The Threats of addiction in our future

The Threat Of Addiction In Our Future

How Addiction Is Threatening Our Future

 

The dramatic increase in America’s opioid addiction is indicative of a swarming epidemic. Not only is it shocking, but it is deadly for the current and the future generation to come.

 

The drug overdose epidemic has been termed as the deadliest crisis in the history of America. It’s been recorded that in 2016 alone, death by drug overdoses occurred at an alarming rate, whereby more than 170 people died from it on daily basis.

 

On a yearly scale, drug overdose has killed more Americans than the Vietnam War. In fact, this crisis has taken more lives alone than the number of lives claimed by car crashes and gun violence. It surpasses even the total number of deaths caused by HIV/AIDS every year.

 

We as a community must raise awareness to not just the challenge the epidemic but also to increase awareness as to how addicts can develop enough conviction to overcome their addiction.

 

According to a forecast by STAT News, it was concluded that over the span of ten years about 650,000 are expected to die from opioid overdoses — if drastic changes to the increasing stats don’t make a turn.

 

The estimated number is so vast that it can account for the entire population of Baltimore. In other words, we’re set to lose a number of people that is the equivalent of a whole American city.

 

When we analyze this problem, we see that on the one hand, we have a vast number of addicts who need to be rescued before they fall off the deep end, and on the other hand, we have future generations that we must prevent from becoming potential addicts.

 

In order to the treat the latter, we must treat the former. We need the addicted lot to seek treatment and these methods should be made available to them vigorously.

 

Can Drug Addiction Be Treated?

 

The first question that comes to the minds of many is “can addiction be treated?” Yes, it certainly can. But it is not a simple process, and in order to understand the complexity of the treatment, we must understand the nature of addiction.

 

Addiction is a chronic disease that requires a ongoing treatment, as well as a healthy dose of commitment. Addicts cannot simply quit taking drugs and be cured. They need to invest long-term into abstaining from drugs so that they can recover from this abuse. With that said, even then the possibility of relapse remains high.

 

How Should Drug Addiction Be Treated?

 

The most obvious principles to adopt in order to build ourselves a cure is to stop using drugs and to dedicate ourselves to staying drug-free as much as possible. This is only possible when the mind is distracted and occupied with activities that are healthy and productive, such as staying involved with the family and work. We can also be more active in contributing to society in general and build niches for ourselves.

 

What Are Specific Treatments for Drug Addiction?

 

Although, there are a number of treatments that have been successful in treating drug addiction, the primary element that forms the foundation of these treatments is commitment.

 

Once we’ve built enough commitment to effect a change in our addiction and ultimately find control over it, we can explore the following methods to pursue long-term treatment (also note that each person reacts differently to treatments and may be more responsive to some methods than the others):

 

– Behavioral counseling

– Medical devices employed to overcome withdrawal symptoms

– Skills training

– Proper evaluation and treatment for any mental health issues such as depression and anxiety

– Follow-up on a long-term basis to prevent relapsing

– Getting help from reputable organizations

– Rehabilitation

– Treatment centers

 

Those of us who are well aware of our symptoms and “triggers” can also seek a tailored treatment program that is specifically designed to address those. Treatments are best when they include a variety of methods or factors, such as community or family-based recovery support systems.

 

Advice for Those Seeking Help

 

For people seeking help, it is best if they can refer to professionals they can trust for advice. These are some steps suggested by experts that people-in-need can make use of:

 

– Get referrals from our doctors know your medical history.

– Explore information on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services  

– Seek treatment in your home community to ensure the commute doesn’t deter you from resuming our treatment, even during post-treatment. This would help prevent any relapses.

– Seek programs accredited by reputable organizations.

– Ask questions, speak to people and interact as much as possible. Gain motivation from everywhere around you.