recovery Month is a national observance held every September to educate Americans that substance use treatment and mental health services can enable those with mental and substance use disorders to live healthy and rewarding lives. Now in its 31st year, Recovery Month celebrates the gains made by those living in recovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Substance addiction, also called substance use disorder (SUD), is a disease that affects a person’s brain and behavior and leads to an inability to control the use of a legal or illegal drug or medication. Substances such as alcohol, marijuana, and nicotine also are considered drugs. When you’re addicted, you may continue using the drug despite the harm it causes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yes, addiction is a treatable disorder. Research on the science of addiction and the treatment of substance use disorders has led to the development of research-based methods that help people to stop using drugs and resume productive lives, also known as being in recovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Like other chronic diseases such as heart disease or asthma, treatment programs for drug addiction usually isn’t a cure. But addiction can be managed successfully. Treatment enables people to counteract addiction’s disruptive effects on their brain and behavior and regain control of their lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Different types of medications may be useful at different stages of treatment to help a patient stop abusing drugs, stay in treatment, and avoid relapse. This is called Medication-Assistance Treatment<\/a> (MAT).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Treating Withdrawal.<\/strong> Staying in Treatment Preventing Relapse Does someone you love have a drug problem? Whether it\u2019s illegal substances or prescription medication, you can\u2019t force anyone to stop abusing drugs. But there are ways to support their recovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Witnessing someone you care about battle a substance use disorder can be extremely distressing and take a heavy toll on your own mental and emotional well-being. Whether the drug abuser is a close friend, spouse, parent, child, or other family member, it\u2019s easy for their addiction to take over your life. It can pile stress upon stress, test your patience, strain your bank balance, and leave you racked by feelings of guilt, shame, anger, fear, frustration, and sadness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The following are some of the more common signs and symptoms of drug use. It is important to keep in mind that if a person has any of these symptoms, it does not necessarily mean that he or she is using drugs. They could be due to a mental or physical health problem. They might also be due to adolescent development (in the case of teens). Whatever the cause, they may warrant attention, especially if they persist or occur in a cluster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Physical Signs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Behavioral Signs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Starting a conversation with someone about their drug addiction is never easy, but it\u2019s important you come from a place of compassion and understanding. Remember, no one sets out to become an addict. Drug abuse is often a misguided attempt to cope with painful issues or mental health problems. Stress tends to fuel addictive behavior, so criticizing, demeaning, or shaming them will only push your loved one away and may even encourage them to seek further comfort in substance abuse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Discovering someone you love has a drug problem can generate feelings of shock, fear, and anger, especially if it\u2019s your child or teen who\u2019s using. These strong emotions can make communicating with a drug user even more challenging. So, it\u2019s important to choose a time when you\u2019re both calm, sober, and free of distractions to talk. Offer your help and support without being judgmental.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t Delay Express Concerns Honestly Listen<\/strong> Offer Information Be Prepared For Denial<\/strong> Don’t Lecture Don\u2019t expect a single conversation to fix the problem. This will likely be the first of many conversations you\u2019ll need to have regarding your loved one\u2019s drug use. There\u2019s no quick fix to overcoming addiction. It may take several conversations for them to even acknowledge they have a problem, the first step on the road to recovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Trying to locate appropriate treatment for a loved one, especially finding a program tailored to an individual’s particular needs, can be a difficult process. The first step is to contact HealthCore Clinic<\/a> to schedule an appointment with a substance abuse counselor and\/or mental and behavioral health professional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n HealthCore Clinic has medical<\/a> and behavioral health<\/a> staff specializing in:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When patients first stop using a substance, they can experience various physical and emotional symptoms, including restlessness or sleeplessness, as well as depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. Certain treatment medications and devices reduce these symptoms, which makes it easier to stop drug use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/strong>Some treatment medications and mobile applications are used to help the brain adapt gradually to the absence of the drug. These treatments act slowly to help prevent drug cravings and have a calming effect on body systems. They can help patients focus on counseling and other psychotherapies related to their drug treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/strong>Science has taught us that stress cues linked to drug use (such as people, places, things, and moods), and contact with drugs are the most common triggers for relapse. Scientists have been developing therapies to interfere with these triggers to help patients stay in recovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHelp With Substance Abuse<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
How<\/em> to Help Someone with Addiction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Signs of Substance Abuse<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Talking to Someone with an Addiction About Getting Help<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/strong>You don\u2019t have to wait for your loved one to hit rock bottom\u2014to get arrested, lose their job, suffer a medical emergency, or publicly humiliate themselves\u2014to speak out. The earlier an addiction is treated, the better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/strong>Emphasize that you care for the person and are worried about their well-being. Offer specific examples of your loved one\u2019s drug-related behavior that has made you concerned\u2014and be honest about your own feelings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Even when you don\u2019t agree with the person, take the time to listen to what they have to say, without trying to argue or contradict them. The more your loved one feels heard, the more they\u2019ll see you as supportive, someone they can confide in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/strong>Offer them information about how they can address their drug problem\u2014whether that\u2019s calling a helpline, talking to a doctor or counselor, entering a treatment program, or going to a group meeting such as SMART Recovery, or a 12-step program like Narcotics Anonymous (NA).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your loved one may become defensive or angry and refuse to discuss their drug use. Many people feel a sense of shame when confronted by their behavior and will try to deny they have a problem. Don\u2019t argue with them, just revisit the issue another time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/strong>Avoid trying to lecture, threaten, bribe, or punish the person. Getting angry or making emotional appeals will likely only add to the user\u2019s feelings of guilt and reinforce their compulsion to use.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAddiction Treatment & Addiction Recovery<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Getting Professional Help<\/em> for Drug and Alcohol Addiction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n