We live in a society that greatly divorces us from our natural instincts and needs. We spend too much time on the couch and in the computer chair. We eat fattening foods full of sugar and salt. We are prescribed powerful drugs and have an acceptance of alcohol abuse. It’s become clear that addiction isn’t just a lower-class problem. It is a pervasive problem that touches every corner of life. When it’s time to get healthier, below are the most common addictions and the best ways to treat them.
Alcohol
By far the most common addiction is alcohol. Not only is it a very powerful drug, but it is also socially accepted. Human beings and civilization evolved with alcohol. People had to rely on fermented alcoholic beverages before there was enough clean water available. Alcoholism is inherently human. Not everyone gets addicted to alcohol, but if you drink enough, you certainly will become dependent on it.
Furthermore, alcohol is commonly used to self-medicate mental illness, making dual diagnosis treatment that aims to treat both addiction and underlying mental health problems at the same time. When someone is physically incapable of putting an end to their drinking, it’s necessary to go into medically supervised detox. Withdrawals from alcohol addiction can be brutal and even dangerous.
Opioids
Opioids haven’t been around as long, but they are one of the most addictive substances known to man. Opioids addict people in a different way than opiates and other drugs. They have become an epidemic for a reason. When someone uses opioids for pain, the drug makes the pain worse. That’s why they are so addictive. Like alcohol, detox from opioids should be medically supervised. When someone is addicted, opioid addiction treatment is crucial. There are plenty of rehab centers that focus on opioid addiction. Since the addiction is so specific, a personalized and comprehensive treatment isn’t necessary.
Amphetamines
Amphetamines come in many forms and are quite common. They are highly addictive. Whether the person is taking pills or smoking crystal meth, amphetamines are an incredibly addictive drug. They are tough to get off and withdrawal can result in many symptoms. Whatever the amphetamine of choice, these drugs can keep a person awake for days. There is a lot of psychosis involved with amphetamines for that reason. Luckily, most addiction treatment facilities can provide good treatment and supervised detox for amphetamines.
Cocaine
Cocaine is still quite common and has become widespread in recent years. Cocaine is also commonly laced with other drugs, making it difficult to know what exactly the person has been taking. Cocaine detox should be supervised medically for that reason. Cocaine addiction is specific, and it harms the body in several ways. There aren’t many facilities that specialize in cocaine, but they are out there. Cocaine addiction typically goes together with alcoholism so a lot of people who are treated for cocaine are also treated for alcohol.
Sex, Love, Pornography
Sex, love, pornography, and masturbation addictions are more common than one might think. This compulsion can come from a lot of places, and trauma is usually involved. Sex addiction is commonly a result and method to self-medicate post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The accessibility and intensity of pornography does not help anything. When it comes to sex, love, and porn addiction, individual and group therapy is necessary. Eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR) is another helpful form of therapy that tackles trauma. There’s no detox or withdrawals from these addictions, but they are also difficult to treat. With the 12-step program, a lot of people find contentment.
These aren’t the only addictions, but they are some of the most common. Luckily, if you are dependent upon a drug that is used by many other people, the treatments will be sound. Working with an addiction specialist, anyone can overcome their addiction and find solace in the world. Of course, detox, group 12-step meetings, counseling, and aftercare are all necessary, but true recovery relies on the sustained treatment and work of the individual. When you or someone you love is addicted to a substance, it can feel hopeless. It isn’t. Finding the treatment you need is necessary and completely within your grasp.