Substance Abuse Treatment

Substance Abuse Treatment

Although the exact figure fluctuates each year, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health has found that anywhere between eight and 10 percent of the US population has a problem with substance abuse. These issues can range from mild to severe, and often go untreated for many. If you know someone who may be in need of treatment, the best way to help them is to learn as much about their addiction as possible.  This can also help you know the best way to support them through this difficult time.

Drug Addiction Information

Drug addictions present themselves in many ways. Emotional outbursts or a sudden lack of emotion can indicate a growing substance abuse problem since many drugs interact with chemicals in the brain. Social withdrawal, paranoia and extreme anxiety can also be signs of drug addiction, especially if your loved one has no history of mood disorders.

The most concerning sign of addiction is the impact substance abuse has on the user’s health. You may notice that your loved one is becoming ill more frequently or that they experience tremors. Many addictions cause rapid weight loss as well.

Fortunately, substance abuse treatment is designed to treat both the physical and emotional symptoms of addiction. Getting your loved one to accept treatment may be difficult, though, so it’s important to be supportive in your approach as well as throughout the treatment process.

Approaching Substance Abuse Treatment

Convincing your loved one to get help for drug abuse can be a difficult task. You may recognize the negative consequences of their drug addiction, but often they don’t.  You can support your loved one by helping them understand what they’ll gain by getting healthy. This isn’t always an easy task, however, so you may choose to ask for help from an intervention specialist. An intervention specialist can give an outside perspective and help your loved one to understand what their options are if they agree to treatment for their substance abuse problem.

As a loved one of an addict, you may wonder what your role in their treatment needs to be. This often depends based on the course of action they take.

Support During Substance Abuse Treatment

One of the best ways you can help your loved one while they’re in treatment is by supporting their choices. Substance abuse treatment can be an emotionally and physically draining process. If the patient is part of an inpatient treatment program, you’ll often have to support them from a distance. Some programs allow for visitors and can even encourage your participation in therapy sessions. By becoming a participant in their treatment, you’ll be able to show that you’re willing to explore your influence in their illness and help them through the task of getting well. Outpatient programs often encourage familial support and cooperation; since the patient is allowed to stay at home, it can be difficult to remain on the right path with all the temptations of daily life present.

There are many groups out there to provide support as well. Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous are vital resources for anyone recovering from addiction, because they provide addicts with other outlets for discussion. As a family member or friend, you won’t be able to participate in NA or AA meetings, but you’ll be able to help by encouraging them to continue meetings even after their treatment at another facility is finished.

While you’ve undoubtedly felt the strain of addiction, by lending support and encouragement, you can help your loved one heal not only themselves, but their relationship with you as well.