Page 5 - Demo

A person will begin to experience the negative effects of these choices in their relationships, work and health.
Stage 4 Final Stage of Addiction . . .
Change in Dealing with Life and Others when a person continues using a substance or practicing a behavior in spite of negative consequences a craving for the substance has developed. The negative consequences arising from the misuse of drugs has done nothing to slow down the
Stage 2 Abuse of Substances . . .
individual’s appetite for the substance even in the face of serious penalties and possible broken relationships. The pattern of deception deepens as the abuser continues to try to deceive those around them. Worst of all, they are now deceiving themselves. The woman taking painkillers to get high rationalizes that she “has to have it to keep her pain under control.” A teenage boy wanting to get high from drinking alcohol convinces himself that “everyone drinks socially.” The young professional tells himself he can stop his cocaine use, “any time he wants,” and that he is “not hurting anyone.” The abuser will usually collect friends who also like to participate in the act.
If you never take that first drink of alcohol, if you never smoke that first cigarette, if you never try that first illicit drug, you will never suffer from substance addiction.
Tolerance Is Developed Tolerance happens when the body or mind becomes used to small amounts of the drug and needs more for the same relief or high. Though the abuser’s behavior is now having clearly negative effects on them and others, they rationalize, excuse and minimize the problems. Questions about the abuser’s logic are perceived as attacks. The abuser feels righteous indignation and withdraws further from others. The abuser begins to feel shame as loved ones are hurt and pushed away. To cope, the user blames others and becomes more secretive.
Professional treatment of substance abuse can start someone on the road to recovery. Combining professional treatment with active participation in aftercare meetings and support groups such as Celebration Recovery can improve your success rate. There are millions of individuals and their families in long-term recovery from the effects of severe substance use problems that go on to lead lives of significant achievement and community service. Early intervention is most effective at repairing the damage from substance abuse.
Stage 3 Dependency . . .
Physical Symptoms When Withdrawing A person is physically addicted to alcohol and drugs when stopping their use causes withdrawal symptoms. The effects of tolerance now mean they have to drink more and/or use stronger drugs, not just to get high, but to prevent tremors, nausea, anxiety and seizures. The person compulsively takes drugs despite any and all negative consequences. All relationships with family, friends and work colleagues suffer. Physical and mental health deteriorates along with personal finances and job security. The pain from loneliness, shame, and anger are almost continual. There is only one positive way out, intervention.
The Good News
If it’s too late for that strategy, there is still good news.
Support Groups
Federal Resources
www.aa.org
www.nida.nih.gov
Alcoholics Anonymous World Services
National Institute on Drug Abuse
www.al-anon-alateen.org
www.niaaa.nih.gov
Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters
National Institute on Alcohol and Alcoholism
www.na.org
(800)-662-HELP
Narcotics Anonymous
Center for Substance Abuse Treatment
Volume 10 • lawpublications.net • 4