Every single one of us is capable of becoming addicted to drugs. Is there anything that can be done to make this less likely to happen though? Furthermore, if someone does become addicted to drugs, is there a cure for this?
Prevention of drug addiction
Anyone who experiments with drugs risks developing an addiction. There are a number of factors that can make a person more pre-disposed to this however.
Drug use in childhood – many studies have shown that early use of drugs increases a person’s likelihood of developing an addiction. Drug use changes the way our brains work and our minds are particularly vulnerable whilst they’re still developing. Anything that interferes with our development has a much higher chance of causing long-term damage.
Having a good support network – the risk of drug abuse increases greatly during times of transition or difficulty. For example, a child changing school or moving house can make them feel anxious and therefore more likely to experiment with drugs. For an adult, going through a divorce or losing their job might make them turn to drugs as a coping mechanism.
Having a good support network during these difficult times means that someone is more likely to talk through their problems rather than develop unhealthy habits. Whether it’s a friend, partner, colleague or counsellor, communication is very important at times like this.
Research-based prevention programs – studies have shown that research-based prevention programs can significantly reduce early use of tobacco, alcohol and illicit drugs. They work by boosting protective factors and eliminating or reducing risk factors for drug use. They can be delivered to:
- children in schools as part of a drug prevention program
- vulnerable children and teens (such as those in care homes or those with parents who have addictions)
- those who have already started using drugs
While many social and cultural factors affect drug use trends, when young people perceive drug use as harmful, they are far less likely to take them.
Dealing with trauma & mental health issues – one of the biggest causes of drug addiction are unresolved trauma and mental health problems. Many of those struggling with trauma in their childhood or as adults or with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder or any other mental illness will find it difficult to cope without the right help and support. As a result, they’re far more likely to turn to illegal substances.
Educating people about mental health and removing the stigma of getting help for it is a very effective way of preventing people from turning to drugs in the first place and then becoming addicted.
Can drug addiction be cured?
While drug addiction certainly is treatable, it cannot be cured as such. Addiction can be managed successfully but it will require a lifetime of hard work from the person with the addiction in order to stay clean.
It is important to note that although there is no cure for addiction, someone with an addiction does not have to expect or accept a life full of pain, relapse, addiction challenges, etc. With the right help and a solid recovery, the addiction can become something that is so well managed that it is almost seamless. In addition, the work required will become something that you enjoy versus a burden.
There are a number of ways someone with an addiction can improve their chances of staying clean:
Practice sobriety – the only way to overcome an addiction is to stop using drugs altogether. Even once someone with an addiction feels they have their addiction under control, they should never take drugs again. The risk is far too great and will more than likely lead to relapse. Many recovering drug addicts also choose to go tee-total because alcohol can lower our inhibitions and make us more likely to do things we will later regret.
Ongoing therapy – drug addiction cannot be dealt with alone and ongoing drug addiction therapy is a very important part of recovery. Combining a focus on sobriety with therapy is a great way to ensure long-term success for many clients. For example, someone who suffers from PTSD or Complex PTSD (to learn more about these terms, click here) will be far less likely to relapse if they’re treated for these conditions at the same time because this is the underlying cause of their addiction.
Support – having the support of others going through the process of recovery is critical in the overall recovery process. A good support system will help keep you in check by challenging you when necessary and will also be there to cheer you on and commend you for a job well done. The support system will be available to help you with being accountable as well as to help you reduce some of the overwhelming shame you may feel due to your behaviours.
If you think that you or someone you know may need drug addiction treatment, please feel free to contact Toronto Trauma & Addiction Counselling in the strictest of confidence and we will be more than happy to help.
