Addiction comes in many forms: gambling, working, and sex, to name a few. The types of addiction that individuals seek professional help to aid in quitting are, most often, alcohol and drugs. Some of the most common substances abused include cannabis, alcohol, and opioids or opiates. That is not to say that other drugs do not become problematic for many individuals.
Most people have heard of cannabis or weed. We know it as the “gateway drug.” THC is the compound in cannabis that gets an individual high. It comes in many forms, such as hashish, resin, hash oil, and dried leaves with stems, seeds, and flowers. Some people mix it into food or drinks.
Alcohol is legal to those over age 21 with a valid ID. Alcohol, typically taken orally, has many effects on the body. Many medications have negative interactions with alcohol, which can lead to catastrophic results when taken in conjunction with one another.
Opiates include a variety of substances. Many of these include prescriptions such as Lortabs and OxyContin. Opium, morphine, and heroin also fall into this category. Opioids can be taken intravenously, nasally, or orally.
What is Addiction and What Areas of My Life Become Affected by Substance Use?
Substance use and drinking can be experimental in nature. In fact, that is often how it starts off. Then, misuse creeps in. Unfortunately, you can begin to exhibit signs of addiction quicker than you may think. Be on the lookout of signs of addiction, such as:
- You are partaking in substances in larger quantities, or over a longer timespan than you originally planned on doing.
- You notice you have a major longing for the substance. You have had unsuccessful attempts to cut down use.
- A large amount of time is spent to obtain, engage in, and recover from the use of alcohol or drugs.
- You notice an overwhelming desire to use an identified substance. This use does not depend on if the situation is dangerous or not.
- The drinking or use interferes with education, occupation, home life and/ or interpersonal life. You may notice you have stopped cleaning the house, no longer cooking meals, or not attending to your children and other family members as much as you used to. Maybe you even have been making excuses to get out of social events you used to enjoy. Your grades have dropped or your work is suffering. Drinking or use may encourage legal problems and amplify psychological or physical difficulties.
- Tolerance becomes increased. You need more to feel the effects of drugs or alcohol. When you do not have the substance, you experience withdrawal symptoms.
- Getting high or drunk is no longer the reason you use. The purpose is instead to not feel “sick” from being without alcohol or drugs.
Can I Find Help Getting Sober in Burns, Tennessee?
Discovery Place in Burns, Tennessee is here to aid you as you quit alcohol and other drugs. Our alternative drug and alcohol recovery programs are just a phone call away. We know that addiction is not a 9-to-5 job, so we are here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Established in 1997, we have over 4000 alumni. Join us in one of our long-term residential or 30-day programs. Call us today at 1-800-725-0922.
