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Drug Abuse

Drug Abuse: How it Starts

It's often difficult to pinpoint that recreational drug use turned into drug abuse and when drug abuse turned into addiction. For friends and family, drug abuse often comes as a surprise especially if the drug addict has been secretive about his or her use. Even those who started out just venting with a night out on the town or "experimenting" are often surprised at how quickly drug use can turn to abuse and then into addiction.

In the most basic terms, drug abuse starts in one of two ways: voluntary experimentation or poorly planned pain management. Experimentation is when anyone makes the decision to try a drug that they are not prescribed in the interest of having a good time, fighting depression, self medicating physical pain or rebelling. Others find themselves abusing drugs when they begin a prescription for pain management after an injury or surgery and end up taking more than prescribed or becoming physically addicted to the medication without an "exit plan" in place to help them learn to cope without the medication.

When Drug Abuse Requires Treatment

It's not always clear when drug abuse requires treatment. Medically, it is not necessarily a physical addiction to drugs or alcohol (classified as drug addiction as opposed to drug abuse). However, if drug abuse leads to what is termed as "risky behavior,"-unprotected sex, sharing needles, taking street drugs or drugs that have been cut, buying drugs from strangers, engaging in illegal or dangerous activities under the influence or to purchase more drugs-or if drug abuse turns into drug addiction, it may be too late. If you are hurting yourself, your family and friends, and your experience at work or school because of drug abuse, it is time to get help.

Drug Abuse: Myth Versus Fact

There are a number of myths about drug abuse that circulate among popular society that can be harmful. For example, one myth is that marijuana use is harmless. Not so. Extensive use of any drug that alters your consciousness, the way you see the world and how you make decisions is harmful. Another myth is that experimentation is innocent. Again, a false statement. For some drugs, all it takes is one time to get hooked. Others risk seizure, coma and instant death, especially in lethal combinations as happens often when someone is experimenting with a drug. Another myth is that quitting drug use is just a matter of willpower. Those who are genetically predisposed to compulsive behaviors or who are psychologically addicted (which often precedes physical addiction) need a behavior modification treatment program that addresses physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of the drug user in a supportive setting like The Canyon.

Benefits of Drug Abuse Treatment

The benefits to getting help at a drug treatment center like The Canyon before drug abuse turns into full-fledged drug addiction are numerous. Consider the relationships that can be saved, school and work careers that can be salvaged before they are summarily destroyed through undependability and bad behavior. Tendencies toward criminal activities and the chances of contracting a disease like Hepatitis C or HIV are severely reduced.

At The Canyon, we provide you with the tools you need for a successful recovery from drug abuse. Especially for those suffering from emotional problems like depression or psychiatric issues like schizophrenia, The Canyon is well equipped to provide treatment for other co-occurring disorders as well as addiction simultaneously. If you think that our process might be what you or your loved one are looking for in a treatment program, contact us at our calling center today at .