Drug Abuse
Drug abuse has affected almost everyone in the world, either directly or indirectly. It is a social issue that can create turmoil in personal relationships, families and workplaces. In some cases, by the time the problem is identified, addiction has already firmly taken root. The good news, however, is that with drug abuse, there is never a “point of no return.” It will be a hard and long battle, but a person who is committed to recovery and surrounded by supportive loved ones will find the battle very worthwhile.
Drug abuse is often linked to a wide variety of health, emotional, financial and psychological problems. As a result, addicts fall deeper into the despair and hopelessness that very likely started them down the path of abusing drugs. This is how the cycle of addiction is formed, creating a very nasty downward spiral. There will either be a moment of awakening, in which the need for change is realized, or an addiction will take hold and grow into a ruinous monster.
Sometimes drug abuse begins as a result of peer pressure, the desire to “fit in” and feel acceptance from a social group. It can also begin out of a desire to bury past pain or regret. It can also certainly begin out of a desire to bury chronic physical pain. In fact, prescription painkillers are actually one of the most highly addictive and socially accepted drugs abused today. Tobacco and alcohol are two more drugs that are not illegal, per se, but highly addictive and very harmful.
Signs of drug abuse include apathy, hostility, poor hygiene, extreme moodiness, depression, extreme fatigue or unnaturally abundant energy, chronic raspy cough, bloody nose or chronically runny nose, and bloodshot eyes. Several of these symptoms, like fatigue and moodiness, are easily confused with the normal adolescent experience. However, if a combination of these symptoms are seen, it may be time to discuss the issue of drug abuse, and Chapman House can help.
