The Importance of Education in Spotting Preventing Addiction
The Importance of Education in Spotting Preventing Addiction
As a substance abuse and mental health intervention company, we know that education is key to preventing addiction and providing support for those who may be affected by it. By educating families and individuals on addiction, we can recognize it as a chronic disease that affects individuals regardless of age, race, or gender.
Understanding Addiction as a Chronic Disease
Addiction is a chronic and progressive disease that affects the brain and behavior, and it can lead to long-term consequences that impact a person's physical and mental health, relationships, and overall quality of life. It's important to understand that addiction is not a choice, but rather a complex disease that requires professional help and ongoing support to manage.
Statistics on Why/How People Become Addicted
Statistics show that addiction is a common problem that affects millions of people around the world. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 19.7 million adults in the United States had a substance use disorder in 2017. 8 out of 10 addicts have a history of trauma, including molestation. Individuals who have experienced trauma are more likely to use drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with the emotional pain and distress that often accompany traumatic experiences.
“I once heard an addict share they where addicted to fantasy years before they ingested any form of drug. This speaks to the pain and ability to cope.” – Ken Sieczkowski Partner, Entelechy Recovery Group.
Mental Health's Impact on Addiction
Mental health can also play a significant role in addiction. Individuals who experience depression, anxiety, or other mental health disorders are more likely to develop a substance use disorder. This is because drugs and alcohol can temporarily relieve the symptoms of mental illness, but over time, they can exacerbate those symptoms and lead to addiction.
How to Spot an Addict
Knowing how to spot an addict can help you intervene early and prevent addiction from taking hold. Signs to watch for include changes in behavior or personality, difficulty concentrating, changes in sleep patterns, and a lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities. Physical signs of addiction can include bloodshot eyes, dilated pupils, weight loss or gain, and track marks on the arms or legs.
How to Approach an Addict
Approaching an addict can be a difficult and emotional process, but it's important to do so with empathy and support. Start by expressing your concern and offering to help. Avoid blaming or shaming the person, as this can make them feel defensive or resistant to help. Remember to listen actively and show that you care about their well-being.
How to Test an Addict
Testing an addict can help determine the extent of their substance use and provide insight into their addiction. Drug testing kits like strip tests for fentanyl can provide peace of mind and help ensure safety. It's important to remember that drug testing should always be done with the person's consent and in a non-judgmental and supportive manner.
“Often family members tell me they had seen warning signs of addiction years earlier but denied it or just didn’t want to address it. It’s so important to trust your gut when you see the changes in your loved one that are likely to be related to addiction and or mental health issues.” Bruce Lupin – Partner, Entelechy Recovery Group.
How to Support an Addict
Supporting an addict through their recovery journey can be challenging, but there are tools and resources available to help. CPR training can provide lifesaving skills in the event of an overdose or other medical emergency. Keeping Narcan on hand can prevent overdoses and provide a second chance at life. Other resources, like treatment programs, support groups and counseling services, can provide emotional support and guidance for both the person struggling with addiction and their loved ones. Al-Anon, CODA, FamiliesAnon, and NarAnon are all great resources to support families with a loved one in addiction.
How to Know When It's Time for an Intervention
Knowing when it's time for an intervention can also be crucial in supporting an addict. If they are resistant to accepting help and their substance use is affecting their relationships, employment, or health, it may be time to seek professional help. Interventions should be done with the help of a trained and certified professional interventionist, who can provide guidance and support throughout the process.
“Three key factors in doing an intervention are unification of team, identifying a leader & allowing the professional space to create family change” – Ken Sieczkowski Partner, Entelechy Recovery Group.
Tools and Resources
There are many tools and resources through local and national government programs that can assist you through the process to be best prepared if and when addiction happens. Not only do these resources educate you on all the above we covered, additional training and resources that aren’t as commonly discussed or thought about include: CPR training, Narcan, Drug Testing Strips (to detect Fentanol and other laced substances), mental health, behavioral health, trauma response triggers and more.
We suggest visiting your local government pages for resources. Here are some for Orange County, California
Narcan Training & How to Obtain Narcan
Knowing When to Seek Professional Help
While it's possible to support an addict through their recovery journey, there may come a point where professional help is needed. It's important to recognize when an intervention is necessary, as an addict's substance use can start to impact their relationships, employment, and health. Seeking professional help can provide the necessary resources and support to guide an individual towards recovery.
*Remember recovery is always possible, keep the hope alive with loving communication.