It has been estimated that 19.4% of individuals in the United States have used illicit drugs in 2018. The most commonly used substances include marijuana, prescription stimulants, alcohol, and tobacco (National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, 2019). These statistics indicate epidemic levels of substance abuse in the country. Drug addiction is a chronic problem characterized by “…compulsive, or uncontrollable, drug seeking and use despite harmful consequences and changes in the brain, which can be long-lasting” (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2019, para. 1). What can help those suffering from drug addiction recover? One, all treatment should be individualized to the person. Treatment should be easily accessible and address all of the person’s needs, not just their addiction. Second, counseling that is behavioral focused along with medication has been found to be most effective. Third, detoxification should always be the first stage of treatment (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2019).
If you are suffering from drug or behavioral addiction, reach out to Mountainview Counseling. We can help!
References
National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics. (2019). Drug Abuse Statistics. Retrieved March 6, 2021, from https://drugabusestatistics.org/
National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2019, January). Treatment Approaches for Drug Addiction DrugFacts. Retrieved March 6, 2021, from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/treatment-approaches-drug-addiction