Drug Addiction

Those seeking drug addiction help for themselves or a loved one are often unsure where to turn. In addition to conflicting messages as to how best to help an addict, they are often experiencing social and societal influences such as the stigma and shame that often accompany being an addict.

The good news is, that regardless of whether a person became an addict as the result of a medical prescription gone wrong or as the result of their own poor choices, drug addiction help is available. For the person seeking recovery, they must focus on the choices they wish to make here in the present and how they wish their future to look – in other words, they must focus on their goal of having a drug free life.

Those seeking drug addiction help for themselves or a loved one are often unsure where to turn. In addition to conflicting messages as to how best to help an addict, they are often experiencing social and societal influences such as the stigma and shame that often accompany being an addict.

The good news is, that regardless of whether a person became an addict as the result of a medical prescription gone wrong or as the result of their own poor choices, drug addiction help is available. For the person seeking recovery, they must focus on the choices they wish to make here in the present and how they wish their future to look – in other words, they must focus on their goal of having a drug free life.

Drug addiction is a more complex problem than most people realize. It is not merely a “self-control” issue. Many drugs literally change the way that a person’s brain and body functions. In some cases, when a person is going through withdrawal symptoms, the brain literally thinks that it is dying and the addict will do virtually anything to get that next fix.

Because the problem is so complex, the solution must be comprehensive. Addicts that have the best chance of recovery are those that have the best support system. This includes having a multi-faceted treatment program which includes both medical intervention and therapy, as well as having a strong support network of friends, family, therapists and doctors.

Overcoming drug addiction is a tough road. Fortunately medications such as methadone and suboxone are available to help make this transition easier. Prescriptions such as these, when taken under proper medical supervision, can help to ease the terrible symptoms of withdrawal and make a person less prone to going back to taking opiate drugs.

They work by blocking the effects of opiate drugs on the brain and interfere the person’s ability to get high.

This type of treatment has proven to be extremely effective, and have help many people in their recovery. It is important however, that this treatment be monitored by a medical professional to ensure that a correct dosage is maintained and the patient does not become addicted to the treatment drugs.

When an addict makes the decision to get off of drugs, they are making a commitment to a lifestyle change. Medical treatment programs help them make the first step toward getting clean, but unless they address the underlying issues of what drove them to drugs in the first place, they are at increased risk of falling back into their old patterns.

Many patients have been victims of some type of abuse or faced other problems in their lives before turning to drugs. Through group counselling and one-on-one counselling, they can identify their personal triggers and develop strategies for coping which do not involve self-destructive behaviours such as taking drugs.

At Horizon’s Clinic, our number one goal is helping patients to end their drug dependency. Since each person is different, we develop a customized plan which includes medical treatment and counselling. While addiction to drugs is complex and often frightening, it is not a problem you must face alone.  If you’re looking for help, call us today.