Drug Addiction
Are you currently suffering from a drug addiction or concerned that a close loved one is showing signs of substance addiction? Learn more about how drug addiction can affect you and find treatment today through our rehab support team.
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Drug addiction can be difficult for everybody, not just the person who’s developing an addiction. If you or a loved one is struggling with drug addiction, now is the time to seek help. Here at AnorMed, we dedicate time and effort to providing the best services possible and finding the right rehab centres for our patients. It can be challenging facing addiction and coming to terms with your addiction, but rest assured, AnorMed will be able to help.
Addiction treatment is the most efficient way to overcome drug abuse, and we urge drug users to reach out to us today if they’re suffering. We have a strict no judgement policy in place and our professional team build close-knit relationships with patients and make sure they get the right treatment that’s most suited for them. There are many risks of drug addiction – being addicted to drugs can cause serious health conditions even when you’re experiencing feelings of pleasure.
Living with a drug problem can be tedious, affecting both your work and personal life massively. We make it our aim to strive for optimal results and get you back to your normal self. Not only can drug addiction impact your physical health, but it can also affect your mental health too.
If you want a healthy, long-lasting life, rehab is the first step you should take. Addiction can prove to be the biggest problem in your life, but by participating in tailored programmes and working alongside a designated treatment provider, you’ll be back to your usual self in no time.
We refer people to the best rehab clinics across the UK. Each clinic offers specialised services that help those battling drug addiction. There’s a wide array of different substances that have the potential to cause a long-term drug problem – you can rest assured that we will connect you with the right rehabilitation centre. Read on to find out more.
Signs of Drug Addiction
There are plenty of signs that indicate someone’s combating drug addiction. Each person is different, and some certainly hide it better than others. Unless a patient reaches out for help of their own accord, it’s usually family members or close friends that begin to notice the warning signs.
The most common types of drug addictions include heroin, cocaine, cannabis, ketamine, prescription drugs and alcohol. Different drugs cause different effects, which is why it can be hard to pinpoint the exact drug your loved one could be showing signs of addiction to.
Regardless, drug addiction is a serious matter that can ruin both your life and well-being. Whether it’s heroin, cocaine, cannabis, ketamine, prescription drugs or alcohol addiction that you’re facing, rehab will provide the best outcome and help on your journey to recovery.
Heroin
Typically sniffed, smoked or injected, heroin provides a euphoric effect and causes an increased heart rate as well as long-term anxiety and depression. Lung complications, insomnia and collapsed veins are expected signs that you’re clearly reliant on the drug.
Substance abuse can kill, and heroin is extremely dangerous. Heroin overdoses have increased in recent years, with users being unaware of just how harmful this type of drug is to your body. Some short-term effects include dry mouth, nausea, warm skin and severe itching.
Cocaine
A well-known stimulant drug, cocaine is usually sniffed or injected. Also understood as ‘charlie’, ‘coke’ or ‘blow’, taking cocaine can cause heart attacks and death. Cocaine can cause you to feel excitable, chatty and more sociable than usual – saying this, the drug comes with a plethora of negative consequences too.
Cocaine is mostly known for causing psychological dependence, which is ultimately addiction. Obvious addiction signs are panic disorder, dilated pupils, mood swings and frequent fidgeting. Addiction signs worsen over time the more you continue to use the drug, which will become more apparent to those around you.
Cannabis
Like all drug addictions, you’ll be able to overcome your ongoing issues with cannabis when you get the right help. Cannabis is often referred to as ‘weed’, ‘marijuana’, ‘dope’ and ‘pot’. People are enticed to try the drug because of its giggly effects and the relaxed feeling it offers – unfortunately, most users don’t understand how detrimental cannabis can really be.
Signs of addiction vary from feeling irritated, finding it hard to eat, sweating more than usual and feeling sick. If large amounts are consumed at once, you could have bloodshot eyes, memory impairment and slower reflexes. Substance use disorder is hard to deal with, which is why rehabilitation is crucial.
Ketamine
Ketamine is among the list of widely used painkillers. Because of its anaesthetic and analgesic properties, ketamine gives pain relief to both humans and animals. People addicted to ketamine can suffer strong cravings, anxiety and misery – not only should the drug only be used by a professional medic, but it can cause lasting effects on your body.
Both memory loss and numbness can be experienced when using ketamine, which are risk factors as to why the drug is so dangerous to take. Users are more prone to injuring themselves whilst under the influence of ketamine, which has the potential to cause other problems.
Prescription Drugs
First given as medication to treat poor health and other problems regarding your well-being, prescription drugs are given by doctors to patients who need them. Although drugs prescribed by medical experts are given to help you, it’s common that many users become dependent.
Codeine, diazepam, opioids and amphetamine are on the extensive list of prescription drugs that people can become addicted to. Assorted prescription drugs cause different side effects and cause users to show a variety of addiction signs, but most include decreased ability to think, vomiting and low moods. For example, opioid abuse can provoke respiratory malfunction, coma and even death.
Alcohol
Moderate drinking can be enjoyed at social events, but when you become reliant on alcohol to help get you through your day, there’s a high chance that you could be addicted. Excessive alcohol use has led to more than 140,000 deaths and should be taken seriously. Common addiction signs include a higher tolerance to alcoholic beverages, prioritising drinking and not being able to stop drinking when you start.
Alcohol is a cause of over 60 medical conditions and can seriously impact your health and physical appearance. In England alone, there are an estimated 602,391 dependent drinkers. You’re not alone if you’re dependent on alcohol, and AnorMed is here to support and help guide you in the right direction.
Drug Withdrawal Symptoms
Symptoms can vary depending on the type of drug that you’re dealing with. The most familiar withdrawal symptoms from going cold turkey include sleep issues, low mood, irritability, sweats, trembling and anxiety. Experiencing withdrawal symptoms can be tedious, but when you’re working alongside a group of trained specialists, you won’t have to worry.
Going cold turkey alone comes with many disadvantages and complications – it’s always best to come off the drug you’re addicted to knowing you have a wealth of help, support and guidance available. Regardless of what drug you’re addicted to, the withdrawal stage can be a little challenging.
We aim to set you up with the right rehabilitation clinic that’ll be able to cater to your needs and requirements whilst offering a friendly approach in everything they do. Striving for optimal results, you’ll be able to detox safely in a secure environment at a chosen addiction centre.
Treatment for Drug Addiction
Drug addiction doesn’t go overnight. You’ll need willpower and self-discipline if you want to make your life better. The only, most efficient way to overcome addiction is by participating in rehabilitation. You’ll be given advice and be given proficient treatment options to help you with your drug-related problems.
At rehab, you can expect to undergo detox and clear your system from drug abuse and addiction. Along with detox services, you’ll also be able to attend both group and independent therapy sessions to talk openly about your issues or any concerns you might have about relapsing in the future. When you chat with a skilled professional once you’re drug-free, you’ll be able to find the root cause of your addiction and know how to overcome temptation.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’d like to find out more about drug addiction treatment and how we’re able to refer people to the right rehabilitation clinics, feel free to contact us today by ringing our helpline at 01283 248 880. We understand there can be a lot of ongoing questions, queries and concerns regarding addiction, which is why our team remain on hand to help at all time. We look forward to hearing from you.
What is drug addiction, and how is it different from drug abuse?
Drug addiction, also known as substance use disorder, is a chronic brain disease characterized by compulsive drug-seeking and use despite harmful consequences. Drug abuse refers to the improper or excessive use of drugs without necessarily meeting the criteria for addiction.
What are common signs and symptoms of drug addiction?
Signs of drug addiction include a strong urge to use drugs, increased tolerance, withdrawal symptoms when not using, neglect of responsibilities, changes in behavior, financial difficulties, and social withdrawal. Physical signs may include weight loss, dilated pupils, and track marks (for intravenous drug use).
Can drug addiction be treated, and what are the options?
Yes, drug addiction can be treated effectively. Treatment options include behavioral therapies (Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, etc.), medications for certain drug addictions (e.g., opioid or nicotine addiction), counseling, support groups (e.g., 12-step programs), and residential or outpatient rehab programs.
How do I know if I or someone I know needs help for drug addiction?
If you or someone you know is struggling with drug use and it’s affecting daily life, relationships, or overall well-being, seeking professional help is essential. Signs of needing help may include unsuccessful attempts to quit, continued drug use despite negative consequences, and a strong desire to stop using drugs.
Helpful Drug Addiction Resources
- Talk to Frank – “Support and Advice for Drug Addiction”: https://www.talktofrank.com/
- NHS – “Find Drug Addiction Support Services”: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-treatment-or-support-service
- Adfam – “Support for Families Affected by Drugs and Alcohol”: https://adfam.org.uk/
- Release – “Legal Advice and Support for Drug Users”: https://www.release.org.uk/
- DrugWise – “Drug Information and Resources”: http://www.drugwise.org.uk/
- We Are With You – “Recovery and Support Services”: https://www.wearewithyou.org.uk/
- The Forward Trust – “Addiction Treatment and Support”: https://www.forwardtrust.org.uk/
- Adiction Helper – “Advice on Drug Addiction Treatment”: https://www.addictionhelper.com/
- The Alliance – “Support for People with Substance Use Issues”: https://www.the-alliance.org.uk/
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