Substance Abuse

Addiction is a complex disorder characterized by compulsive drug use. People who are addicted feel an overwhelming, uncontrollable need for drugs or alcohol, even in the face of negative consequences. This self-destructive behavior can be hard to understand. Why continue doing something that’s hurting you? Why is it so hard to stop?
The progression from recreational use to abuse can be so subtle that before you know it, YOU ARE HOOKED!
How addiction develops
The path to drug addiction starts with experimentation. You or your loved one may have tried drugs out of curiosity, because friends were doing it, or in an effort to erase another problem. At first, the substance seems to solve the problem or make life better, so you use the drug more and more.
But as the addiction progresses, getting and using the drug becomes more and more important and your ability to stop using is compromised. What begins as a voluntary choice turns into a physical and psychological need. The good news is that drug addiction is treatable. With treatment and support, you can counteract the disruptive effects of addiction and regain control of your life

You could be recognising signs in your teenager like:

• Change in appetite
• “Lost” money and clothing
• Sudden changes in friends
• Drop in school performance
• Resentment towards authority etc.
• Physical warning signs of drug abuse
• Bloodshot eyes or pupils that are larger or smaller than usual.
• Changes in appetite or sleep patterns. Sudden weight loss or weight gain.
• Deterioration of physical appearance and personal grooming habits.
• Unusual smells on breath, body, or clothing.
• Tremors, slurred speech, or impaired coordination.

Support is essential to addiction recovery
Don’t try to go it alone; it’s all too easy to get discouraged and rationalize “just one more” hit or pill. Whether you choose to go to rehab, rely on self-help programs, get therapy, or take a self-directed treatment approach, support is essential. Recovering from drug addiction is much easier when you have people you can lean on for encouragement, comfort, and guidance.
Support can come from:

• Family members
• Close friends
• Therapists or counsellors
• Other recovering addicts
• Healthcare providers
• People from your faith community

Remember:
It is not only the abuser who suffers but the family and those around him/her who suffer as well. If you are seeking help for yourself or your loved one, LifeLine counsellors are there to listen and give information to access relevant assistance.
Phone LifeLine on 0861 322 322 or contact our local office (011) 421-0384 -  our  counsellors are there to listen, talk to you,  and understand your concerns whilst assisting you in understanding who you are.