Every year, millions of people become addicted to drugs.   Yet drug addiction remains one of the most misunderstood conditions facing healthcare professionals today.   The following information is designed to help those individuals who are currently suffering from drug addiction get the help they desperately need.  Also, it will assist those families that have seen their most important relationships strained as a result of drug addiction.

The Most Common Types of Drug Addiction

Specific rates concerning drug addiction in the United States change over the course of time.   What was once a popular drug among teenagers thirty years ago may have seen its usage drop with kids.   However, that same drug may now be experiencing high levels of addiction among women 45 – 60.   Through it all however, there are certain drug addictions that always seem to make up the lion’s share of cases at drug rehab and drug detox centers around the country, including:

• Cocaine addiction
• Heroin addiction
• Marijuana addiction
• Crystal meth addiction
• Prescription painkiller addiction (including Vicodin addiction and OxyContin addiction)

Signs and Symptoms of Drug Addiction

Sometimes the hardest part about dealing with drug addiction is attempting to understand if there is even a problem at all.   The following are among the most classic signs and symptoms of drug addiction.   If you, or someone you love, is experiencing one or more of these signs over a period of several months, contact a drug rehab professional immediately.

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Tolerance (the need to take more and more of the drug over time to achieve the desired euphoric effects).
• Stealing or engaging in other criminal activity to support one’s habit.
• Chills and sweats
• Euphoric behavior or delusions of grandeur
• A sudden lack of interest in family, friend or favorite hobbies.

Getting Treatment for Drug Addiction

Once you have come to terms with your drug addiction (or identified the condition in a loved one) the next step is to get the professional help you need.   Drug rehab facilities are designed to help individuals overcome both their physical and psychological addiction to drugs, getting them back on track for a healthy, fulfilling life.   This is most commonly achieved through a three-tiered process at the drug rehab facility:  detox, counseling and aftercare.

Detox is the process of allowing all the harmful toxins associated with drugs to leave the system.   When detox (and the withdrawal symptoms that accompany it) is complete, the individual will be able to claim victory over the physical aspect of addiction.    Counseling addresses the psychological addiction to drugs.   In counseling, the individual learns why they began using drugs in the first place so that they can better respond to “triggers” and avoid temptation.   Finally, drug addiction aftercare helps the individual make a proper transition back into the “real world” through a number of different methods including:   12-step groups, follow-up counseling and sober living homes.