Dealing with Drugs
Drug addiction has plagued society for decades now, each year bringing in harrowing statistics defining the number of people involved in the abuse of dangerous drugs. As a solution to this societal problem, people have come together in recent years to raise awareness, educating the youth and the public on the perils of substance abuse and the therapies that are dealt to people with drug problems.
The involvement of many people in an issue such as this is important, as drug addicts find difficulty in stopping their abuse by themselves. Drug use over significant periods of time shows a marked change in one's brain function—change that deeply affects a person's behavior, namely, the impulse to use drugs, despite the grave consequences it can bring to one's health and well being. These physiological impediments, coupled with everything from stress in one's basic social unit, to the type of environment that surrounds him, can all make long-term abstinence a virtual impossibility for drug addicts.
The reasons behind one's drug abuse vary from individual to individual. Factors such as the state of one's mental health, social problems and even problems in the work place can all contribute to drug use. The treatment offered to every patient depends largely on these characteristics, and as such, is highly individualized to ensure effectiveness.
Treatment involves everything from scientific and medical measures, as well as behavioral therapy. In most cases, a combination of both types of treatment is given, so that both mind and body can work and heal towards a drug-free existence. Factors such as age, race, gender, family, culture, sexual orientation, physical and sexual abuse history, are all taken into consideration in an individual's treatment. These measures do not just cover the immediate rehabilitation of someone addicted to drugs, but go beyond therapy to protect him from the threat of relapse.
A variety of therapies can be administered to counteract several problems that those in the process of rehabilitating themselves encounter:
• Medication. These can help suppress withdrawal symptoms when one goes through detoxification. These help bring brain function back to normal levels, and can significantly reduce one's cravings for drugs while in treatment. Heroin, morphine, nicotine, cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana all have respective medications to help curb one's desire to use and abuse.
• Outpatient Behavioral Treatment. This therapy involves a series of programs, conducted at a clinic, which are attended by patients on a regular basis. These address issues such as, recognizing the drug problem and avoiding situations that put you in danger of using. Family therapy is also offered, especially for adolescents; while motivational therapy is given to encourage individuals to leave their self-destructive behavior behind.
• Treatment within the Justice System. Studies by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration have shown that criminal activity can be reduced to 80% at the most, given this type of involuntary treatment. This is particularly helpful when an individual transitions back into the community, from a life distended by criminal behavior.