Drug addiction — with the right support and treatment, the road to recovery is possible

Drug abuse and drug addiction are two major burdens to society. However the terms "drug abuse" and "drug addiction" are often used interchangeably, but in fact, denote very different conditions. The term "drug abuse" refers to the use of a substance in a manner that deviates from the culturally acceptable norms, while the term "drug addiction" describes a disorder where the drug appears to be the dominant influence on the individual's behavior. Addiction occurs when an individual crosses the line separating drug abuse from a physical dependency on drugs. This is usually characterized by compulsively seeking to use a substance regardless of the potentially negative social, psychological, and physical consequences. Drug addiction makes drug use a compelling need, not a casual choice.

Drug addiction is said to be a brain disease because the abuse of drugs leads to changes in the structure and function of the brain. The path to drug addiction begins with that first act of taking drugs. Over time, a person may need more of the drug to get the same effect. The changes in the brain caused by repeated drug abuse can affect a person’s self control and ability to make sound decisions, and at the same time send intense impulses to take drugs.

Drug addiction is a complex but treatable disease but it is generally difficult to cure a drug addict completely, especially without a proper drug rehabilitation (often drug rehab or just rehab) program. It is also not uncommon for a person to relapse and begin abusing drugs again if the treatment is not properly administered. Medication is important, but so is behavioral therapy as well. Therefore the ultimate goal of any drug rehab treatment is to enable an individual to achieve lasting abstinence, but the immediate goals are to reduce drug abuse, improve the patient's ability to function, and minimize the medical and social complications of drug abuse and addiction.

Drug rehab treatments are multi phased with both short and long term procedures. The different types of programs offer help in drug rehab, including: residential treatment (in-patient), out-patient, local support groups, extended care centers, and recovery or sober houses. Sober living creates a real life environment that is less structured than a treatment center. The individual is given the opportunity to build up their confidence and learn a sense of stability and good orderly direction.

Drug rehabs are a huge help for the addicted persons and their families. People should spend some time while choosing a drug rehabilitation center which has experienced staff and offer licensed residential treatment services. A 12-step treatment program is generally followed at most rehabs, though some places might have other forms of treatment other than the 12 step program. A twelve-step program is a set of guiding principles outlining a course of action for recovery from addiction, compulsion, or other behavioral problems.