What Is the Preferred Treatment for Drug Abuse? 

What Is Drug Abuse?

It is the misuse of drugs, both legal and illegal. It is so intense and prolonged that it negatively affects a person’s physical, mental health, social and occupational functioning.

Drug abuse can also refer to using drugs in a way that is not medically approved or the excessive use of prescribed drugs beyond the recommended dosage.

What Causes Drug Abuse?

Drug abuse can occur due to various factors, including the following:

1. Trying to escape from reality
2. Efforts to alleviate stress or anxiety
3. Using medicine to sleep or rest
4. Trying to suppress or cope with physical or emotional pain.
5. Efforts to enhance performance, especially for sports persons.
6. Using medicine like stimulants to improve productivity by staying awake or improving concentration.

Indicators of Drug Abuse

A doctor at any walk-in clinic can easily spot a patient abusing drugs. Some of the signs that indicate drug abuse are:

1. Physical symptoms : can include changes in appetite or sleep patterns, weight loss or gain, dilated or constricted pupils, slurred speech, tremors or shaking, and impaired coordination
2. Behavioral changes : you may exhibit changes in behavior, such as decreased motivation or energy, withdrawal from social activities or hobbies, increased secrecy, low performance at work or school, changes in hygiene or personal grooming, and a change in priorities.
3. Mood swings : may manifest as extreme highs or lows, irritability, aggression, depression, and anxiety.
4. Financial problems : you are likely to experience financial difficulties due to spending money on drugs. It can look like deep debt, borrowing or stealing money, or selling personal belongings.
5. Legal problems : as you continue to be dependent on drugs, the line between right and wrong becomes blurry. You may end up in several legal altercations, including arrest and incarceration, possession or distribution of illegal drugs, driving under the influence, violence, or other criminal activity related to drug use.

Consequences of Drug Abuse

Drug abuse can have serious consequences meriting Urgent treatment at an ER near you, including:

1. Addiction
2. Mental health problems
3. Financial difficulties
4. Legal problems.
5. Bad relationships with family, friends, and colleagues
6. A decline in overall quality of life.

What Is the Preferred Treatment for Drug Abuse?

The preferred treatment for drug abuse at Ascent Emergency Room depends on several factors, including the type and severity of the drug abuse. We must also account for the patient’s circumstances and needs.

Generally, the most effective treatments for drug abuse in most emergency rooms in Houston involve a combination of approaches, including behavioral therapies, medications, and support from family and friends. Some of the common treatments are:

1. Behavioral therapies : They help patients modify their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to drug abuse. They may include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing (MI), and contingency management (CM).
2. Medications : These may help manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings associated with drug abuse. For example, methadone or buprenorphine can treat opioid addiction, while naltrexone can help reduce cravings for alcohol or opioids.
3. Support groups : Support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA) or Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) provide patients with a community that can offer emotional support and guidance throughout recovery. These groups work because the peers have first-hand experience with drug abuse.
4. Residential treatment : is also known as inpatient programs. They provide patients with intensive, 24-hour care in a structured setting. These programs may include medical & behavioral treatments and individual & group therapy sessions.
5. Outpatient treatment : They allow patients to receive treatment at home so they do not have to skip work or school. The programs may include individual & group therapy sessions and medication-assisted treatment & other behavioral therapies.

Summary

Note that the most effective treatment plans for drug abuse will vary depending on your needs and circumstances. Therefore, find a doctor to tailor a treatment to your specific situation.

Further, your commitment to getting well during the treatment protocols will contribute largely to your success. No matter how much your healthcare professional is invested in your treatment, you must want to get better for yourself.