Drug addiction or substance use disorder is a disease when a person is unable to control their use of a legal or illegal drug or medication. It affects their behaviour and mental health. It also damages their social and professional lives. Any attempt to stop the habit will result in withdrawal symptoms. Professional treatment and the support of family and friends can help a person to overcome an addiction.
Causes and Vulnerabilities
- There is a genetic predisposition to addictions
- The need for the chemical reaction that causes a high in inbuilt in humans
- Psychological problems and an inability to cope with stress and stressful events
- Socio-cultural background
- Lack of purpose and meaning in life
Symptoms of Addiction
- The constant need for the substance blocking out other thoughts
- The increasing need for more of the drug to get high
- Going to extreme lengths to get the drug
- Ensuring a regular supply of the drug and spending more than one can afford on it
- Missing out on family, social and work commitments due to the addiction
- Unable to quit knowing the harm it is causing
- An inordinate number of hours spent in obtaining the drug, taking it and recovering from it.
- Failing at attempts to quit due to withdrawal symptoms
Common Addictive Substances
The most common addictive substances are:
- Alcohol
- OTC Drugs
- Opioids
- Marijuana
- Nicotine in cigarettes
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Why Treatment is Necessary?
Drug addiction leads the person down a spiral that takes a toll on their overall mental and physical wellbeing as well as the ability to live a normal life. Even if the person knows that they have a problem, it is very hard to get out of addiction without support and treatment.
Treatment Options
- Detoxification
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): For the person to understand their own behaviours and triggers.
- MET (Motivational Enhancement Therapy)
- Group therapy
- Individual counselling
- Relapse Prevention Therapy
At Cadambam’s we offer loving and caring support and a multispecialty team of doctors and nurses to provide world-class deaddiction treatments. The treatment plan is formulated for each individual. We also provide occupational therapy, psychosocial interventions, post-treatment care, community support and crisis intervention. Our goal is to ensure that the person receives adequate post-treatment support and is enabled to reintegrate into normal life.
