America is dancing with destruction. Drug overdose deaths in the U.S. since 1999 are nearing one million. It’s a twisted tango that takes control of a person’s every move. It leads to a chaotic and unpredictable routine.
The duet becomes a reckless performance choreographed by cravings and impulses. The $39 billion federal drug control budget can’t keep tempo with the surging numbers.
The number of drug overdose deaths a year increases by 4%. In 2021, over 107,000 Americans died from drug overdoses. A neverending waltz of woe is the familiar song and dance. Breaking free requires finding a new partner. Don’t set the stage for a poisonous performance.
What is Drug Addiction?
Drug addiction is when an individual use drugs for reasons other than their intended purpose, despite experiencing harmful effects. This is also called substance use disorder (SUD). It’s a long-term condition with significant attachment issues.
The poisonous partner doesn’t like rejection. As people use the drug more, that self-control isn’t easy to summon. The stage is set for adverse physical and mental health outcomes.
A customized approach that includes prevention, intervention, and ongoing support enables lasting success.
There is an urgent need for accessible and affordable treatment options. Individuals can escape this frantic foxtrot with awareness and advocacy.
Drug Addiction Stats in the U.S.
The toll of drug abuse surpasses $700 billion each year. This costly affair accounts for increased healthcare costs, crime, and lost productivity.
The United States consumes 80% of the world’s prescription painkiller supply.
21 million Americans aged 12 or older had substance use disorder in 2018.
In 2022, approximately 79,117 Americans died from drug overdoses. This is lower than in 2021, which accounted for 106,699 overdose-related deaths. Yet, it is 50% higher than pre-2020 levels.
Alcohol contributes to the death of more than 88,000 Americans a year. More than 7% of the population ages 18 and up have a drinking problem. This is nearly 13.8 million Americans, and 8.1 million are alcoholics.
Overdose deaths remain a leading cause of injury-related death in the United States.
Opioids caused 68,630 overdose deaths in 2020, constituting 74.8% of all drug overdose deaths.
Subtypes of Drug Addiction
Drug addiction falls into various subtypes based on effects and composition.
Below is the breakdown of the main types of drug addiction:
- Stimulants increase brain activity and enhance alertness, attention, and energy levels. Stimulants include cocaine, methamphetamine, phentermine, and prescription medications. These include Adderall, Ritalin, Modafinil, and others.
- Alcohol is the most widely abused substance in the U.S., Yet, alcoholism is often left untreated. Alcohol addiction can harm a person’s physical, mental, and social well-being.
- Opioids are high-powered drugs that block pain sensations and cause euphoria. 130 Americans die every day from an opioid overdose. Well-known opioids include prescription painkillers such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine. Illegal opioids include heroin and fentanyl.
- Marijuana, also known as cannabis, is the most-used substance in the U.S. after alcohol and tobacco. People who begin using marijuana before age 18 are four to seven times more likely to develop a SUD than those who start in adulthood.
Nicotine is an addictive ingredient in tobacco products. Cigarette smoking causes over 480,000 deaths each year. It holds its rank as the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S.
Sedatives are central nervous system (CNS) depressants that can slow brain activity. Doctors prescribe them to treat anxiety and trouble sleeping. Commonly prescribed sedatives include benzodiazepines (benzos), like Xanax; non-benzos, like Ambien; and barbiturates, like phenobarbital.
Hallucinogens are various drugs that alter perception, thoughts, and feelings. They cause sensations, sounds, and images that seem real though they are not. Many of these substances need more verifiable research. This subtype covers DMT, peyote, ketamine, and ayahuasca.
Symptoms and Signs of Drug Addiction
The symptoms of drug addiction are wide and varied.
Here are the distinct common signs of a possible addiction. These drug signs give your recovery roadmap a solid direction to point your compass.
- Inability to stop, despite wanting to: People with addiction find it difficult to stop using a substance, no matter how much they want to. They may have tried many times but can’t break free. They may also lie or hide their addiction from loved ones.
- Need for more: Individuals develop a tolerance and need more of the substance to experience the same effects they used to. It takes more significant amounts to feel the same level of harmony.
- Obsession and focus. Addiction takes over thoughts and becomes the front and center of a person’s life. They crave, think about, and seek out the substance. It becomes an endless preoccupation that disrupts daily life.
- Loss of control. Because addiction feels like a loss of control over addiction, it dominates the motions. Individuals become helpless to resist. This leads to guilt and depression, and the faulty footwork of addiction is overwhelming.
- Impact on life. Addiction affects all areas of life. This spans physical health, mental well-being, relationships, work, or school. Individuals struggle to meet responsibilities and obligations due to substance use. Despite knowing the harm it causes, it’s hard to stop.
- Withdrawal symptoms. People who try to quit or reduce use experience emotional and physical withdrawal signs. Stage fright kicks in to retake the lead. Symptoms can include trembling, sweating, vomiting, anxiety, or irritability.
Identifying the symptoms and signs of drug addiction for early intervention and treatment is crucial.
Danger and Physical Health Problems
Drug addiction can have numerous risks, including increased chances of an overdose, physical and mental health damage, and death.
Drug addiction poses many dangers to both mental and physical health. Problems include lung or heart disease, stroke, cancer, or mental health disorders.
The impact of addiction is far-reaching:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Stroke
- Cancer
- HIV/AIDS
- Infections of the heart, skin
- Hepatitis B and C
- Brain damage
- Lung disease
- Nerve damage
- Mental health disorders
- Overdose
- Death
It is no secret that tobacco smoke can cause many cancers. Methamphetamine can cause severe dental problems, such as “meth mouth.” Opioids can lead to overdose and death. A medical professional is the best place to start taking care of yourself.
Recovery Resources
Free and confidential support for people in distress, 24/7.
Call or text 988
Treatment referral and information, 24/7.
Call 800-662-HELP (4357).
Immediate crisis counseling related to disasters, 24/7.
Call 800-985-5990.
Peer support for living with mental health conditions.
Call 800-950-NAMI (6264) or text “HelpLine” to 62640.
Hotline to directly support veterans and their families.
Call 800-273-8255 or use the text line 838255.
Support for young women who are pregnant and using substances.
Call 866-942-6466.
Alcoholics Anonymous support a twelve-step program to help individuals overcome a drinking problem.
Narcotics Anonymous helps overcome drug or alcohol dependence using its twelve-step program.
The Importance of Treatment
Like other chronic diseases such as heart disease or asthma, treatment for drug addiction usually isn’t the cure. But addiction can be managed successfully. Recovery revives the mind and body to regain control.
Drug addiction can cause severe physical and mental health problems. It can also lead to social, economic, and legal consequences. Thus, early intervention and treatment are essential to minimize the risks of lifetime addiction.
Effective treatment options for SUD include behavioral therapies, medication-assisted treatment, and support groups. It is crucial to raise awareness about drug addiction to promote prevention, education, and access to treatment for those struggling.
Professional treatment for drug addiction is crucial. Drug rehab centers offer a range of therapies and programs proven to prepare individuals for a happy, healthy future.
Therapy
Therapy is essential in drug addiction treatment. You develop coping strategies and motivation while addressing underlying issues fueling addiction.
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy is one of the most common and studied forms of therapy. CBT helps a person recognize, avoid, and cope with the situations in which they are most likely to use drugs. The goal is to reveal and modify false and upsetting ideas. It’s less about the actual problem but the importance given to them.
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a type of talk therapy. It’s based on CBT but adapted for people with intense emotional responses. They can view the big picture by approaching a situation with curiosity. From there, they can begin to understand why they think and feel the way they do.
- Contingency management uses positive reinforcement. This comes in different forms, such as providing rewards or privileges for remaining drug-free, participating in counseling sessions, or taking treatment medications as prescribed.
- Motivational enhancement therapy (MET) uses strategies to encourage people to change their behavior regarding treatment. Also referred to as motivational interviewing (MI), MET focuses on making healthier choices and goal setting.
- Family therapy heals family wounds caused by drug addiction. The goal is to address influences on drug use patterns and improve overall family functioning. Family health is an essential part of recovery success and overall wellness.
- Twelve-step facilitation (TSF) is an individual therapy typically delivered in 12 weekly sessions to prepare people to engage in 12-step mutual support programs. A supportive group in fellowship can make you finally feel understood.
- Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) and behavioral therapy can be essential to drug addiction treatment. Medications like methadone, buprenorphine, naltrexone, and nicotine replacement therapy can help manage withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and support long-term recovery.
Outpatient Drug Addiction Facilities
Outpatient programs, such as partial hospitalization programs (PHP) and intensive outpatient programs (IOP), provide structured treatment while allowing individuals to live at home.
- Partial hospitalization programs are intensive treatment programs for drug addiction. They provide a framework of support while allowing you more freedom.
PHPs include group therapy, individual counseling, medication management, and addiction education. They offer more intensive care than outpatient programs, helping individuals transition back to their daily lives.
- An intensive outpatient program is an excellent option if you can’t leave your loved ones longer. IOP offers intensive treatment while you live at home. Group therapy tends to serve as the core of most IOPs.
Studies show group participation is as effective as individual therapy in treating addiction. IOP provides a higher level of care than standard outpatient programs. It targets individual counseling, group therapy, education, and skill building.
Inpatient Drug Addiction Facilities
Inpatient programs, or residential treatment, offer immersive care within a residential facility. They provide a highly structured environment, 24/7 support, and a full range of services.
Inpatient treatment is advised if you have a severe addiction, co-occurring mental health disorders, or require more care. These coordinated programs often include individual therapy, group therapy, medical supervision, detox (if necessary), and aftercare planning.
Seek the Help You Deserve for Drug Addiction
In the performance of life, drug abuse may be a stormy stage, but every act has a finale. Are you or a loved one ready to reclaim the rightful spotlight? The proper steps will lead to a renewed life.
Addiction can happen to anyone, regardless of their background or moral character. It’s not a defect. It’s a medical condition that requires professional help. Let’s work together to reduce stigma and provide compassionate care for addiction.
Contact local treatment centers, helplines, or healthcare professionals who can guide you to the appropriate support and treatment options. Don’t wait to take the first step towards a brighter future free from drug addiction.