1. What is addiction?
Addiction is a strong mental and physical dependence on, most commonly, a drug or other substance. Some substances that can lead to addiction are alcohol, illegal drugs, some prescription medicines, inhalants (such as spray paint), and nicotine.
2. What are the signs of addiction? How do I recognize it?
A person with an addiction usually has 3 or more of the following signs and symptoms:
- Needing more and more of the drug or substance to have the same effect, or getting less effect from the same amount of the drug or substance over time (tolerance)
- Being unable to stop using the drug or substance without having uncomfortable symptoms (withdrawal symptoms)
- Taking the drug or substance in larger amounts or over a longer period of time than was intended
- Being unable to cut down or control use of the drug or substance or having the persistent desire to do so
- Spending a lot of time getting, using, or recovering from the effects of the drug or substance
- Not being able to meet obligations to family, job, or other activities because of drug or substance use
- Continuing to use the drug or substance even though it is physically or psychologically harming the person
3. Is it possible to become addicted to a drug even if you have only tried it once?
In most cases a person will not become addicted to a drug if it is only tried once, however highly addictive drugs such as heroin and amphetamines may create a craving, even after the first use. A person who has tried a drug once may want to continue to use the drug, thus developing a dependence and an addiction. Having obsessive thoughts and creating schemes to get more of the drug may indicate mounting addictive tendencies. All illicit drugs are dangerous and should not be tampered with, however, once a person is addicted to a drug seeking proper substance abuse treatment is one of the most productive possible options (courtesy of Drug Addiction FAQ).
4. What are the most common types of prescription drugs abused?
There are countless types of prescription drugs that are heavily abused, however the main categories of drugs being abused are depressants, stimulants and opioids. These three categories of drugs encompass all of the very popularly abused drugs including vicodin, oxycontin, hydrocodone, valium and xanax (courtesy of P.D.A.P.).
5. Is substance abuse/misuse a problem in Utah County?
In March 2006 the Deseret news released an article stating that Utah led the nation in non medicinal use of prescription drugs with 6.5% of the population using without a doctors order. That’s equivalent to 165, 754 people!
In 2006, more Utahan’s died as a result of over- the-counter or prescription drug overdose than died in automobile accidents.
In 2006, Utah experienced 2,674 alcohol and other drug related crashes that resulted in 1,966 injuries and 68 fatalities.
Every day in the state of Utah the police will make about 40 drug arrests and 30 DUI arrests.
Every month the state of Utah will lose about 60 residents to alcohol related death and 10 to illegal drug overdose.
Utah has a crime rate 2% higher than the national average. 94% of all crime are property crime.
6. How are alcoholism and drug addiction different?
Alcoholism and drug addiction only different in the type of substance abused. Alcohol is an addictive drug that comes in a liquid form. Alcoholics and drug addicts both suffer from a dependence, tolerance and obsession with a mind-altering substance. Both are progressive diseases and both are treatable through abstinence and rehabilitative treatment (courtesy of Drug Addiction FAQ).
7. How do I confront someone who is in denial about addiction?
1. Think about why you want to confront this person now. What outcome would you like to achieve. You probably want the person to stop their behavior but you cannot make them do that. That is up to them.
2. What part of their addiction is causing you the most distress. Be specific. Is it violence, theft, illness, money, sexual behavior, verbal abuse or other problems. You may be worried they will harm themselves. You may be worried about the effect on children.
3.Write down how their addiction has affected you. It might include: worry, illness, loss of income, legal problems, loss of friends and family, depression, fear, loss of trust and others.
4. Think carefully about what you will and won’t accept in the future in this relationship. If you can’t carry through with what you ask for then there is no point in stating your requests. Some ideas might be ‘if you continue to do …. I will (leave you, move out, divorce you, have separate bank accounts, not spend time with you when you are drunk / stoned etc”
5. Think through how the person is likely to react to your confrontation based on their past behavior. Most people do not like to be reminded of their problems. Chances are they know deep down they are out of control but are not ready to admit it. Will they get angry or break down? Is there a risk of self-harm if they are distressed? They may blame you for their problem.
6. The goal of confronting someone in denial about their addiction is for you to express your concern, your feelings and state what you will and will not accept in the relationship in the future. You cannot make someone stop being addicted so don’t make the situation worse by thinking you can. Addiction is a serious medical and psychological problem that this person will need professional help with.
7. Choose a time when they are most coherent and least under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Don’t confront someone in a group setting, it is more likely to result in them denying the problem even more. Don’t confront them if there is any risk of violence.
8. Use “I” statements not “you” statements. Do not criticize or name call, verbal abuse won’t help. State how you feel, how their addiction affects you and what you want to change. Here is one examples of how to get started.
I hate seeing you like this and I hate living like this. I want you to get help for your problem. I know you think you can beat if on your own and you have tried really hard to stop. You need help.
I care about you and I want to see you happy and healthy again.
8. Where can I find help?
Drug-Rehab.org can help match you with drug and alcohol rehab that suits your unique circumstances. Call 877-503-6897 to speak with counselors who are standing by to help you locate a reputible drug or alcohol rehab facility in your area that meets your needs and your budget.
The Recovery Connection offers live help toll free at 1-800-993-3869. Trained staff are available 24/7 and experienced in matching your drug rehab needs with a drug rehab program capable of meeting them. Their staff will locate a drug rehabilitation program that will help make a difference in your life. To reach Utah treatment centers in Salt Lake City, call 801-356-0024 and call 801-596-3309 for Provo and surrounding area.
Cirque Lodge located in Sundance, Utah is a private addiction treatment facility and is considered one of the nation’s finest drug treatment centers. Click here to visit their website or call 801-222-9200 for local calls or 1-877-997-3422 for all other calls.
Al-Anon is a free peer support group for families coping with alcohol abuse. It may be a good place to begin as these groups are the most numerous, and frequently alcohol is abused with other drugs as well. Similar to Al-Anon, there are several support groups for families coping with specific drug abuse as well. These include Nar-Anon, for families coping with narcotic abuse, and Co-Anon, for families coping with cocaine abuse.
9. What is withdrawal? What are the signs and symptoms of withdrawal?
Withdrawal is a term referring to the feelings of discomfort, distress, and intense craving for a substance that occur when use of the substance is stopped. These physical symptoms occur because the body had become metabolically adapted to the substance. The withdrawal symptoms can range from mild discomfort resembling the flu to severe withdrawal that can actually be life threatening.
There are five basic stages of withdrawal:
- Withdrawal Stage – lasts up to 15 days and may be accompanied by fatigue, pain, anxiety, and depression.
- Honeymoon Stage – the opposite of withdrawal that is often accompanied by feelings of energy, optimism, and confidence.
- The Wall Stage – time when most relapses occur due to the reemergence of feelings of anxiety and depression.
- Adjustment Stage – a period of realization and acceptance that change is a lifelong struggle.
- Resolution Stage – occurs after six months of sobriety or abstinence.
(courtesy of about.com)
10. How effective is treatment? And how much does it cost?
Most programs have a minium stay of 30 days or 3-4 weeks and can last as long as a year. Depending upon the type of treatment received and the nature of the problem, usually the rate of success can be measured against the length of stay. Those who stay longer are generally associated with a higher rate of success; however, a lot of that depends upon the attitude of the client.
Most of my research has been involved in Utah and Utah County; however, options similar to these may be located throughout the nation. Treatments vary according to the needs of the client and what you are looking for. There are some treatments that can start at almost nothing such as some mental health institutions like Wasatch Mental Health. Some residential drug and treatment centers such as The Haven in Salt Lake City or drug rehabilitation centers such as Ascend Recovery and Turning Point start admissions at 3,000-9,000 and run to about 15,000. More expensive programs such as Cirque Lodge begin admission at 30,000-48,000 depending upon the length of stay and type of program. These more expensive rehabilitation centers offer 1 on 1 counseling, group meetings, invite guest speakers to address the residents, have hands on activities such as horse back riding, snowshoeing, fishing and incorporate group meetings such as 12 step recovery and Alcoholics Anonymous or other programs specific to need.
Attendance to a 12 step recovery meeting or Alcoholics Anonymous etc. can be available to the public for as low as a dollar a meeting; these meetings are affordable alternatives for those who do not have good health insurance coverage or who do not have the means to attend a rehabilitation center for 4 weeks or more.
Click here to find an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting location near you.
Click here to locate any 12 step recovery program meeting world-wide.
