There’s plenty of drug abuse information out there regarding kids and teens. However, when it comes to adults, it seems that the data isn’t as readily available. For example, did you know that most people would be hard-pressed to recognize binge drinking? What other bits and pieces of information are you missing?

Drug Addiction is a Disease

Counselor giving a young woman some drug abuse information for decision makingPerhaps the most critical piece of drug abuse information has to do with the nature of the condition. Far too many people believe that addiction is a moral failure. They may think it’s a weakness that they could overcome with more willpower. That’s just not true.

Addiction is a chronic disease of the brain. Its symptoms are physical and psychological. You can treat the illness with success by getting professional addiction help. Although there’s no cure, it’s possible to achieve remission.

Your Doctor May Not Give You Drug Abuse Information with Your Prescription

The professional may not have the time to go through the addiction potential of opioid medications. In fact, many professionals may figure that you already know about the opioid crisis. Others rely on the drug abuse information that manufacturers include on their inserts. But if you’re at high risk for developing an addiction, it’s unclear if this is effective.

Because opioids have an addiction potential even if you use them as prescribed, you need more rather than less help. It’s vital to realize that the first pangs of opioid withdrawal symptoms signal a problem. When you find yourself refilling the drugs even though your pain isn’t severe any longer, it’s time to quit.

Functional Alcoholism is a Thing

Many believe that people with an alcohol use disorder are those who are homeless. However, that’s not accurate. There are professionals currently holding high-power positions who also suffer from the disease. They succeed at functioning even while dealing with intoxication, addiction, and withdrawal.

Detoxification is the First Step on the Road to Recovery

Another essential piece of drug abuse information involves how to start your recovery. It almost always begins with detoxification. Detox is the process that helps to break the physiological dependence to a drug. Do it safely at a facility that specializes in this treatment.

There, experts provide pharmacological support, which makes withdrawal almost pain-free and safe. They also help you understand what’s happening. As the chemicals leave your body, it regains equilibrium. But this process takes a little while.

You might feel like you’re tired one moment and wired the next. You’re hot and then cold. However, these effects taper off. Once you finish with detox, you head to rehab.

Rehab Tackles the Psychological Aspect of Addiction

When you’ve succeeded in ending your physiological addiction, it’s time to tackle the psychological aspect of dependency. Therapists use a broad range of treatments to help you exchange dysfunction with healthy reactions. Examples include:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy, which encourages negative pattern recognition in thoughts, feelings, and actions
  • Dialectical behavior therapy that helps you deal with strong emotions when facing situations you can’t change
  • Trauma therapy for program participants with unresolved adverse circumstances in their pasts that are still affecting them today
  • Family therapy, which assists people with co-dependency problems, unhealthy boundaries, and problems in communication
  • Dual diagnosis treatment for individuals who may be dealing with co-occurring mental health disorders

Holistic healing methods also play a significant role in rehab. Yoga, Tai Chi, meditation, and mindfulness training combine to assist with stress relief and anxieties. This treatment segment happens concurrently with more standard modalities that help you overcome the psychological addiction. Holistic therapies work on helping you regain spiritual wellness and balance.

Far too often, doctors and others don’t realize that your spiritual being also suffers from addiction. Of course, the physical and emotional effects are far more visible. Your spirit also needs healing. Combining holistic treatments with evidence based practices targeting your mind is the best option.

Getting the Help You Need Today

Now that you have the information you need, it’s tempting to file it away for later. Don’t do that! Contact Beaches Recovery to get drug abuse information that affects you individually. Dial 866.605.0532 now for a substance abuse evaluation and intake interview.