Drug Abuse

Drug addiction affects people all over the world. However, there are many misconceptions about the causes of drug addiction and the proper course of treatment for addiction.

It is a common misperception that drug addiction is a form of moral failure. This frequently consists of a belief that addicts are weak and simply lack the will or discipline not to abuse drugs.

Another widespread misconception is that spending time in a drug rehabilitation centre with is enough to end to an addict’s dependence on drugs.However, drug addiction is more than simply a physical dependency and cannot simply be cured like many physical conditions. Successful treatment for drug addiction requires treating the emotional problems that cause addictive behaviour.

Addiction counsellors and other professionals have a more holistic understanding of drug 
addiction.  It is now understood that addicts cannot stop using. Even when aware that their life is falling apart, drug addicts still find that that they cannot moderate their drug use, regardless of the consequences. Indeed, addiction may be properly characterised as the inability to cease addictive behaviours despite their obvious negative consequences.

The professional understanding is that addiction is a disease. Addictive behaviours are caused by severe psychological problems that need to be addressed with expert treatment. The disease is incurable and progressive, and can prove fatal if not arrested. The disease of addiction does not distinguish between class, race, gender or sexuality.

Addicts often have difficulty processing and expressing their feelings in a healthy way. Inner conflicts often motivate substance abuse. Getting high helps addicts to avoid their feelings. This leads to addicts compulsively seeking drugs and other substances or experiences which will aid them in avoiding difficult emotions.

In-patient treatment at a drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility is a helpful option for those who feel that they have a drug addiction problem.

A holistic approach to drug addiction treatment, incorporating a 12-Step programme and a focus on overall wellness, has been show to be an effective approach to overcoming drug dependency and managing drug addiction over time.

These methods are designed to help addicts to develop the skills needed to cope with their addiction on a daily basis. The addict becomes able to make healthier life affirming choices that allow them to lead a more productive life and to process difficult emotions without the need to resort to drugs or other substances.

Drug Addiction: Pakistan’s drug addiction problem

Pakistan has been battling a growing problem of drug addiction in the country. Most users rely on local NGOs for treatment and rehabilitation, but these are often weighed down by a lack of funds. Now, a leading charity has shut down after a dispute with the government cut off vital support for thousands of people. Al Jazeera’s Hashem Ahelbarra reports.

Drug Addiction: Drug testing for welfare, food stamp recipients?
Beginning July first, anyone applying for welfare in Florida must undergo drug testing. Could a simliar measure be enacted in Texas?
Read more on KGBT 4 Rio Grande Valley

Drug Addiction: Russia Defies Growing Consensus With Declaration Of ‘Total War On Drugs’
Drug dealers are to be “treated like serial killers” and could be sent to forced labor camps under harsh laws being drawn up by Russia’s Kremlin-controlled parliament.
Read more on Free Internet Press

Drug Addiction: Drug court planned for Lincoln Co.
The North Platte Telegraph Lincoln County may have a drug court by fall. Eleventh Judicial District Judge James Doyle gave the commissioners a “heads-up” about the plan at Monday’s board meeting.
Read more on North Platte Telegraph

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