Drug Abuse Can Lead to Drug Addiction

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), drug addiction or drug dependence is defined as the uncontrollable craving, seeking and use of drugs which persists even in the face of extremely negative consequences. It becomes a compulsive act, in large part as a result of the effects of prolonged drug use on the brain's ability to function. Drug addiction is not to be confused with “drug abuse” which is defined as using a drug excessively, or for purposes for which it was not medically intended. Over time, drug abuse can (and often does) lead to drug addiction. Even those people who use drugs for their intended medical purpose (such as chronic pain relief) may become dependent without realizing it. At Mark Houston Recovery, we help residents recover from drug addiction so that they can reclaim their lives. Contact us today at 866.905.4550 if you or someone you love needs help overcoming a life of drug and alcohol abuse or addiction.

What Are You Waiting For? Signs of An Addiction Problem & The Necessity of Taking Action

Understanding what drug and/or alcohol addiction is can help you to recognize when someone you love may need your help getting into a drug and alcohol recovery center. Possessing the understanding and knowledge of addiction allows you to play a crucial role in your life or the life of someone else who may need your help in the drug recovery process. That being said, the following are an assortment of signs that someone may be addicted to drugs or alcohol according to the American Council for Drug Education (http://www.acde.org/parent/signs.htm):

Physical Symptoms

• irregular heartbeat
• needle marks on lower arm, leg or bottom of feet
• smell of substance on breath, body or clothes
• red, watery eyes; pupils larger or smaller than usual; blank stare
• slowed or staggering walk; poor physical condition
• loss of appetite
• extreme hyperactivity; excessive talking

• change in personality/attitude for no apparent reason
• change in activities or hobbies (I.e. lack of interest)
• changes in friends; friends are known drug users
• difficulty paying attention; forgetfulness
• lack of motivation, low self-esteem, “I don't care” attitude
• moodiness, irritability or nervousness
• paranoia, depression, hallucinations
• secretive; suspicious behavior
• car accidents
• chronic dishonesty
• unexplained need for money; stealing items or money

What Causes Drug Abuse & What Can You Do?

Unfortunately, you cannot force someone you love to stop abusing drugs or alcohol. Rather, in the end, it will ultimately be up to them. However, having a strong and positive support system can help you make positive choices for yourself. Having a support system in place can also help you to encourage your loved one to get help without losing yourself in the process. At Mark Houston Recovery, we provide support not only for those residents who are in need of help for their drug and alcohol addiction; but we also provide support to the families of those residents through counseling as well as by providing them information and advice on how to deal with caring for someone who has a drug and/or alcohol addiction. That being said, there are several things that you should keep in mind when you are caring for someone who is addicted to drugs:

• Don’t expect your loved one to be able to quit without support. Contrary to popular belief, if someone is addicted to drugs or alcohol, don't believe them when they tell you that they don't need help- that they can just “quit anytime they feel like it”. Withdrawal symptoms from either drugs or alcohol can be unpleasant, painful, and even deadly. Withdrawal can be dangerous and should be done under medical supervision.
• Recovery is an ongoing process. Even if you attend the best 30-day drug and alcohol recovery program, drug relapse can and still does happen to some recovering addicts. Someone who abused drugs will not suddenly be a cured person once sober. Drug use may have been masking painful feelings that will bubble up to the surface. Many in recovery experience depressed moods for up to a year or more as their brain reestablishes from the drug abuse. At Mark Houston Recovery, we work with residents to help them learn skills to help them resist cravings, as well as how to more effectively handle stressful situations. We always remind families to remember that ongoing support is crucial to work through those issues if the recovering addict is to ever reclaim his or her life.

If you or your loved ones have tried treatment programs in the past with no success, then it may be time for a more extensive program. The minimum 90-day program at Mark Houston Recovery provides residents with the time they need to not only break their addiction, but also acquire the necessary life skills and habits they need for successful relapse prevention.