What is effective treatment?
Effective treatment attends to multiple needs of the individual, not just his or her drug abuse. To be effective, treatment must address the individual’s drug abuse and any associated medical, psychological, social, vocational, and legal problems.
How do I know if I have a drug problem?
Signs you may have a drug problem: You keep taking a drug after it’s no longer needed for a health problem. You need more and more of a substance to get the same effects (called “tolerance”), and you can take more before you feel an effect. You feel strange when the drug wears off.
How to deal with someone with a drug problem?
Dealing with Drug Problems. For someone in the early stages of a substance use problem, a conversation with a doctor or another professional may be enough to get them the help they need. Doctors can help the person think about their drug use, understand the risk for addiction, and come up with a plan for change.
How can we reduce the problem of drug abuse?
Drug problems can be reduced at less cost if we change course and adopt strategies that work. At a time when the federal budget is limited programs need to be re-evaluated. Funding needs to go to programs that work. We need new ideas to save lives – we can’t afford to continue to be wrong.
What can I do to help people who are recovering from drug addiction?
Build a sober social network. If your previous social life revolved around drugs, you may need to make some new connections. It’s important to have sober friends who will support your recovery. Try taking a class, joining a church or a civic group, volunteering, or attending events in your community.
What’s the first step to overcoming drug addiction?
Overcoming drug addiction: Decide to make a change. For many people struggling with addiction, the toughest step toward recovery is the very first one: recognizing that you have a problem and deciding to make a change. It’s normal to feel uncertain about whether you’re ready to make a change, or if you have what it takes to quit.