Breaking Addiction
There is Hope
Substance Abuse Disorder: Use of any type of substance despite the harmful consequences
Signs and symptoms:·
· Taking substance in large amounts and for more than you intended
· Can’t quit using the substance or cut down
· Spending too much time trying to obtain the substance, trying to use it, or recover from the after-effects
· Craving or needing to use the substance
· Use of the substance interfering in work, school, or at home
· Still using the substance even though it is causing social problems
· Diminished social, occupational, or recreational activities because of the substance
· Reckless use of the substance
· Use of the substance in the knowledge of the side effects
· Need for more because of a tolerance built by repeated use
· Withdrawal after prolonged use of a substance results in symptoms that are the opposite of those of intoxication (Nolen-Hoeksema, 2014). Results in use to stop the symptoms of withdrawal.
Some substance are:
Opioids: Pain Relievers Hydrocodone (Vicodin); Oxycodone (Oxycontin, Percocet); Codein; Morphine (Kadian Avinza)
Hallucinogen: LSD and PCP
Cannabis: Marijuana
Inhalants: Mind-altering glue, markers cleaning fluids,spray paints
(Perscription Drug Abuse, 2014); (Drug Facts: Inhalants, 2012)
Some Causes:
The disorder can begin with experimentation, prescription, or during socializing. Then a person is unable to quit using the substance and then it becomes a problem.
· Environmental
· Genetic predisposition
· Substance abuse can occur with other disorders
Treatments:
· Treatment of withdrawal symptoms,
· Medically assisted detoxification,
· Cognitive and behavior therapy,
· Group therapy
Common Myths and Misperceptions:
It's not easy to quit a substance once you are addicted to it as some might think.
A person needs help with support and guidance.
Questions to Ask the Doctor
· Are the counselors certified chemical dependency counselors (CDC)?
· Are the doctors certified and certified by the American Society of Addiction Medicine?
· What treatment therapies are used?
· What is the success rate?
· How much time is spent in the program?
· Are there crisis counseling/
· Are there drop-in counseling supports?
· Are there special services to meet the needs of each gender?
· Does the treatment address particular cultural or religious background?
(Questions About Substance Abuse Treatment Programs-Topic Overview, 2014)
A substance Abuse Counselor Must Possess One of the following Credentials:
· Certified Addiction Professional (C.A.P.). This certification requires a bachelor’s degree.
· Licensed Mental Health Counselor (L.M.H.C.). This license requires a master’s degree.
· Ph.D. or PsyD. This is the highest level graduate degree. A Ph.D. or PsyD can become licensed as a psychologist.
(What is a Substance Abuse Counselor?, 2014)
Sites for More Information:
· http://www.drugabuse.gov/pubications/drugfacts/treatment-approaches
· http://www.michigan.gov/mdch/0,4612,7-132-2941_4871_4877---,00.html
· http://www.psychologytoday.com/basics/addiction/treatment
References
Addiction Treatment. (2014). Retrieved from Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/aspiritualriver/addiction-treatment/
DrugFacts: Inhalants. (2012). Retrieved from drugabuse.gov: http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/inhalants
Free, confidentia 24-hour helpline, Call Now. (2014). Retrieved from Anchorage Drug Treatment: http://www.anchoragedrugtreatment.org/rehab-guide/help-center/
Nolen-Hoeksema, S. (2014). Abnormal Psychology Sixth Edition. New York: McGraw-Hill.
Prescription Drug Abuse. (2014). Retrieved from drugabuse.gov: http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/prescription-drugs/opioids/what-are-opioids
Questions About Substance Abuse Treatment Programs-Topic Overview. (2014). Retrieved from WebMD: http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/tc/questions-ab
What is a Substance Abuse Counselor? (2014). Retrieved from Recovery Connection: http://www.recoveryconnection.org/connect/substance-abuse-cou