Question 1

How Can We Prevent Drug And Alcohol Addiction?

Accepted Answer

While there is no one way or guaranteed way to prevent someone from abusing drugs and alcohol, there are things that everyone can do to prevent substance abuse.

Here are the top five ways to prevent substance abuse:

Understand How Substance Abuse Develops.

Substance abuse starts by:

Using addictive drugs (illicit or prescribed) for recreational purposes
Seeking out intoxication every time you use
Abusing prescription medication

Avoid Temptation And Peer Pressure.

Develop healthy friendships and relationships by avoiding friends or family members who pressure you to use substances. It's often said, "we become most like those we surround ourselves by," meaning if you surround yourself with people who abuse drugs and alcohol, you are more likely to as well. Peer pressure is a major part of life for teens and adults. If you are looking to stay drug-free, develop a good way to just say no, prepare a good excuse or plan ahead of time to keep from giving in to peer pressure.

Seek Help For Mental Illness.

Mental illness and substance abuse often go hand in hand. If you are dealing with a mental illness such as anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder, you should seek professional help from a licensed therapist or counsellor. A professional will provide you with healthy coping skills to alleviate your symptoms without turning to drugs and alcohol.

Examine The Risk Factors.

Look at your family history of mental illness and addiction. Several studies have shown that this disease tends to run in the family but can be prevented. The more you are aware of your biological, environmental and physical risk factors, the more likely you are to overcome them.

Keep A Well-balanced Life.

People often turn to drugs and alcohol when something in their life is missing or not working. Practising stress management skills can help you overcome these life stressors and will help you live a balanced and healthy life.

Develop Goals And Dreams For Your Future.

These will help you focus on what you want and help you realise that drugs and alcohol will simply get in the way and hinder you from achieving your goals.

Question 2

Why Is Drug And Alcohol Prevention Important?

Accepted Answer

Prevention and early intervention are based on the idea that intervening to stop a problem from occurring, or acting early to prevent an issue from getting worse, offers better and more cost-effective outcomes for our community.

Alcohol and other drugs are a part of life in Australia, and not all alcohol and drug consumption is harmful. Coffee, medications and enjoying a glass or two of alcohol with friends and family are some examples of drug use that may not be harmful.

However, we also need to understand that drug and alcohol use can, and does, cause a large amount of harm to our communities.

These harms can include long term health issues, including mental health concerns, injury, violence, dependency, substance misuse and worst-case scenario, substance-related deaths.

That's not to mention the other costs to society, such as the cost of healthcare and law enforcement as a result of drug or alcohol-related use or misuse.

Effective prevention strategies can minimise disease burden by delaying the start of use, reducing problematic use and reducing the harms associated with alcohol and illicit drugs. This can also be called harm minimisation.

Question 3

What Is Considered The Most Effective Treatment For Alcohol Use Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Treatment for alcohol use disorder can vary, depending on your needs. Treatment may involve a brief intervention, individual or group counselling, an outpatient program, or a residential inpatient stay. Working to stop the use of alcohol to improve quality of life is the main treatment goal.

Treatment For Alcohol Use Disorder May Include:

Detox and withdrawal.
Psychological counselling.
Oral medications.
Injected medication.
Continuing support.
Treatment for psychological problems.
Spiritual practice.

Residential Treatment Programs

For serious alcohol use disorder, you may need a stay at a residential treatment facility. Most residential treatment programs include individual and group therapy, support groups, educational lectures, family involvement and activity therapy.

Residential treatment programs typically include licensed alcohol and drug counsellors, social workers, nurses, doctors and others with expertise and experience in treating alcohol use disorder.

Question 4

What Are The Causes Of Drug Abuse Among Youth?

Accepted Answer

There are many reasons that teens and young adults get involved with drugs, and unfortunately, there are many instances in which the root of substance use goes much deeper than "experimentation." Consider the following reasons that adolescents and young adults use drugs.

In Attempt To Fit In:

Making friends and establishing oneself at school can be difficult for adolescents. The teenage years often come with many insecurities, low self-esteem, and fear of not being accepted. In order to fit in, to feel "cool," or join an older, more seductive social circle, many teens will start buying and using drugs.

To Feel Good:

Many adolescents abuse drugs or alcohol to get high. They are looking for a thrill, an intensified feeling that they cannot obtain through simple pleasures like food or exercise. This is where the addiction cycle starts to kick in. Drugs interact with the way our brain produces and the way our body experiences pleasure. When drugs are used, the brain creates up to ten times the normal amount of dopamine and euphoria a person should experience. It is unnatural chemistry that takes place, but our brain remembers it. It craves it.

To Feel Better:

There is the desire to feel good, and there is the need to feel better. These are two very distinct entities when evaluating teen drug use. Teens looking to "feel better" are, in truth, self-medicating. They are battling something deeper than peer pressure or a failed homework assignment. Some adolescents are suffering from deep-seated conditions like depression, social anxiety, and stress-related disorders. They use drugs to forget or replace their negative feelings with substance-induced pleasure.

Experimentation:

The brain does not finish developing until the age of 25. The last part of the brain to develop is the one that controls rational decision making, self-control, and judgment, making adolescents more prone to trying risky and daring activities. Drugs and alcohol are often easy, accessible outlets for experimentation that can severely impact the developing teenage brain.

Competition:

The need to perform, to impress, and to make proud is great pressure for adolescents and young adults. Whether in school or on the field, young people consistently want to prove they are the best to their peers and parents. The competition to be outstanding, however, can be intense. In academics, for example, teens and young adults often rely on the misuse of prescription stimulants as "smart drugs" or study aids to improve academic performance.

Attention:

Teens often experience a lack of purpose or talent. They feel like they are not good enough to shine or are lacking something to make them special. These feelings may drive them toward substance abuse. Some youth do not know how to become the best, so they choose to become the worst in hopes of getting their parents' and teachers' undivided attention.

Lack Of Education:

Some adolescents and young adults grow up thinking drug and alcohol use is normal. Their favourite musicians are singing about it, and the movies are glamorising it, the TV ads are selling it. Whether you are sad, can't sleep, or have a headache, there is a drug for you. Our culture has adopted the "pill cures all" mentality, leading our youth to feel the same about drugs. Many do not understand the consequences of drug use. Many teens do not know how it can harm their minds, bodies, and relationships. They need proper education. They need someone to tell them the truth about drugs and alcohol.

Addiction:

Some teens and young adults are stuck in the cycle. At such a young age, they are more vulnerable to developing dependence and addiction. They get in over their heads at an early age and do not know how to get out. They need you to extend a hand. They need us.

Question 5

Who Is Most At Risk For Drug Addiction?

Accepted Answer

It's true that some people have a higher risk of abusing and becoming addicted to drugs. Knowing your risk factors can help you to be proactive in avoiding triggers and other situations that may make drug use more likely.

Here are some of the most common risk factors associated with drug addiction:

Being A Man.

Even though the progression of addictive disorders has been seen to be faster among women, men have a higher likelihood of becoming addicted to drugs.

Family History.

Is drug addiction common in your family? Researchers believe there may be a genetic predisposition to drug addiction, meaning if someone in your family has dealt with drug addiction, you have a higher risk of dealing with it yourself. This is only true among blood relatives, such as a parent, grandparent or sibling.

Mental Disorders.

Having other mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can make you more susceptible to drug addiction. This is because these disorders may sometimes lead to coping through drugs, alcohol or other substances.

Lack Of Family Involvement.

When parents aren't involved in their children's lives, or their children simply lack supervision, the risk of drug addiction goes up. This is because not only is it easier for the child to acquire and abuse drugs, but it also promotes difficult family situations and a lack of a bond, which may compel drug use.

Taking A Highly Addictive Drug.

Some drugs are more addictive than others. For instance, cocaine is known as a highly addictive drug. Painkillers may also create a faster tolerance and dependency. Even so, taking drugs that are thought to be "less addictive" can still put you on a path to drug addiction.

While the above risk factors may increase a person's chances of becoming addicted to drugs, anyone can succumb to drug abuse and addiction. Addiction recovery programs can help.

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