How addiction treatment has evolved over the past decade

3 min


Drug addiction cases have been increasing rapidly in the past decade. Globally, about 35 million people suffer from some form of drug use disorder. About ten years ago, cocaine and marijuana were the most commonly abused drugs in America. But that was before the opioid epidemic was declared a worrying public health emergency by the POTUS in 2017.

Opioids are prescription medications that are frequently used for pain relief. These drugs are legally available to patients suffering from severe pain. Despite their benefits, they can potentially lead to addiction when overused since they exhibit symptoms that are similar to those displayed by morphine. 

The evolvement of addiction treatment

Addiction treatment is a holistic therapy that is aimed at helping addicts stop seeking and using compulsive drugs. Addiction to alcohol and drugs can have devastating effects on your health and wellness. For instance, it alienates you from family and friends. Substance addiction also damages the immune system and leads to cognitive impairment, lack of proper sleep, and an inability to work effectively. 

However, every dark cloud has a silver lining. Addicts can seek treatment from a myriad of rehabilitation centers across the country. Couples who are looking to turn over a new leaf can check into this amazing inpatient drug rehab for couples to experience a life-changing transformation from drug addiction.

In the past, drug addicts were treated harshly and looked down upon. This segregation made addicts feel undervalued and unwanted, leading to increased cases of overdosing and death. When the opioid epidemic started spreading throughout America, the government caught wind of the escalating health situation and called upon the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and other health institutions to develop effective addiction treatment programs.

Today, addiction intervention and treatment are crucial health facets that take precedence in many countries. Some of the measures that are implemented include supporting prescription drug monitoring programs, promoting primary prevention through delivering community educational initiatives and encouraging the establishment of rehabilitation centers. Gone are the dark days when addicts were shunned and belittled. Drug addiction is an illness like any other – it can get treated. However, an addict must first acknowledge that he/she has a pertinent issue and be willing to seek help. That’s the first step towards recovery. 

Factors that contribute to drug addiction

People between 18 and 25 years old are most likely to start misusing alcohol, opioids and other addictive drugs. However, there are many factors that influence drug addiction. Let’s discuss some of them:

  • Peer pressure. Teenagers who spend a lot of time around people who frequently abuse alcohol and recreational drugs are statistically more likely to start using those drugs. Sadly, some friends, siblings and even parents can influence you into drug abuse. 
  • Lack of other viable life options. Sometimes, people end up getting addicted to drugs and alcohol because of their lack of options. Simply put, they are restrained – financially or otherwise – from undertaking activities that are fun and engaging. Issues such as stress, boredom, poverty, debt, and even uninspiring environments can lead to drug addiction.
  • Genetics. Although this factor is still not well understood, scientists believe that folks whose family members depended on drugs are quite likely to develop an addiction themselves.
  • Loneliness. Lonely individuals are more likely to develop a drug and alcohol problem. Socially isolated people are therefore more susceptible to misusing drugs and developing addictive behaviors when compared to extroverts.
  • Depression and other mental health disorders. People who suffer from chronic anxiety, depression or any other mental health condition are more likely to seek refuge from cigarettes, alcohol, opioids and hard drugs. One study involving patients with various mental disorders revealed that this clique is three times more likely to abuse alcohol or recreational drugs.

The future of addiction treatment

In the United States, drug overdosing causes the most accidental deaths. However, health agencies are taking active steps to mitigate the growing cases of addiction and to facilitate addiction recovery. For instance, ultra-modern drug addiction treatment centers for couples and individuals are being established in different states. These rehab centers offer flexible inpatient and outpatient treatment programs, detox services, cognitive behavior therapy and even aftercare services.

In addition, there are many online resources that drug addicts can utilize to communicate with certified therapists and to get helpful information. One popular website is couplesrehabs.org If you’re struggling with addiction, it helps to open up and take on the problem together. Remember, a problem shared is half solved. You can still put your life back on track by getting the appropriate help. As the wisemen rightly put it, a stitch in time saves nine.

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