Category: Drug Addiction

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Addiction and Choice: What Truly Causes Addiction?

There are so many misconceptions surrounding addiction that it can sometimes be easy to make incorrect assumptions about the people who struggle with it. Falling into this trap is only intensified by people’s inexperience with the causes of addiction and the corresponding inability to understand that no one chooses this kind of life.

The reasons people become addicted to certain substances are as varied as the people themselves. Some common threads do tie them together, however, and knowing these will serve you well in helping to fight the scourge of addiction.

 

Experimentation

The first misconception about addiction is that experimentation with a drug is a consciously made choice, and therefore the cycle of addiction that can sometimes follow is due to the user’s decision to experiment. The fallacy in this assumption comes when the curtain is pulled back just a little bit. Choosing to use a substance and “choosing” to be addicted to that substance are two separate things. After all, even the most non-addictive personalities can fall prey to the issues that led to experimentation in the first place. These include peer pressure, recreation, trauma and more.

 

Peer Pressure and Recreational Use

By the time we reach adulthood, many of our routines are already established. During our most impressionable period—adolescence—substance abuse can rise to the forefront thanks to social factors such as peer pressure and a desire to fit in.

Many teenagers are exposed to marijuana, alcohol, and other drugs at a young age, which tends to normalize those substances and create an environment where recreational use is accepted. Substance use at such an early age can cause kids to use them to self-medicate as a way of combatting the emotional rollercoaster of puberty and the wildly fluctuating hormones that accompany it. As preventable as the first use of a substance is, addiction can be swift and substance use can very quickly become substance abuse, thus affecting everyday life.

 

Self-Medication

Teenagers aren’t the only ones who may use substances as a method of self-medication. Experiencing a trauma or dealing with chronic pain or emotional disorders can cause people of any age to self-medicate with drugs and alcohol. Relying on substances to help cope with mental or physical issues can easily cause people to slip into an addiction cycle, regardless of whether they’re under the care of a physician or not.

 

Prescriptions

Opioid abuse has been a tense topic of discussion for family, friends, clinicians, and health care providers for more than a decade. What began in the 1990s as an easy way for doctors to relieve the chronic pain of their terminal patients has quickly devolved into an addiction crisis that continues to leave experts searching for answers. With more than 115 people dying every day in the United States from opioids, the crises has now reached epidemic proportions.

As opioid addiction has soared in the United States, and the costs of prescription opioids have continued to rise, many patients have found a cheaper way to combat the pain of their illnesses as well as their intense cravings: heroin. According to one study, nearly 80% of people who use heroin used prescription opioids first.

 

Genetics

For many people, genetics and environment play a large role in the struggle with substance use disorder. The risk of heritability varies by substance, age, race, sex and developmental stage.

Caused in part by their genetic predisposition, people react differently to different substances. Someone who is predisposed to alcoholism, for example, may become addicted on their first use, yet someone else may have no craving or strong desire for alcohol even after several uses. Not knowing how certain substances will affect people due to their genetic makeup plays a role in who ends up struggling with substance abuse and who doesn’t.

This genetic uncertainty doesn’t just limit itself to substances, either. Studies indicate that genetics may play a role across the entire addictive spectrum, from drug and alcohol abuse to gambling addictions to eating disorders.

Regardless of how addictive behavior starts, be it genetics, environment, or self-medication, it’s important to remember that most addicts don’t descend into addiction with a conscious desire to do so. People often react angrily to the “choices” an addict makes to obtain the addictive substance or to engage in the addictive behavior, not realizing that their motives are driven by a dependence that has spiraled out of their control.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, please reach out to us today. We offer intensive outpatient counseling sessions as well as residential therapy, and we would love to help you or a loved one on your journey to recovery.

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Lesser-Known Signs of Substance Abuse

Many people who struggle with substance abuse are good at keeping their addiction hidden. Knowing all the signs of substance abuse will help you decide if you need to talk to your loved one about addiction. If your loved one demonstrates these lesser-known signs of substance abuse it’s time to get them help.

Physical Signs

Physical signs of substance abuse are typically most noticeable in loved ones who struggle with addiction. If you start to observe physical symptoms that are out of the ordinary along with any of the other signs in this post, reach out to them about getting help. Some physical signs of substance abuse that aren’t as well-known are:

  • Bad body odor
  • Runny nose or sniffling
  • Bloodshot eyes
  • Frequent bloody noses
  • Slurred Speech
  • Sudden weight loss or gain

Behavioral Signs

Aside from physical signs, behavioral changes can be another red flag that your loved one is struggling with addiction. If your loved one recently started abusing substances, it’s likely that their behavior and the people they spend their time with changed rather dramatically. If you notice any of these signs, or if they experience them more frequently, think about talking to them about how they’re feeling and if they’ve been using.

  • More frequent traveling
  • Arguing with loved ones
  • Cancelling plans frequently
  • Neglecting work, school, and relationships
  • Changes in friends
  • Unexplained need for money

Psychological Signs

Psychological signs of substance abuse are normally the hardest to recognize in the people closest to you. Since people who struggle with substance abuse are often very good at hiding their psychological state with those around them, it’s important to take a close look at how they’ve changed since you started noticing other signs of substance abuse. If you notice any of these symptoms coupled with other signs you should gently talk to them about substance abuse.

  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Mood swings
  • Irritability
  • Hyperactivity
  • Depression

Many people with a substance abuse problem may not reach out on their own. Recognizing the signs and symptoms will help you determine if your suspicions are valid. If you feel confident that your loved one is abusing drugs or alcohol, reach out to them about getting help.

If you’re looking for outpatient or residential treatment options for your loved one, contact us today to help your loved one get the assistance they need to live a sober and fulfilling life.

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How to Help Your Spouse Avoid a Drug or Alcohol Relapse

You and your spouse have been through a lot—confronting addiction, going through treatment and making a commitment to live a substance-free life.

Now you’re embarking on a new phase in your relationship. It’s time to focus on leading a healthy life together and helping to prevent your spouse from relapsing. Read these 11 ways to help give your spouse the support they need to stay sober.

  1. Make sure your spouse is attending a support group. Whether it’s a rehab facility that provides outpatient treatment, Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous, this is the most crucial step in helping your spouse stay sober.
  2. Remove all alcohol or drugs from the house. Consider keeping prescription drugs locked away. Any inconvenience is well worth removing the temptation for your spouse to reach for pills when nothing else is within their grasp.
  3. Find support for yourself. It’s not easy being married to someone with an addiction. In order to help them, you need to take care of yourself. Connect with a licensed professional, preferably one with experience dealing with addiction.
  4. Realize your limits. If your spouse is relapsing or struggling, get them professional help immediately rather than trying to “fix” them. Let a trained professional step in while you remain supportive.
  5. Get your friends and family on board. They need to know your spouse can’t go out for drinks on the weekend or gather around the family table for holiday meals with bottles of wine.
  6. Be prepared to lose friends. This is sad, but it’s a reality that friends whose lifestyle heavily revolves around alcohol or drugs aren’t going to give that up for you and your spouse. You’ll need to discuss letting go of friends that may trigger your spouse to relapse.
  7. Find ways to make new friends! The good news is there are other couples looking for friends to connect in ways that don’t involve alcohol or drugs. Check your community center for events, reach out to a church or synagogue or find a club to join (from gardening to computer coding to book clubs, there’s a group for everyone!). Social media outlets like Facebook and Twitter can connect you with like-minded people
  8. Watch out for warning signs. If your spouse reverts to behaviors you saw before rehab, such as being secretive, disappearing for long periods of time or a significant change in behavior or appearance, talk to them. If they deny using drugs or alcohol but the behaviors continue, contact their sponsor or counselor for help.
  9. Keep an open dialogue. Staying sober is an ongoing process, just like maintaining a healthy weight or sticking with an exercise program. Keep the lines of communication open. You don’t have to hover and check in every hour. Rather, weave your spouse’s recovery into your regular conversation. One day they’re feeling invincible and the next they’re fighting hard not to take a drink. Assure them they can be open with you and that you’ll meet them where they’re at.
  10. Give yourself and your spouse space. You’re not a babysitter, and your spouse doesn’t want to feel like they’re being watched 24/7. Pursue individual interests! Pick a night or weekend to go your separate ways to have fun and take a break from one another.
  11. Accept that relapse does happen. It doesn’t mean you’ve failed your spouse or they’re never going to stay sober. Together with a counselor, make a plan in the event of a relapse. Being proactive goes a long way in feeling confident that your spouse can get help and you can support them.

 

If you and your spouse need help at any point in the recovery process, the caring professionals at The GateHouse would love to help! Please contact us for more information on our treatment options and resources.

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Impact of Addiction on Families: How a Child’s Life is Jeopardized

In even the best of circumstances, today’s children are forced to grow up fast. Children of addicts, however, face challenges few others can even fathom.

With an estimated 25% of children in the United States exposed to familial substance abuse, figuring out how addiction impacts kids is a huge step towards protecting them.

Health Problems and Substance Abuse

Children who are raised in households where at least one parent struggles with addiction face higher rates of medical and behavioral problems. Children living in environments with addicted parents are more likely to develop depression and anxiety at an early age. Facing these mental health disorders early on causes a circular effect in the family. Children who deal with depression and anxiety often continue the addiction cycle by turning to drugs and alcohol to cope with their mental health problems later in life.

Access to Substances

Children who live with substance abusing parents have more access to drugs and alcohol than children with parents who aren’t addicts. When living in an environment where substance abuse is common, children of addicts often follow in their parent’s footsteps. A recent study found that, for children who start smoking marijuana in their young teens,  the risk of having a drug abuse problem by age 28 is a staggering 68%. Exposing children to substances—even substances deemed less dangerous than others—increases the risk of using and engaging with other kids who use drugs and alcohol.

Abuse

Although there are many loving parents who struggle with addiction, children impacted by addiction often face higher rates of abuse. This abuse can manifest itself in physical, sexual, emotional, or neglectful ways. This may include being there emotionally at a young age for an unstable parent, being blamed for a parent’s addiction, or having to physically care for their addicted parent.

According to a study from the NIH, children with addicted parents are 2.7 times more likely to be physically or sexually abused and 4.2 times more likely to be neglected than children who do not live with a substance abusing parents.

Abuse endured during childhood can significantly impact a child’s future success. One study conducted by the CDC discovered that children who grow up in abusive households are at a higher risk of negative outcomes throughout their lives. Some of these include drug abuse, heart disease, depression, teenage and adolescent pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, liver disease, poor work performance, and financial problems.

How to Help Children of Addiction

Luckily, children with substance abusing parents can lead healthy and fulfilling lives. If you know a child who is dealing with parents who struggle with addiction, reach out to them. Encourage them to seek enjoyment outside of their home, be with their friends, and talk to their guidance counselor or another trusted adult who can help them. As for their safety, make sure they have a list of safe places to stay and phone numbers for adults they can turn to if needed.  Given the right resources, these children can thrive despite their home environments.

Get Help Today

If you’re an addicted parent looking to give your children the best life possible, get help today. Battling addiction isn’t easy, but help is available. The GateHouse provides licensed and certified counselors to help you overcome your addiction.

Contact us today to talk with our staff and see how we can help you and your family.

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How to Talk to Your Teen About the Dangers of Drugs and Alcohol

Alcohol and substance abuse are touchy topics to begin with, but having a conversation with a teenager about them can be downright unnerving. How will they react? Will they argue? Will they take you seriously? Will they shut you out?

Despite these concerns, the bottom line is the conversation is too important not to have. Understanding how best to approach the subject of drug and/or alcohol abuse with your teenager is the first step. Doing it the right way can help you have a more healthy and productive dialogue.

Timing is Everything!

The night before finals or right after your child’s been jilted by their best friend is not the time for a serious talk. Pick a time when you and your teen are relaxed, not stressed.

Go out to a favorite restaurant or ease into the conversation after you’ve watched a show together or discussed the latest teenage TV sensation. Most likely, the shows your teens are watching have already highlighted tough-to-tackle topics like sex, drugs and alcohol abuse.

Be Prepared

Practice your poker face because you may not like what you hear when you start talking. The CDC reports 33 percent of high school students admitted to drinking alcohol. Your child may say they’ve been exposed to drugs or alcohol or even experimented with them. They may blow you off or tell you they’ve never taken a drink, but it’s no big deal if they decide to. Maybe they’ll reveal that one of their friends (the one you think so highly of) is smoking pot.

If they confide in you, even the stuff you don’t want to hear, it’s a good thing! It means they trust you. That’s the first step in reaching them and influencing them to make good, safe choices. It’s okay to take in what they say and digest the information before you respond. It beats flying off the handle right away.

Ask Questions

Asking innocent questions is a great way to ease into a conversation with your teen. You may start by saying, “I’ve seen some stuff on TV recently about [insert dangerous drug here], and was wondering if you’ve heard about it,” or “What do you think about underage drinking?” Try not to sound like your fishing for information but are instead genuinely interested in their what’s happening in their lives.

Present the Facts

Generalizations like “drinking is bad” or “drugs rot your brain” may be true, but they don’t hit home with kids. While you don’t want to flood them with boring statistics, a few solid facts about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse can resonate. Ask what they’ve learned about drugs and alcohol in school, then share what you know.

Enlist Help

Often kids are more receptive to someone other than mom or dad. As frustrating as that may be, the important thing is to get the message across. Connect with a trusted friend or family member who’s willing to have an open conversation about drinking and drug abuse. Your child may be positively influenced by an older cousin or an influential friend. The more people they have to turn to, the better!

Keep Talking

The dreaded once-and-done “talk” parents used to give their kids is long gone. What works is an ongoing dialogue, with an emphasis on keeping the lines of communication open.

Your 13-year-old who’s never seen kids drink will soon be a 15-year-old who tells you they have no interest in partying. Fast forward another year or two and things can change dramatically. The conversation will change along with their age, their friends, and the choices they’re making. It’s up to you to keep talking to steer them in the right direction.

Talking to your child about drug and alcohol abuse may not be easy, but if done correctly, it can create an open an ongoing dialogue that will encourage your son or daughter to turn to you when things get tough—instead of something else.

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Choosing the Best Treatment Center For Addiction

You or a loved one have taken the first, most important step toward recovering from drug or alcohol dependence—recognizing the need for professional help. The next step is choosing the best treatment center for addiction—one that can help with the dependence issues and map out a road to recovery.

This handy checklist should help you learn what to look for in a facility and how to make the best choice for a successful recovery.

Ask Questions!

You’re looking for the best treatment facility for you or your loved one. Any legitimate treatment center will welcome potential clients, patiently answer questions and make sure you feel comfortable with the facility, its staff, and its treatment plans.

Accreditation

Look for a facility that is accredited by the state. Treatment facilities may hold additional accreditidations, such as the Commission on Accreditation of Rehab Facilities (CARF).

Certified Professionals

To ensure quality care, choose a facility that staffs licensed, accredited professionals, which may include drug and alcohol counselors, social workers and other certified staff.

Types of Treatments

What types of treatment does the facility use? The best, most effective treatments for addiction are evidence-based, meaning research has proven these techniques are time-tested and effective. Be wary of facilities that use experimental or other suspect techniques. Ask to see literature explaining treatment plans.

Inpatient or Outpatient Treatment

Are you looking for intensive inpatient treatment or do you need to continue to work or care for family while you go through the recovery process? What options does the facility offer that meet your specific needs? Check if an ongoing recovery residency program is an option while you work toward living functionally. Some treatment centers end after three months but support and recovery may take longer.

Dual Diagnoses

Many suffering from addiction have dual diagnoses (also known as co-existing conditions) such as depression and anxiety, as well as physical illnesses. It’s important to address the underlying causes of addiction and contributing factors in order to successfully treat addiction. Look for a facility that takes a holistic approach and treats the whole person.

Family Support

Addiction affects everyone involved—spouses, children, parents and friends. In recovery, the love and support of family and friends is vital. They can use tools to help their loved one during the recovery process, as well as learn how to be helpful in a positive way rather than enabling addiction. Look for a treatment center that offers family counseling and education on addiction and recovery.

Cost

How much is cost a factor in your decision? Ask what health insurance plans are accepted and what financial services are available.

Follow-Up Care

The support you receive after finishing a treatment plan is vital in staying sober. What, if any, follow-up care is provided? Is ongoing case management offered? Case managers help in many ways. Some centers offer alumni associations and aftercare groups, so you always have someone to connect with.

Resources After Recovery

Recovering from an addiction involves many layers. It’s important someone recovering from addiction is equipped with skills to be successful after program completion. Resources may include education, life skills training, housing, mental and physical health resources and employment opportunities. These all contribute to successfully reintegrating into the community.

As you make the important decision to seek help, use these guidelines to find the right treatment center. Once you have peace of mind you’ve found the right place, you’ll be on the path to recovery and wellness!

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Impact of Addiction on Families: Addiction and Financial Problems

Addiction and the financial problems it causes can ruin lives.

When someone in your home is struggling with an addiction to drugs or alcohol, it can add stress to the entire household not only emotionally but financially, as well.

Behavior Associated with Addiction and Financial Problems

Addiction and withdrawal can put your loved one in a frenzied state of mind—a state in which they’ll do anything to get their next fix. This severely damages relationships, whether it’s your significant other, son, or daughter, often causing an inability to trust your loved one. This damage is often compounded by financial loss.

Lying and Manipulation

An addicted person may use lying and manipulation tactics to convince you that they’re in a financial pinch when they’re really after money to obtain more drugs or alcohol. Excuses include but may not be limited to:

  • Vehicle expenses (gas money, necessary repairs, late payments)
  • Rent or mortgage payments
  • Doctor visits (seeing multiple doctors to try and obtain prescriptions for various medications)

Stealing

When addiction takes over a person’s mind, it takes control of their lifestyle. It’s not uncommon for an addicted person to steal valuables from the homes of family and friends to pawn for drugs or alcohol. They’ll often go for valuables that aren’t used often or on display so owners don’t notice their absence right away. An addicted person may also steal prescription drugs or even money from friends and family.

Inability to Keep a Job

Employers do not tolerate illegal drug use, alcoholism, or the behavior that often accompanies these habits, including:

  • Regularly missing work
  • Showing up late
  • Bloodshot or glassy eyes
  • Slurred speech
  • Slowed motor skills

Illegal drug use typically warrants immediate dismissal. With a tainted record, it’s much more difficult to obtain a job. If your friend or loved one is stuck in unemployment, they’ll be unable to contribute to household finances.

Financial Costs Associated with Addiction

The repercussions of substance abuse can take an even greater toll on personal finances, with expenses ranging from fines to funeral costs.

Fines, Bail, and Attorney Fees

People struggling with addiction often get wrapped up in illegal situations influenced by their addiction. Here are just a few common crimes associated with addiction:

  • Shoplifting
  • Driving under the influence
  • Forging signatures for prescriptions

Some instances require the need for an attorney, which can run thousands of dollars on top of other fees, depending on whether it’s a multiple offense. If your loved one is arrested, they may manipulate you into bailing them out of jail, swearing they’ll get help.

Funeral Costs

As difficult as it is to discuss the death of a loved one, the possibility of addiction stealing your loved one is real, and you may be forced to confront steep costs for their funeral. The cost of a traditional funeral can range anywhere from $8,000 to $10,000, which is often too massive a burden for family already dealing with addiction’s other costs.

Choose an organization that works to benefit you.

Don’t wait until you’re forced to claim bankruptcy to get help. If your loved one is battling addiction, reach out to an organization that has your best interests at heart. The GateHouse is a nonprofit organization based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Our licensed and certified counselors are here to make your life—and the life of your loved one—whole again.

Contact us today to speak with our amiable staff and see how we can join together to help you.

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Impact of Addiction on Families: Addiction and Abuse

Substance addiction and verbal, emotional, or physical abuse too often go hand-in-hand.

The connection between addiction and abuse is complex, no matter the relationship between you and the person you love, whether you’re a parent emotionally abused by an adult child or a partner physically assaulted by a significant other.

You deserve to live a life free from the stress and pain of abuse. And understanding the warning signs that indicate you’re being abused by an addicted person is the first step on the journey toward a healthier life.

Signs of Verbal Abuse

Unlike physical harm, verbal abuse leaves no apparent bruises, marks, or scars. In fact, the absence of visible signs sometimes leads abused people—and those around them—to believe that what they’re experiencing isn’t “real” or that they’re being “overly sensitive.”

An addicted person who verbally abuses you may:

  • Insult, taunt, or humiliate you
  • Call you names
  • Reject you for periods of time (aka “the silent treatment”)
  • Minimize your abilities, experiences, or achievements

Signs of Emotional Abuse

Like verbal abuse, the emotional type can be subtle enough that you may not even realize it’s happening. However, emotional abuse can batter your self-esteem and devastate your mental well-being, laying the foundation for potential depression, anxiety, and chronic stress.

An addicted person who emotionally abuses you may:

  • Blame you for their substance use
  • Blame you for any abuse they inflict on you
  • Neglect you
  • Threaten you or those you love
  • Intimidate you with weapons
  • Threaten to kill themselves
  • Hurt your pets or property
  • Stalk you (this may include checking your phone or social media accounts, too)
  • Gaslight you (that is, manipulate you to make you feel like you’re “crazy”)
  • Control your behavior (e.g., restricting access to money or preventing you from seeing family and friends)
  • Pressure you to use alcohol and/or other drugs

Signs of Physical Abuse

Substance abuse plays a role in 40 to 60 percent of intimate partner violence (IPV) incidents. While the connection between substance abuse and any behavior is complex, evidence suggests that the use of alcohol and other drugs may spark violent behavior—or make it worse. In addition to the serious physical risk, violence raises your own risk of substance abuse, as alcohol and other drugs can be used to self-medicate stress and pain.

An addicted person who physically abuses you may:

  • Push or shove you
  • Punch, slap, kick, or choke you
  • Prevent you from eating or sleeping
  • Drive dangerously when you’re in the car
  • Abuse you sexually
  • Prevent you from calling the police or getting medical attention
  • Force you to use alcohol and/or other drugs

Find the support you need.

Not everyone with addiction will abuse loved ones. But if you’re being abused by an addicted person, seek guidance from professionals who can assess the situation and point you toward help—and hope.

The GateHouse offers comprehensive treatment services in Lancaster, including residential treatment, outpatient and intensive outpatient programs, and transitional recovery residences. Our team also offers case management care to support long-term recovery.

Contact us for confidential guidance.

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