| Others pick up the drug or alcohol habit out of | | | | can also enable the addict. Often, people will avoid |
| curiosity or peer pressure. For most, what started | | | | public embarrassment by trying to cover up and |
| out as curiosity, results in a devastating, downhill spiral | | | | make excuses for an alcoholic or the drug abuser. |
| that could ruin their lives, if left untreated. This article | | | | Those who are substance abusers may have a |
| will offer addiction information and some advice on | | | | desire to get better locked away inside. They want |
| how to deal with this problem. | | | | to get better and lead a more productive life with |
| Drugs don't necessarily have to be illegal substances | | | | friends, family and work, but they just don't know |
| to lead to addiction. Alcohol, pain pills or muscle | | | | how to get help. The first step is admitting that they |
| relaxants can easily be swiped from a parent's or | | | | have a problem. Drug abusers must cut all ties with |
| friend's home. After using a prescription drug or | | | | those that have the same intentions. Beginning a new |
| alcohol several times, it can be hard to give up that | | | | life can begin at the doors of a treatment center. |
| feeling of euphoria. When the "free" supply runs dry, | | | | Here, the addict can learn what it takes to be sober |
| these substances can be purchased illegally on the | | | | for a lifetime. Under a doctor's care, detoxification |
| street, or through a friend, without much difficulty. | | | | (detox) treatment can help the addict flush the body |
| Withdrawal symptoms can force the user to seek | | | | of drugs or alcohol. Without proper care during |
| out the substance at any cost. | | | | withdrawal, the health risks can be severe. |
| Most substances cause basically the same symptoms | | | | The next step is checking into a free-standing |
| during withdrawal. Shaking, trembling hands, nausea, | | | | residential addiction treatment facility that will allow |
| vomiting, lethargy, agitation and spending time alone | | | | the patient to live on the site while being treated. |
| are all tell-tale signs of addiction. When alcohol or | | | | Here, the addict will receive 24-hour support and |
| drugs become the main focus in a person's life, they | | | | counseling. For the addict who has developed health |
| are addicted. Family, friends and work are lowest on | | | | problems, a hospital-based addiction treatment center |
| the totem pole for the addict. No matter how much | | | | may be the best option. Outpatient treatment |
| pleading or begging you do, the addicted person | | | | programs, long-term residential care or day treatment |
| cannot change their lifestyle. Major lifestyle changes | | | | centers are also available. |
| and treatment must be introduced to save the | | | | Addiction to drugs or alcohol can have detrimental |
| addicted person from spinning out of control -- or | | | | effects on a person's health, family life, association |
| prevent premature death. | | | | with friends, and in the workplace. If left untreated, |
| Those who aid in addiction are considered enablers. | | | | the addict will surely face an untimely death. It is of |
| Providing money for alcohol or drugs so that you | | | | utmost importance to seek a treatment plan. The |
| don't have to witness horrible withdrawal symptoms | | | | support of family and friends is crucial in turning |
| can keep the addiction alive. Helping with household | | | | around the life of an addict. |
| chores or cleaning up after a person while intoxicated | | | | |