Drug Abuse And Addiction: Types, Signs And Treatment Plans

Drug Abuse is something that is considered a bad habit. But, in reality, it is actually a disease that the substance abuse victim is suffering from. As a part of society, we all should handle this delicate matter very carefully.

Most of us do not have a proper idea about drug addiction and abuse. Anyone can be a victim of substance abuse. So, what we should do is show them the right path instead of addressing them as someone with a bad habit.

So, here we are to offer you the essential information about drug addiction. We will cover the signs, treatment plans, and different types of drug abuse here. You also can contact a reputed recovery center, where you can take your loved one. Knowing the entire program helps with understanding the requirements and treatment.

Let’s start with the basic definition.

What Is Drug Addiction?

Addiction is actually a chronic disease that is characterized by drug-seeking. In addition, the use of drugs has become compulsory and really difficult to control despite all the harmful consequences of it.

For most people, the initial decision of taking drugs is voluntary, but when it is taken repeatedly, it causes brain changes, which challenges the self-control of the addicted person along with interfering with their ability to resist intense urges of taking drugs.

Types Of Drug Addiction

Now, we will look into the different kinds of drug addiction.

Heroin
Crack
Cocaine
Amphetamines
Hallucinogens
Marijuana
Prescription Drugs
Inhalants

Signs Of Drug Addiction

The struggle of every person is different when it comes to drug addiction. This is the reason why in most cases, a person becomes able to continue their addiction for a long time. So, the symptoms of drug addiction change for every person.

When it comes to identifying all the signs, it will be better if we divide them into four categories. Below we are describing the signs of four different categories.

Behavioral Signs

When a person gets into drug abuse, their behavior gets changed. It also can change the habits and priorities of a person. Here are some of the behavioral drug addiction symptoms.

Erratic behavior.
Stealing.
Lying.
Change in social circle.
Excessive sleeping.
Being secretive about the whereabouts.
No longer being interested or excited in things, which they once were.
Getting in trouble with the legal regulations.
Declining performance in education or work.

Emotional Signs

Emotional drug addiction signs are those, which affect the emotional well-being and state of the victim. When the individual with drug abuse issues starts displaying emotional addiction signs, the way the person handles different emotions might appear different than a normal person.

Mood swings.
Depression.
Irritability.
Unexplained euphoria.
Extreme sadness.
Manic energy followed by a physical and emotional crash.

Physical Signs

Drug abuse also has the power to change the way a person used to look or function physically. All these symptoms sometimes are prominent enough to notice. Physical drug abuse symptoms are as follows.

Sudden weight gain.
Sudden weight loss.
Headaches.
Nausea.
Chills.
Insomnia.

Cognitive Signs

Cognitive drug abuse signs affect the way the mind of the victim operates. In turn, it can affect the way the victim perceives the world. Here are some of the cognitive drug abuse symptoms.

A disconnect from reality.
Hallucinations.
Paranoia.

Treatment Plans Of Drug Addiction

After understanding the basics, types, and also signs or symptoms of drug abuse, it is time to look at the treatment plan. In case you are searching for a treatment center, where you want to get your loved one to take admission, knowing the treatment plan will actually help you in choosing the right one.

Withdrawal

In the initial days, when an individual is trying to quit taking drugs and also has not intaken any form of drug, the body flushes out all those harmful substances. As a result, the body does not get the substance it has been habituated with.

This is the time when withdrawal symptoms are witnessed. It is a physical condition that needs to be taken care of and treated well. Every recovery treatment plan comes with a dedicated program to handle withdrawal symptoms.

Relapse Prevention

One thing everyone should keep in mind, there is no end to recovery. No matter how determined you are, the risk of relapse is always there for all the victims of drug abuse. You might not know when and how you might again have started taking drugs.

This is why the treatment program also includes some special sessions, and tools, which the victim is required to use when there is a chance of relapsing. From avoiding places to changing companies, following a healthy schedule to leaving some bad habits, everything is included here.

Therapies

In most cases, developing substance abuse or addiction is the result of one or many mental issues. It can be stress, frustration, anxiety, or depression. So, the drug addiction treatment plan comes with several therapy sessions.

All these therapy sessions are not only for the victims but also for their family, relatives, friends, and colleagues. These are the people whom the victim needs in their journey of recovery. Family therapy is indeed a crucial part of that.

Medications

Last but not least, medications. Whether it is combating the withdrawal symptoms or treating the health issues caused by drug abuse, medication is a major part of the treatment. In most cases, drug abuse has severe effects on the victim’s physical and mental health.

In order to help the victim recover from them, certain medicines are given to them. Just the way we need to take medicines when we develop any disease, the victim also has to take some prescribed medicines. After all, drug abuse is also a disease.

Closing Thoughts

We hope you get the idea and information you have been looking for in drug addiction, its types, symptoms, and treatment. In case you still have any doubts or queries, feel free to reach us. We will try to come up with a solution as soon as possible.