Topics Substance Abuse
This is definitely a topic needing serious discussion. Drug abusers can be found among the young and the old, males and females, rich and poor. Its devastation on the lives of the abuser is non-discriminating as well. Those who abuse drugs range from thrill-seekers to addicts and everyone in between. People with addictions usually cannot quit without help. Many fail to realize that help is needed until late stage usage. This is also when a higher levels of rehabilitative care is needed as well.
Often, things will have started to spiral out of control before there is an acknowledgement that something needs to be done. Some of the signs that a person is using drugs are: significant and unexplained weight loss or gain, agitation, suspicion, paranoia, chronic lying, avoiding family and friends, work or school problems and financial difficulties.
Some of the most common drugs abused are: Marijuana, Cocaine, Speed or Methamphetamine, Heroin, Hallucinogens (LSD, Mescaline and PCP), Inhalants, Prescription drugs (inappropriately taken), Barbiturates and Benzodiazepines.
Various forms of specific drugs can be smoked or injected into the vein to speed up the “getting high” process. This practice comes with an especially high price. For example, smoking Crack is said to be instantly addictive. Sharing needles can expose one to infections and diseases. Use of some drugs can cause psychosis, brain damage, heart damage, seizures or stroke.
There is help but the road to recovery is not an easy one and the decision has to be made that it is time for a change. Typical levels of care are Out Patient Counseling, Intensive Out- Patient services, Partial Hospitalization, Residential Treatment and In Patient Detox. Sometimes, EAPs are used to get an initial assessment with an appropriate referral.