Drug Addiction

Prescription drug abuse is on the rise and many more people are finding themselves with an addiction to those prescripton drugs.  Think about how you feel when you’re in pain – not just a little bit of pain – a lot of pain.  What is the first thing you think about?  If it’s me, I think about relieving that pain.  In fact, that’s one of the first and foremost thoughts in my mind – what can I do to get rid of this horrible pain?

So you go to a doctor and tell him or her about your pain, and your doctor prescribes a pain killer to help you.  Aaaahhh, you feel better.  You think you’ve found a bit of a miracle just by swallowing a little pill.  And for a little while, it is a miracle for you.

Then you start to feel a little bit better, but you don’t stop taking the pills.  Why?  Because they make you feel good.  They take the edge off, they help you cope, and they are almost your best friends.  Without even really knowing it, you have become dependent on those pills to help you get through the day.

More and more people are finding themselves becoming addicted to prescription drugs.  This is because the new prescription drugs we have on the market are so much more powerful than any others we’ve had, people begin to like and get used to the effect these drugs have on them and their mindset.

Prescription drug abuse is on the rise and before they really become aware, addiction has set in.  It’s a serious problem that can lead to other types of drug abuse and needs to be addressed early in the stages of addiction.

The first step that needs to be taken is to acknowledge that there might be a problem with your prescription drug use.  Many people begin to “doctor hop” to get their prescriptions filled.  I know of one woman who actually had a day planner that listed her various doctor appointments along with what prescription medications they would prescribe for her.

Prescription drug abuse is just as serious as heroin drug addiction or alcoholism.  The recovery period is just a little bit longer because you started taking the pills to combat pain in the first place.

Addiction can happen in an instant, believe it or not!  When you can face the problem head on, you can make yourself armed with the tools you need to fight it.  That includes getting as much information as you can about the health effects these drugs have on your body and what to expect when you stop using those drugs.

Prescription drug abuse and addiction is a very treatable condition.  The information to help you is out there.  All you have to do is look for it.  Talk to people, look in the phone book, check the Internet.  Your family deserves it, your friends deserve, but most of all – you deserve it!

Prescription drug addiction is an ever-growing problem in the United States.  People receive prescription drugs most often to combat pain.  When they become accustomed to taking a pill to relieve that pain, they often become addicted before they even realize what’s happening.

A doctor will write a prescription for drugs to help the patient feel better and be better able to cope with the debilitating symptoms of either an accident or a disease.  Because a doctor prescribes this medication, patients often think that taking it is safe.  But when they start relying on the drug to get through a day or cope with life, that’s when the prescription drug becomes an addiction.

It is estimated that over 20 million Americans have an addiction to prescription drugs.  And we’re not just talking about everyday people.  Celebrities, CEO’s, and millionaires alike can become addicted to prescription drugs.  It’s the newest problem to afflict famous people and regular, everyday people as well.

If you think you might be struggling with an addiction to prescription drugs, it’s important to first talk to your doctor.  He (or she) was the one who prescribed them in the first place, and if you find yourself needing more and more of the drug, you need to cut off your source to begin your recovery process.

When a loved one is suffering from prescription drug addiction, it might be difficult to watch them travel down this road.  Chances are good that the reason they were written the prescription in the first place involved a trauma of some sort.  You may be more apt to deny their addiction way before they do.  This is a huge mistake.

If you are especially close to someone who is taking Vicodin or Oxycontin for pain, keep an eye on how many pills they are taking.  You can monitor their usage and take note when you feel they are taking more pills than are necessary.

Many people with a prescription drug addiction are afraid to stop taking their drugs.  They are afraid that if they don’t have the drug in their system, the pain will come back.  When this addiction has taken hold, the truth is that the pain WILL come back, but in the form of withdrawal symptoms.  They don’t need the drug for the original reason anymore, but they need it because their body has become used to having the drug in their system.

Prescription drug addiction is nothing to mess around with.  It can take hold quicker than a blink of an eye and never let go.  It’s essential for you or your loved one to seek help as soon as possible before the addiction becomes a normal way of life.  Recovery from prescription drug addiction is possible, but it starts with an admittance of a problem.  Don’t let another day go by – get help now!

Drug addiction has many faces.  Recognizing the signs of drug addiction is the first part of getting on the road to recovery.  How do you know what to look for in trying to recognize drug addiction?  The signs can be pretty obvious when you are looking for them.

A person with a drug addiction generally acts in an erratic manner and does things they normally wouldn’t do.  Their moods can be quite unpredictable alternating between bouts of exhilaration or agitation and then exhaustion and lethargy.  They may have trouble sleeping or will “crash” and sleep for long periods of time.

Drug addiction is often accompanied by depression, so look for a loss of interest in activities they used to find enjoyable and an abrupt drop in weight.  They may hesitate to participate in gatherings or family events and begin distancing themselves from people they used to be close to.

Eyes that are bloodshot or that have a dazed or expressionless look can be a sign of drug use and addiction.  They may appear to be daydreaming and may have to be spoken to several times before they answer you.

Drug addiction can also have some outward physical signs such as excessive sweating, flushed skin, or an unexplained rash.  Inflamed nostrils or an excessively runny nose can indicate an addiction to an opiate such as cocaine.  People who use methamphetamine – or meth – will have a sudden and dramatic loss of weight.  They may lose their teeth and will most likely have open sores on their bodies.

Recognizing drug addiction in yourself is a much harder process.  Because most people don’t want to admit that they have a problem, it’s much more difficult to come to terms with an addiction problem.

You may find that you have an intense, uncontrollable craving for a drug and feel like you can’t function without it.  You always make sure that you have an ample supply of your drug of choice and become frantic when your supply starts running low.  You might find yourself doing things you wouldn’t normally do when using the drug such as stealing or being promiscuous.

Your drug addiction begins to take hold of your life and you see it spinning out of control with no way to stop.  You try to stop using the drug but repeatedly fail causing you to use even more to combat the feelings of hopelessness.

Recognizing drug addiction is important in so many ways.  When addiction is present in your or someone you love’s life, it can affect your relationship sometimes so badly it can never be recovered.  That’s why it’s essential that the healing start once you begin to recognize how the addiction has taken hold.  Once you see the signs, you can get help and become drug free!

For people who are struggling with drug addiction, recovery seems like an impossible task.  The drugs have taken hold of their lives in ways that they never thought was possible.  They can’t imagine their lives without drugs.  But recovery from drug addiction, although very difficult, IS possible with some work and effort.

The first step toward recovery from your drug addiction is admitting that a problem exists.  This is often the hardest part.  Take a good look at your life and your drug use.  See how it has affected various part of your life.

A good way to start doing this is by writing things down.  Make categories such as “family”, “money”, “job”, “school”, etc.  Once you have categories, start making lists as to how your drug use has affected each one.  It’s essential that you are brutally honest with yourself as you begin to go through the parts of your life and how your drug use has had implications on the various aspects of it.

Once you realize you have a problem with drugs, recovery from that drug addiction can truly start.  You need to tell your family and ask for their support.  Be heartfelt and honest about your own realizations and ask them to share their own feelings about your drug use.  When you have the support of your family, your recovery will go much easier.

You will need to decide whether you are going to attempt your recovery on your own or with the help of a rehab clinic.  If you decide to go it alone, it’s essential that you find a qualified medical professional to help you with withdrawal symptoms as well as a therapist or counselor to help you with the emotions you are going to be feeling.

Drugs are a huge part of your life if your use has progressed to addiction, and recovery from taking that out of your life is very emotional.  It’s like taking away your best friend, which isn’t easy at all.  When you have someone you can talk to about it and help you understand why you are feeling the way you are, it’s an easier recovery.

You may want to also find some type of 12 step program like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous.  Here you will find others who are going through the same emotions and feelings that you are.  Most people who are in 12 step programs report success during their recovery from addiction mainly because of the support they find from others.

Recovery from drug addiction isn’t an easy process.  It’s hard work and can be frustrating and lonely at times.  But when you are committed to your recovery, you can successfully beat your drug addiction and really start living life again – but this time, you’ll be living healthy and drug free!

When we talk about rehabilitation for drug addiction, we generally are speaking of in-patient rehabilitation facilities.  These are otherwise known as rehab clinics.  Because the physical withdrawal symptoms of drug addiction can be so severe, undergoing withdrawal in a rehabilitation facility is the best choice – especially for those with a severe problem.

There are many, many rehabilitation clinics all over the country, and choosing the right one is an important decision.  At one time, rehab centers were cold, dark places usually in a hospital that provided little comfort for the mind of its patients.  Today, rehabilitation facilities are often located in beautiful, pastoral settings in buildings filled with sunshine and plants that make residents feel calmer and serene.

For a person with a severe drug addiction, rehabilitation clinics must provide them with the services they will need to successfully recover from their drug use.  This includes having group therapy, exercise programs, nutrition classes, and individualized therapy.  Rehabilitation center treat drug addiction from not only a psychical standpoint but also from a psychological one.

When choosing a rehab facility for drug addiction, you will be best off picking one that is medically based.  There are several out there that are faith based, but if they have medical credentials, they are better equipped to handle the painful physical symptoms of drug detoxification as well as the emotional turmoil that comes with recovery.

You may also want to ask the facility to what extent is family involved in the recovery process.  With the person with the addiction will have plenty of support inside the facility, they will eventually be coming back into the “real” world and family support is essential to prevent relapse.  If the rehabilitation clinic involves the family a quite deal, the person with the addiction has a better chance for complete recovery.

Rehabilitation centers that focus on drug addiction operate as a community.  Residents are often given the chance to offer input as to how the community will operate.  It’s almost like a small town operating independently of the outside area.

Recovering from drug addiction isn’t easy.  In fact, it’s very difficult to do on your own.  That’s why a rehabilitation center is such a good choice when dealing with drug addiction.  It doesn’t matter if your addiction is to cocaine, alcohol, or methamphetamine, when you go to a rehab clinic, you are treated with respect and care with the focus being on making you drug free.

If you or a loved one is struggling with a drug addiction, a rehabilitation facility is a viable option to recovery.  These rehab centers know what you are dealing with when it comes to addiction and you will be around others who share your pain.  Choose your rehabilitation center with care, and watch your drug addiction disappear – over time, of course!

Drug addiction is an insidious disease that takes over a person’s life and clouds their world in a fog of problems and struggles.  The signs of drug addiction are many and varied depending on what type of drug is being abused. 

Different drugs affect people in different ways.  For example, marijuana may make a person appear spaced out and distant while amphetamines will appear hyper and upbeat.  Some people are more prone to addiction as some drugs are more likely to bring about an addiction than others.

If you have been using drugs and are concerned that you may have an addiction, look for the following signs:

* An increase or decrease in appetite, changes in eating habits, or a sudden weight loss
* Changes in personality with no other identifiable cause
* Loss of interest in activities you used to find enjoyable
* Difficult in paying attention or forgetfulness
* Lack of motivation and energy
* Fitful sleep
* Paranoia
* Trouble with managing money
* Inability to stop using your drug of choice
* Excessive pre-occupation with your drug supply
* Doing things you normally wouldn’t do if not on the drug
* Use of drugs despite health problems or warnings
* Change in personal grooming habits like showering and changing clothes

The signs of drug addiction in others are similar to those listed above.  You can also look for the following indicators as well:

* Smell of substance on clothes (e.g. marijuana, chemicals)
* Sudden need for privacy
* Violent temper or bizarre behavior
* Secretive or suspicious behavior
* Defensiveness or excessive laziness
* Unusual effort to cover up legs and arms
* Unexplained silliness or giddiness
* Drop in school or work performance
* Changes in friends
* Extreme hyperactivity or excessive talktativeness

If you notice any of these signs, a drug addiction could very well be present.  It’s important that these signs are not ignored and that help is sought for either you or a loved one.  The longer a drug addiction lasts, the more damage it can do to the mind and body, so getting help for the addiction is the best course of action.

It’s certainly easier to simply ignore any possibility that a drug addiction exists, but when you see the signs, it should become clear that there is a problem.  Once the problem is identified, it can effectively be tackled and overcome – with the right treatment.  Looks for the signs of drug addiction and then face the problem.  It’s the only way you can win the fight!

The symptoms of drug addiction can often be masked by other problems in a person’s life.  Drug use becomes an addiction when a person has a compulsive need to use drugs without care or regard for the consequences that might arise either physically or emotionally.  There are plenty of signs and symptoms to look for to tell if you or someone you love has a drug addiction.

Probably first on the list would be the inability to resist taking the drug.  People who are addicted to drugs can’t imagine functioning in life without the help of their drug of choice.  They go to great lengths to obtain the drug and use it on a regular basis often over-indulging at times.

Addicts begin to lose interest in things that they used to like to do.  Their whole life is dictated by when and where they can “get a fix”.  They put aside hobbies, families, even work and school.  Nothing else is as important as using their drug of choice.

A drug addiction can be shown in a person’s mood.  Are they often either really “up” or really “down”?  Mood swings are common with drug addiction as are angry outbursts and irrational behavior.  People with a drug addiction will find themselves doing things they normally wouldn’t do without the drug.

Physically, the ravages of drug addiction will show in the body.  They may experience a sudden weight loss and appear gaunt or pale to others.  They neglect to groom themselves such as not showering on a regular basis or taking the time to comb their hair.  They may have physical sores on their body and their eyes may appear dull and listless with a faraway look most of the time.

By the time addiction has taken hold of a person, the body has become used to having the drug in its system.  It builds up a tolerance thus the addict will need to take more of the drug in order to achieve the same effect it had before.

They may start engaging in secretive or suspicious behavior such as retreating during gatherings or making frequent, unnecessary trips just to be alone.  They can also become emotionally distant from those they were previously close to.  This alienation makes it easier for them to use drugs without judgment from those around them.

Depression often accompanies drug addiction, so look for signs of hopelessness, negative talk, and withdrawing from all activity.  Sudden changes in work or school performance can also be a sign of addiction.  They may feel exhausted and not want to get out bed sleeping for long periods of time.

Drug addiction is a serious disease, so if you see these symptoms in yourself or someone you love, seek treatment.  The healing has to begin somewhere, and when the symptoms arise, the time to get help is now!

It’s no secret that drug addiction is a powerful disease, but when teens become addicted to drugs, it’s much more serious.  Drugs affect a teen’s body in different ways.  Plus when teens are dealing with drug addiction, it’s much more difficult to maintain a clean and sober lifestyle as they get older.
Kids are being exposed to drugs at an increasingly younger age.  Studies show that by the time children get into 8th grade, nearly 35 percent have at least tried drugs.  The number of teens who become addicted to drugs is at 20 percent:  and that’s way too many!

Teens are more prone to drug addiction because of life circumstances.  Many teen get overwhelmed at the everyday struggles of life.  Many teens have low self-esteem, anxiety, an inability to express feelings, and lack of control over their lives.  All of these contribute greatly to drug use and eventually drug addiction.
Drugs kill the pain of an ordinary, mundane life.  They destroy physical and emotional pain by changing the addict’s perception of reality.  Drugs make the addict numb to the pain, hopelessness, or loneliness that they feel their life has become.

Do you suspect your teen has a drug addiction?  Some of the more common signs of drug addiction in teens include:

* Dramatic changes in behavior
* Dull, glassy eyes
* Excessive tiredness
* Failing in school
* Lying or stealing
* Isolation or loss of interest in activities
What do you do when you suspect your teen is struggling with a drug addiction?  First, trust your instincts.  If you feel there is a problem, there probably is.  Find a safe time when you can talk freely with your teen and be honest with them about your concerns.  Try to be open-minded about what they are telling you and be sympathetic to their perception of their problems.

Tell your teen what you are feeling about their drug addiction.  You are probably worried, scared, and frightened about what might happen to them.  Try not to be judgmental or angry:  this will only cause them to shut down.  You can also talk about personal observations or experience you have with drugs.  While you may be hesitant to do this, it will make you more human in your teen’s eyes.

Often, those closest to your teen – meaning you – find it easy to deny that their teen has a drug problem.  When it comes to teen drug addiction, you can’t do this.  It’s important that you get them help as soon as possible.  Don’t give up and try not to be discouraged if your initial attempts fail.  Eventually, you’ll get through and then you and your teen can start fighting drug addiction together.

The movie and music industry is a tough business.  No one knows that better than Whitney Houston.  Drug addiction knows no boundaries as well.  No one knows that better than Whiney Houston either.  So many celebrities have come forward with their drug addiction problems with strength that many people are in awe of.  Perhaps it’s because of their celebrity or maybe it’s just because they are being so honest with their fans and the public.

It doesn’t matter.  Celebrity drug use is a given in the world they live in.  Whitney Houston came upon fame rather quickly becoming a sweetheart of 1990’s music.  She was arrested in January of 2000 for possession of marijuana at an airport after two baggies of pot and three partially smoked joints were found in her luggage.

When she married fellow songster Bobby Brown, it seemed her drug use became more intense.  Whitney has been in and out of rehab repeatedly to overcome addictions to marijuana, cocaine, and assorted pills.  But the good news is that she found help for her drug addiction.

Life isn’t always easy.  Many of us want a way out of the crazy hustle and bustle.  The easy way out is to use drugs.  The drugs work on the mind making everyday problems seems trivial.  Think about what it might be like for a celebrity like Whitney Houston whose everyday problems involve record contracts, the media, and huge money issues.

It’s not a wonder we’re a drug addicted society.  The most promising part of Whitney’s addiction is that she realized that she had a drug problem and sought out help with that drug addiction.  She entered a rehab facility as so many other celebrities have done and found ways to cope with not only the stressors of life, but also with the pull towards drugs that she was bound to feel.

Just like Whitney Houston, you are not alone in your drug addiction.  There are places you can go to seek help, and it doesn’t have to be an expensive drug rehab center.  Seek help from your community.  Look for self-help organizations through a church, a therapist, or even in the telephone book.

Sure, Whitney Houston has been through a lot with her drug addiction, but now she’s on the road to recovery.  You can be just like her.  All it takes is a little honesty with yourself and a little bit of courage.  Let the people who are out there to help you lead you along the way.  You won’t be sorry, just like Whitney isn’t sorry either!

Many people have found themselves struggling with an addiction to the prescription drug Vicodin.  Prescribed as a pain reliever, Vicodin is one of the most commonly abused prescription drugs because they do not take it exactly as the doctor intended it to be taken.  When used according to instructions, it can be a very effective analgesic to help relieve pain.

Prolonged use of Vicodin can lead to addiction because the body builds up a tolerance to the drug requiring more and more in order to produce the same effect.  It takes over the brain’s normal pleasure and motivational systems making the need for the drug become priority.

Vicodin produces a euphoric feeling relaxing both the body and the mind.  People with an addiction to Vicodin are often in denial that they have a problem.  They rationalize their use by saying things like “I’m just taking it for the pain” or “The doctor said I could take a few extra if I needed to”.

As with other drugs, there are people who don’t get hooked on the medication, but true addicts will begin to get frantic when their supply starts running low.  They look for ways to replenish their supply – even lying about physical problems just to get a prescription.

Vicodin addicts find that they can’t function without the drug.  Even though the pain has subsided, Vicodin produces an effect in them that they feel they cannot live without.  People suffering from Vicodin addiction find themselves going to outside sources such as drug dealers to obtain the pills and will often go to great lengths to maintain their supply.

Addiction to the drug Vicodin is often seen as less serious than an addiction to illegal street drugs because it is prescribed by a physician.  It is also because Vicodin is not seen as causing the same life-altering problems as other drugs.  It is for these reasons that people who are addicted to Vicodin don’t think they need to seek help for their problem.

It’s important to seek medical help because the detoxification process can be painful and difficult.  Treating your mind is just as important as treating your body, so get some counseling as well.  In order to gain the tools and resources you need to stay off the drug, you will need to become an active participant in your own recovery and involve those around you for support.

Freedom from Vicodin drug addiction is possible, however, when you seek out help for the problem.  Drug addiction counseling is the only way you can effectively stop using Vicodin and become healthy again.

When you think of drug addiction, what kind of picture do you get in your mind?  Do you see a person dressed in tattered clothes sitting in a rain soaked alley with needle in hand?  Do you picture addiction in terms of a person begging on the street for money to buy just one more hit?  The picture of drug addiction can be either of these images, but you might surprised to learn that there is another side of drug addiction you may never have thought of.

Consider that the picture of drug addiction includes a man in a business suit sitting at a desk every day working a full-time job.  He has a family, children, a dog, and a wife.  To everyone else, he projects the picture of having it all.  The only problem is, the pressure of life got to him and he looked for a way out.  A colleague offered him some cocaine.  He liked the way it made him feel.  Now he juggles credit card advances to pay for his $100 a day habit.

The picture of drug addiction could also be the popular cheerleader at your child’s high school.  She’s blonde, beautiful, smart, and personable.  But every morning, she takes a shot of vodka to stop the shakes.  At lunch, she drinks a six-pack in her car, and at night, she’s at all the parties drinking until someone has to bring her home because she’s passed out.


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Finally, the picture of drug addiction could also be in the form of a bored housewife.  She has three children, laundry, dishes, and many other responsibilities.  She’s tired all the time and sometimes just can’t get out of bed because of her exhaustion.  She saw something on television about housewives taking their child’s Ritalin for energy.  She decides to try it with her own 7-year old’s medication.  Now she has to make excuses to the pediatrician why her child has run out of medicine before he should have.

Sure, we all picture a person with drug addiction as the homeless, down-on-their luck bum (so to speak) begging on the streets for money to buy drugs, but the cold reality is that drug addiction occurs in all walks of life to all types of people.  Drug addiction has no boundaries and doesn’t pick and choose its victims.

The picture of drug addiction has changed over the years to include your neighbor, your child’s teacher, and even possibly your clergy.  No one is immune, but all can get help.  If you notice drug addiction in someone you care about, have a talk with them and encourage them to get help for their problem.  Maybe one day, the picture of drug addiction will be a blank canvas.

As prevalent as drug addiction is in our society, the most troublesome part is teenage drug addiction.  Our children are being exposed to dangerous drugs at younger and younger ages.  Plus, they are exposed through their family members as well.  With drugs everywhere, it’s hard to imagine how we can take steps to prevent teenage drug addiction and be successful at it.

The most widely abused drugs among teenagers are marijuana and alcohol, although methamphetamine and heroin are also popular.  Teens use drugs as a way to escape from the problems in their lives.  They see it as an easy way out at least for as long as the drug lasts.  Teenagers perceive even the smallest problems as insurmountable, so their tendency to use drugs is much higher than an adult’s.  They keep using to maintain their escapism eventually finding themselves addicted.

If you suspect a teenage drug addiction in your family or in a friend, the biggest thing to keep in mind is that honest and open communication is the key to getting help for that teen.  Your first instinct will probably be anger, but if you show that anger, the teen will retract and not hear anything that you are saying – at least not consciously.

Remain calm and sit down to have a heart-to-heart talk about teenage drug addiction and what it can do to a person’s life.  Point out the physical problems that drugs cause like heart problems, sleep disturbances, paranoia, and lethargy.  Show them pictures of people who are addicted to drugs both before and after their addiction took hold.  There are plenty of places you can go to get this information.

Arm yourself with as much information as you can regarding teenage drug addiction.  Present what you’ve learned to your teen in a way that speaks to them and is important to them.  Try to look at the addiction from their point of view and encourage them to be honest with you about why they started using in the first place.

You will also want to get some type of counseling for your teenager.  This can be done at a local mental health facility.  Often teens relate best when there are other teens to talk to.  See if there is a peer counselor or peer group therapy available in your community.  If not, maybe you could start one yourself!

Teenage drug addiction is a problem that should not be ignored.  They say that the children are our future, and we need to take care of our children.  That means we must face drug addiction head on and not hide in a corner denying it is happening.  Communicate with your teenager, listen to them, and get them the help they need.  They deserve it and your family deserves it.