Drugs of Abuse
People have been using mind-altering
drugs for thousands of years. These
drugs (including alcohol) help us to
concentrate, offer a diversion from our usual
way of feeling, and help us to feel as if we fit
in with those around us.
So it's not surprising to discover that a large
proportion of men and women use chemicals.
However, with repeated use both physical
and psychological problems start to occur.
Typically the user moves from use on
"special occasions" to some form of
patterned use such as only on the weekends
to daily use. The drug user also starts to
realize the diminished effects of the drug and
starts to use more to get high. This is the
start of addiction.
A person is diagnosed with
chemical dependency (addiction)
when three of the following occur:
1-Tolerance (diminished effect of the drug on
the person's body)
2-Withdrawal (Negative physical signs hours
to days after drug wears off)
3-Excessive use of the drug or excessive
time using or recovering from drug use. More
of the drug was used and over a longer
period of time than was intended.
4-Repeated efforts to stop or cut back are
not successful (others ask users to stop or
cut back). The person feels ashamed or
guilty for excessive use.
5-Use is associated with problems: Legal,
Family, Social, Financial, Employment, etc.
6-Use starts to become more secretive, the
user denies they have a problem and they
often start to withdrawal from supportive
relationships.
7-The addict continues to use despite
physical health problems, mental health
problems, and under dangerous
circumstances.
drugs for thousands of years. These
drugs (including alcohol) help us to
concentrate, offer a diversion from our usual
way of feeling, and help us to feel as if we fit
in with those around us.
So it's not surprising to discover that a large
proportion of men and women use chemicals.
However, with repeated use both physical
and psychological problems start to occur.
Typically the user moves from use on
"special occasions" to some form of
patterned use such as only on the weekends
to daily use. The drug user also starts to
realize the diminished effects of the drug and
starts to use more to get high. This is the
start of addiction.
A person is diagnosed with
chemical dependency (addiction)
when three of the following occur:
1-Tolerance (diminished effect of the drug on
the person's body)
2-Withdrawal (Negative physical signs hours
to days after drug wears off)
3-Excessive use of the drug or excessive
time using or recovering from drug use. More
of the drug was used and over a longer
period of time than was intended.
4-Repeated efforts to stop or cut back are
not successful (others ask users to stop or
cut back). The person feels ashamed or
guilty for excessive use.
5-Use is associated with problems: Legal,
Family, Social, Financial, Employment, etc.
6-Use starts to become more secretive, the
user denies they have a problem and they
often start to withdrawal from supportive
relationships.
7-The addict continues to use despite
physical health problems, mental health
problems, and under dangerous
circumstances.
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
Help is on the way!
Drug addiction is considered a "disease" as most
individuals don't realize the power of addictive
substances on the human body...
ACCEPTANCE is step one...admitting that one has
a problem and they need help.
Treatment comes in different forms...sometimes
people need the help of professionals at treatment
centers.
Some are looking for individual counselors who
understand the addictive process and have
experience helping their clients find meaningful
recovery. This is where I can help....
individuals don't realize the power of addictive
substances on the human body...
ACCEPTANCE is step one...admitting that one has
a problem and they need help.
Treatment comes in different forms...sometimes
people need the help of professionals at treatment
centers.
Some are looking for individual counselors who
understand the addictive process and have
experience helping their clients find meaningful
recovery. This is where I can help....
Individual Counseling
Family Counseling
Adolescent Counseling
Intervention Services
Family Counseling
Adolescent Counseling
Intervention Services
