Drug addiction and the definition thereof is often confused with Drug Abuse, also known as substance abuse. This confusion has convoluted the issue surrounding the need for Substance Abuse treatment or Drug Rehabilitation, if it is warranted and to what degree. Many people do not consider substance abuse as Addiction due to false messages promoted by those who profit from Drug Addiction and/or those with a motive to not reimburse beneficiaries for substance abuse Treatment i.e. insurance companies. These organizations have vested interest in keeping the public misinformed.
Theoretically the definition of drug abuse or substance abuse involves the repeated and excessive use of chemical substances to achieve a certain effect.
However when the effect of a certain substance is obtained it could be considered that any use after that point would be substance abuse.
The definition of abuse is “the harmful use of drugs or Alcohol” or “an illegal, improper, or harmful practice”. This would include underage drinking, taking unauthorized prescription drugs, and specifically illegal drugs or mind altering substances even once. These substances may be “illicit” drugs, unlawful owing to their high possibility for dependence and abuse. They can also drugs obtained with a prescription, used for pleasure rather than for medical reasons.
Drug addiction then would be the repeated use of drugs or alcohol to achieve a certain effect. To that degree the person is addicted. As an effect, the person slowly destroys his or her body as well as one’s own life. Anyone with drug abuse problem may find it hard to accept the problem, as they find it hard to admit or even see the trap of addiction and the subsequent enslavement involved. The addict has the unbelievable ability to hide any manifestations of the problem, make excuses for the irresponsible behavior and do his best to show the people around him or her that nothing is wrong.
This is the reason family members may not also identify that the one they love, a drug addict or alcoholic has a problem and is in need of substance abuse treatment or drug rehabilitation. Consequently, the strong rejection and rationalization of the person using drugs or alcohol makes it extremely difficult to get help, and can make concerned family members feel like they are the problem which then leads them to support the drug addict or alcoholic’s habit’s.
Breaking the cycle of addiction is monumental and things can get worse before getting better, however family and friends should remember there is always a means to an end. Admitting that one is abusing drugs and suffering from addiction is always the big leap to addiction recovery and that often means the family has to admit they should seek help.
There are three levels of addiction that should be considered when evaluating the situation surrounding a loved one who might possibly be addicted. These levels vary in degree and depend on an outsider to monitor as those who abuse drugs or alcohol very seldom have the awareness needed to identify a problem.
It has been argued for years as the cause of addiction, and why someone would continue to take drugs or alcohol after suffering negative consequences. Bottom line is one should not take chances when witnessing out of control irresponsible behavior and should seek help in a long term substance abuse treatment program that covers all aspects of addiction.A subtance abuse treatment program that helps one confront all aspects of addiction, such as the physical addiction, underlying mental emotional issues, and helping the person learn how to live life again and be happy achieve the highest success rates. Doing so requires seeking the advice of someone who has achieved success with Addiction Recovery. Drug addiction can be overcome successfully the first time around.
