Learn About Addiction to Help Someone Towards Recovery
National Recovery Month is celebrated in September, providing a chance to promote and support treatment and recovery activities.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) created an education program aimed at decreasing stigma to prevent drug overdoses and improve knowledge about addiction and recovery. The campaign educates people about addiction and treatment alternatives while also encouraging those in recovery to support one another.
Addiction is a sickness, not a weakness in one’s personality.
Addiction is a curable condition that may strike anyone at any time. One in every seven Americans reported having an addiction in 2020. Addiction develops when a person’s use of drugs or alcohol causes health difficulties or other problems in their everyday lives.
Many things might raise one’s chances of being addicted. Drugs may be used to deal with stress or trauma or to treat mental or physical conditions such as chronic pain.
To raise awareness about addiction treatment and addiction assistance, it is critical to provide knowledge on drug use drivers while avoiding reinforcing stigmas.
“Millions of Americans are in recovery from addiction and millions more are struggling with substance use, and we must do all we can to support them,” said Christopher M. Jones, PharmD, DrPH, MPH (CAPT US Public Health Service), acting director of the CDC’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. “That means providing effective care, support, and services that respect the health and dignity of people who use drugs.”
If you suspect a friend or loved one is addicted, there are several warning signs you may look for. If a person continues to take drugs even though their usage is producing issues, such as difficulty holding a job, family strife, or run-ins with law enforcement, this is a huge red flag. Another indicator of addiction is being unable to quit or reduce your drug usage.
Treatment can help people reclaim their lives.
Addiction recovery is possible. The overarching purpose of therapy is to assist people in engaging constructively in their family, workplace, and community. Medication therapy may be the initial step toward recovery for people suffering from opioid use problems. Opioid use disorder medications are useful in treating addiction and allow people to stay in recovery for extended periods. The Food and Drug Administration has authorized the following medications:
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- Methadone
- Buprenorphine
- Naltrexone
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Behavioral therapy, outpatient counseling, and inpatient rehabilitation are some of the various treatment options for opioid use disorder and other substance use disorders.
“Addiction is a treatable disease and recovery is possible,” said Dr. Jones. “Our priority is to do everything we can to equip communities with tools and resources to address underlying risk factors for addiction, help connect people to care, and save lives.”
The right kind of recovery support can make a difference.
Recovery is not simple, and it does not occur overnight. Relapse is normal and anticipated during the healing process. It is OK to ask for assistance and to inquire whether another person requires assistance. Treatment, as well as the support of family, friends, coworkers, and others, may have a significant impact on the recovery process. Recognize addiction as a medical illness rather than a moral flaw.
Stigma towards drug users can be a significant obstacle to therapy. Stigma can harm emotional, mental, and physical health; thus, removing stigma is critical for making loved ones feel safer and healthier, as well as obtaining and maintaining care. Begin by using compassionate, nonjudgmental language that treats individuals with respect and reflects accurate, science-based knowledge of drug use problems. Learn about addiction and recovery and share your knowledge with others in your community.
“Recovery belongs to all of us—every person, family, and community impacted by addiction and drug overdose,” said Dr. Jones. “We need to ensure prevention, treatment, and recovery support are in place and accessible to all who need them.”
Important measures to take if you suspect someone around you is overdosing:
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- Call 911
- If naloxone is available, administer it. Keep the person awake and breathing.
- To avoid choking, place the layperson on their side.
- Stay with the individual until emergency help comes.
For more information and resources to understand addiction and reduce stigma this Recovery Month, visit CDC.gov/stopoverdose/stigma.
If you or someone you know is struggling with overcoming addiction, visit findtreatment.gov to find treatments available near you. SAMHSA’s National Helpline is also a great resource to share with someone who may have a substance use disorder. Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for assistance.
If you are looking for safe, stable, and affordable recovery-based housing. Look no further, At Vanderburgh House all through New England, our recovery-focused homes are managed by compassionate House Managers whose main goal is to guide, help and lead our clients to live a drug and alcohol free lives
Vanderburgh Communities was created to grant Charters to sober living operators who desire to work within our recovery-based homes. All of our sober living homes are operated by self-employed, mindful, and recovery-motivated operators who work with our Vanderburgh homes across New England to offer sober living services in their communities. We recommend attending a meeting to learn more about helping your neighborhood.