The top 5 factors that contribute to drug and alcohol abuse. Our goal is to treat people in a holistic manner and help them recover

1. TOP
05 FACTORS
THAT CONTRIBUTE TO DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE
FACTOR #1: DRUG OR ALCOHOL ADDICTION RUNS IN THE FAMILY
FACTOR #2: PRESENCE OF PSYCHOLOGICAL PROBLEMS OR MENTAL ILLNESS
FACTOR #3: A PERSONALITY PRONE TO RISKY BEHAVIORS
FACTOR #4: SOCIAL RISK/PEER PRESSURE
FACTOR #5: LACK OF HEALTHY COPING MECHANISMS AND LIFE SKILLS

2. 05 FACTORS
THAT CONTRIBUTE TO DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE
CLEARING THE CONFUSION ON SUBSTANCE
ABUSE AND ADDICTION: AN INTRODUCTION
Drug and alcohol abuse resulting in chemical dependency causes the substance
that's being abused to become the sole focus of an addict's life. A recent study con-
ducted by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health revealed that the illegal drug
use of people living in the United States has reached its highest level since the early
2000's. Additionally, approximately 130 million people admit to drinking or experi-
menting with alcohol.
People have often wondered what makes some more prone to abuse drugs and
alcohol than others. The progression of certain circumstances, situations and predis-
positions push some toward substance abuse, while others work through these
same challenges in ways that help them avoid the use of alcohol or drugs. Whether
you want to avoid substance abuse and addiction within your family, have concerns
for your own drug or alcohol use or fear for a loved one with an addiction, learning
more about substance abuse and the factors that lead to it can help. To begin with,
it's helpful to understand exactly what addiction is.
UNDERSTANDING ADDICTION
AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE
The Genetics Science Learning Center at the University of Utah states that the
use of drugs causes immediate changes to your brain's synapses. These sub-
stances trick your brain cells into releasing huge amounts of dopamine, resulting
in the euphoric, pleasurable feelings often experienced with first use. But the
brain is a very adaptive organ and it quickly goes into action, trying to compen-
sate for the presence of so many dopamine receptors. This translates into toler-
ance, and the next time someone you love drinks or uses drugs a greater amount
or frequency will be necessary to achieve the same effect. As your brain's
pleasure center is re-wired by continued drug or alcohol use, casual usage
develops into a necessary habit, almost as if it's a natural reflex in
response to the body and brain's desire for pleasurable feelings.

3. THE BRAIN-ALTERING EFFECTS OF ADDICTION
Drug and alcohol abuse resulting in chemical dependency causes the substance
that's being abused to become the sole focus of an addict's life. A recent study con-
ducted by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health revealed that the illegal
drug use of people living in the United States has reached its highest level since the
early 2000's. Additionally, approximately 130 million people admit to drinking or
experimenting with alcohol.
People have often wondered what makes some more prone to abuse drugs and
alcohol than others. The progression of certain circumstances, situations and
predispositions push some toward substance abuse, while others work through
these same challenges in ways that help them avoid the use of alcohol or drugs.
Whether you want to avoid substance abuse and addiction within your family, have
concerns for your own drug or alcohol use or fear for a loved one with an addiction,
learning more about substance abuse and the factors that lead to it can help. To
begin with, it's helpful to understand exactly what addiction is.
LEARNING MORE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
The Genetics Science Learning Center at the University of Utah states that the
use of drugs causes immediate changes to your brain's synapses. These sub-
stances trick your brain cells into releasing huge amounts of dopamine, result-
ing in the euphoric, pleasurable feelings often experienced with first use. But the
brain is a very adaptive organ and it quickly goes into action, trying to compen-
sate for the presence of so many dopamine receptors. This translates into toler-
ance, and the next time someone you love drinks or uses drugs a greater
amount or frequency will be necessary to achieve the same effect. As your
brain's pleasure center is re-wired by continued drug or alcohol use, casual
usage develops into a necessary habit, almost as if it's a natural reflex in
response to the body and brain's desire for pleasurable feelings.

4. FACTOR #1:
DRUG OR ALCOHOL
ADDICTION RUNS IN THE FAMILY
WHAT MAKES SOMEONE VULNERABLE
Drug and alcohol abuse resulting in chemical dependency causes the substance
that's being abused to become the sole focus of an addict's life. A recent study con-
ducted by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health revealed that the illegal drug
use of people living in the United States has reached its highest level since the early
2000's. Additionally, approximately 130 million people admit to drinking or experi-
menting with alcohol.
People have often wondered what makes some more prone to abuse drugs and
alcohol than others. The progression of certain circumstances, situations and predis-
positions push some toward substance abuse, while others work through these
same challenges in ways that help them avoid the use of alcohol or drugs. Whether
you want to avoid substance abuse and addiction within your family, have concerns
for your own drug or alcohol use or fear for a loved one with an addiction, learning
more about substance abuse and the factors that lead to it can help. To begin with,
it's helpful to understand exactly what addiction is.
OTHER RISKS THAT INCREASE THE WEIGHT OF
THIS FACTOR.
The Genetics Science Learning Center at the University of Utah states that the
use of drugs causes immediate changes to your brain's synapses. These sub-
stances trick your brain cells into releasing huge amounts of dopamine, resulting
in the euphoric, pleasurable feelings often experienced with first use. But the
brain is a very adaptive organ and it quickly goes into action, trying to compen-
sate for the presence of so many dopamine receptors. This translates into toler-
ance, and the next time someone you love drinks or uses drugs a greater amount
or frequency will be necessary to achieve the same effect. As your brain's plea-
sure center is re-wired by continued drug or alcohol use, casual usage develops
into a necessary habit, almost as if it's a natural reflex in response to the body
and brain's desire for pleasurable feelings.

5. FACTOR #1:
DRUG OR ALCOHOL
ADDICTION RUNS IN THE FAMILY
HOW YOU ARE AFFECTED BY ADDICTION IN
THE FAMILY.
In addition to the genetic risks, you and others in your family also face social, envi-
ronmental and behavioral factors that will influence the propensity towards sub-
stance abuse and addiction. If you become sick after trying drugs or drinking alco-
hol, the experience may be enough to cause you to steer clear of further experi-
mentation. Watching a loved one's life deteriorate from drug or alcohol abuse can
also be enough to turn you off. At the same time, another person in your family
may not have these reactions at all and, in the absence of unpleasant experiences
with drugs or alcohol, will face a greater risk of developing his or her own addictio
PRESERVING HEALTH AND WELLNESS.
The Genetics Science Learning Center at the University of Utah states that the
use of drugs causes immediate changes to your brain's synapses. These sub-
stances trick your brain cells into releasing huge amounts of dopamine, result-
ing in the euphoric, pleasurable feelings often experienced with first use. But the
brain is a very adaptive organ and it quickly goes into action, trying to compen-
sate for the presence of so many dopamine receptors. This translates into toler-
ance, and the next time someone you love drinks or uses drugs a greater
amount or frequency will be necessary to achieve the same effect. As your
brain's pleasure center is re-wired by continued drug or alcohol use, casual
usage develops into a necessary habit, almost as if it's a natural reflex in
response to the body and brain's desire for pleasurable feelings.
COUNTERACTING THE RISK OF ADDICTION
Social support is critical in families with a history of addiction, especially where
young children are involved, asserts the United States Department of Health &
Human Services. Positive parenting role models can effectively help parents break
the cycle of addiction in the family and provide children with good role models to
follow. In addition to professional counseling, social support can be provided by
other family members, neighbors, members of your church, and community or
school organizations. Taking advantage of the social support available to you can
help counteract the risks faced by your family.

6. FACTOR #1:
DRUG OR ALCOHOL
ADDICTION RUNS IN THE FAMILY
TREATMENTS THAT ADDRESS THIS FACTOR
When you or another family member who's suffering from addiction seek profes-
sional treatment, your rehabilitation program will help address the factor of addic-
tion in the family. During individual and family counseling sessions, you'll uncover
what placed you at risk and how potential risk developed into addiction. As you
take part in life skills education, you'll also learn about maintaining your sobriety
with or without the support of other family members. During the rehabilitation
period, efforts will be made to establish or reestablish trust and other essential
characteristics of a healthy family relationship so healing can be experienced
within your family.
AFTERCARE THAT ADDRESSES THIS FACTOR
Once a loved one has completed treatment for drug or alcohol
addiction, the emphasis will be on maintaining sobriety. When other mem-
bers of the family refuse help and persist with addictive behaviors, it can be difficult
to maintain your new sober way of living if you must spend a great deal of time
around them. The support of other recovering addicts, your counselor and positive
role models will play key roles in helping you avoid relapse. It's also possible that
you will have to distance yourself from certain family members to preserve your
own well-being.

7. FACTOR #2:
PRESENCE OF PSYCHOLOGICAL
PROBLEMS OR MENTAL ILLNESS
WHAT MAKES SOMEONE VULNERABLE
The presence of psychological problems or mental illness places you or someone
you love at greater risk of addiction, according to the National Institute on Drug
Abuse. Undiagnosed mental health issues can lead to self-medication with alcohol
or drugs, leading to an eventual dual diagnosis. Comorbidity is the term used by
professionals to describe the existence of two disorders at a time, such as depres-
sion and alcoholism. One condition can lead to the other, but it's also common for
each disorder to add to the complications of the other disorder, as well.
OTHER RISKS THAT INCREASE THE WEIGHT OF
THIS FACTOR
Many other familial, social and environmental factors can tip the
scales toward addiction when a loved one suffers from mental i
llness. A lack of support from family members or stress within
your family can compound feelings of depression or anxiety.
Poor role models and negative peer pressure also increase
your vulnerability. A lack of proper healthcare can further
the risk of substance abuse and addiction, as you or a
loved one deals with the frustrations and fear of knowing
something is wrong without knowing exactly what it is.
HOW YOU ARE AFFECTED BY PSYCHO-
LOGICAL PROBLEMS OR MENTAL
ILLNESS.
There are many factors that can lead a person with underly-
ing psychological problems or previously diagnosed mental
illness to abuse drugs or alcohol. Overwhelming stress or
trauma in your life or the life of a family member can lead to
the use of alcohol or drugs for escape and relief. Some
people with mental illness find that substance abuse helps
to relieve unpleasant symptoms and side effects caused
by the illness; this is a form of self-medication.
Your personality or that of someone you love also
plays a role in whether or not drugs or alcohol
begin to look like a viable solution for relief
from mental health issues.

8. FACTOR #2:
PRESENCE OF PSYCHOLOGICAL
PROBLEMS OR MENTAL ILLNESS
HOW YOU ARE AFFECTED BY PSYCHOLOGICAL
PROBLEMS OR MENTAL ILLNESS.
There are many factors that can lead a person with underlying psychological prob-
lems or previously diagnosed mental illness to abuse drugs or alcohol. Overwhelm-
ing stress or trauma in your life or the life of a family member can lead to the use of
alcohol or drugs for escape and relief. Some people with mental illness find that sub-
stance abuse helps to relieve unpleasant symptoms and side effects caused by the
illness; this is a form of self-medication. Your personality or that of someone you love
also plays a role in whether or not drugs or alcohol begin to look like a viable solution
for relief from mental health issues.
COUNTERACTING THE RISK OF ADDICTION.
Many other familial, social and environmental factors can tip the scales toward
addiction when a loved one suffers from mental illness. A lack of support from
family members or stress within your family can compound feelings of depres-
sion or anxiety. Poor role models and negative peer pressure also increase your
vulnerability. A lack of proper healthcare can further the risk of substance abuse
and addiction, as you or a loved one deals with the frustrations and fear of know-
ing something is wrong without knowing exactly what it is.

9. FACTOR #2:
PRESENCE OF PSYCHOLOGICAL
PROBLEMS OR MENTAL ILLNESS
TREATMENTS THAT ADDRESS THIS FACTOR
When a person you care about enters a rehabilitation program for drug or alcohol
addiction, part of the intake process will include assessing physical and mental
health. Once the medical and counseling staff is aware that you or a loved one
suffers from a form of mental illness, a treatment plan can be designed to address
the addiction and the mental health issues that compound it or were caused by it. As
needed, medication might be prescribed or adjusted and different types of therapy
may be employed to make sure the type of treatment provided is effective in helping
the person in treatment to overcome addiction while treating other illnesses or disor-
ders.
AFTERCARE THAT ADDRESSES THIS FACTOR
Continued care is vital for someone who's overcome addiction to drugs or alco-
hol. It's imperative that medication, counseling and other forms of therapy
prescribed to treat mental illness continue without fail once addiction rehabilita-
tion is over. A great deal of social support can be instrumental in keeping a loved
one on track and helping him or her avoid or deal more appropriately with the
triggers that previously led to substance abuse.

10. FACTOR #3:
A PERSONALITY
PRONE TO RISKY BEHAVIORS
WHAT MAKES SOMEONE VULNERABLE
An individual's personality can place them at an increased risk of alcoholism or drug
addiction, asserts the National Hospital Organization's Chief of Psychiatry Mitsuru
Kimora. The combination of being a high risk seeker and possessing a lack of con-
cern over potential harm can make someone you love more vulnerable to substance
abuse leading to addiction. If you have a family member who tends to engage in
other risky behaviors, no matter how harmless they may seem to be, it's wise to take
steps to prevent the progression toward experimentation with drugs or alcohol.
OTHER RISKS THAT INCREASE THE WEIGHT OF
THIS FACTOR.
Peer pressure has a definite impact on drug or alcohol abuse, according to the
University of Maryland Medical Center. An adolescent or teenage child is espe-
cially influenced by his or her peers. Adults who possess multiple factors that com-
pound risky behavior, such as mental health issues or family history of addiction,
can be influenced to try drugs or alcohol. In essence, it's not that you or the family
member you're concerned about is always easily swayed. Rather, it's that the thrill
of the risk involved provides encouragement and a reason to participate in activi
ties that can lead to potential harm.
HOW YOU ARE AFFECTED BY A TENDENCY TOWARD
RISKY BEHAVIOR
Many other familial, social and environmental factors can tip the scales toward
addiction when a loved one suffers from mental illness. A lack of support from
family members or stress within your family can compound feelings of depres-
sion or anxiety. Poor role models and negative peer pressure also increase your
vulnerability. A lack of proper healthcare can further the risk of substance abuse
and addiction, as you or a loved one deals with the frustrations and fear of know-
ing something is wrong without knowing exactly what it is.

11. FACTOR #3:
A PERSONALITY
PRONE TO RISKY BEHAVIORS
HOW YOU ARE AFFECTED BY A TENDENCY TOWARD
RISKY BEHAVIOR
Many other familial, social and environmental factors can tip the scales toward
addiction when a loved one suffers from mental illness. A lack of support from
family members or stress within your family can compound feelings of depres-
sion or anxiety. Poor role models and negative peer pressure also increase your
vulnerability. A lack of proper healthcare can further the risk of substance abuse
and addiction, as you or a loved one deals with the frustrations and fear of know-
ing something is wrong without knowing exactly what it is.
PRESERVING HEALTH AND WELLNESS
According to the Harvard Medical School there is a link between risky behavior
and the development of the adolescent brain. Parents or other supportive, posi-
tive role models play an important role in helping adolescents and teens develop
healthy boundaries that prevent dangerous risk-taking behaviors. Although you
might express concerns for an adult family member who takes unnecessary
risks, a near-miss or close call can sometimes be enough to cause him or her to
wake up and step back from such choices. To avoid the dangerous conse-
quences of risky behavior, including drug or alcohol addiction, it's important to
gain a greater understanding and concern for potential consequences.
COUNTERACTING THE RISK OF ADDICTION
According to the Harvard Medical School there is a link between risky
behavior and the development of the adolescent brain. Parents or
other supportive, positive role models play an important role in helping
adolescents and teens develop healthy boundaries that prevent dangero-
us risk-taking behaviors. Although you might express concerns for an adult
family member who takes unnecessary risks, a near-miss or close call can
sometimes be enough to cause him or her to wake up and step back from
such choices. To avoid the dangerous consequences of risky behavior, including
drug or alcohol addiction, it's important to gain a greater understanding and con-
cern for potential consequences.

12. FACTOR #3:
A PERSONALITY
PRONE TO RISKY BEHAVIORS
TREATMENTS THAT ADDRESS THIS FACTOR
When a person you care about enters a rehabilitation program for drug or alcohol
addiction, part of the intake process will include assessing physical and mental
health. Once the medical and counseling staff is aware that you or a loved one
suffers from a form of mental illness, a treatment plan can be designed to address
the addiction and the mental health issues that compound it or were caused by it. As
needed, medication might be prescribed or adjusted and different types of therapy
may be employed to make sure the type of treatment provided is effective in helping
the person in treatment to overcome addiction while treating other illnesses or disor-
ders.
AFTERCARE THAT ADDRESSES THIS FACTOR
Continued care is vital for someone who's overcome addiction to drugs or alco-
hol. It's imperative that medication, counseling and other forms of therapy
prescribed to treat mental illness continue without fail once addiction rehabilita-
tion is over. A great deal of social support can be instrumental in keeping a loved
one on track and helping him or her avoid or deal more appropriately with the
triggers that previously led to substance abuse.

13. FACTOR #4:
SOCIAL RISK/PEER PRESSURE
WHAT MAKES SOMEONE VULNERABLE
Every person deals with several layers of society, starting with their core family, and
then extending to school, work, their circle of friends and the community. While these
various social components provide a positive influence most of the time, they can
also add to the risk you or the person you care about face for potential addiction.
What happens or doesn't happen within any of these components of your social
existence can make you vulnerable to drug or alcohol experimentation that eventu-
ally leads to dependency.
HOW YOU ARE AFFECTED BY SOCIAL RISK AND
PEER PRESSURE.
Although we all face social problems throughout our lives, the magnitude of a
social risk or presence of several at once can place those you care about at
greater risk for addiction. The weight and stress caused by dealing with social
problems can reduce your ability to cope, work through or bounce back from life
challenges. A loss of resiliency and hope can cause you, a family member or part-
ner to give up and seek relief in any form it can be found, such as drug or alcohol
use. Social risks that can affect your family in this way include domestic violence,
the presence of addiction in the home, poor socio-economic conditions, bullying or
multiple life stressors that occur concurrently.
OTHER RISKS THAT INCREASE THE WEIGHT OF
THIS FACTOR
According to the Harvard Medical School there is a link between risky beha-
vior and the development of the adolescent brain. Parents or other su-
pportive, positive role models play an important role in helping adoles-
cents and teens develop healthy boundaries that prevent dangerous
risk-taking behaviors. Although you might express concerns for
an adult family member who takes unnecessary risks, a
near-miss or close call can sometimes be enough to
cause him or her to wake up and step back from such
choices. To avoid the dangerous consequences of risky
behavior, including drug or alcohol addiction, it's important
to gain a greater understanding and concern for potential
consequences.

14. FACTOR #4:
SOCIAL RISK/PEER PRESSURE
PRESERVING HEALTH AND
WELLNESS. ACCORDING
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the presence of protective
factors can help preserve health and wellness, while helping a loved one avoid
succumbing to the temptation to try drugs or alcohol. These positive factors help
lessen the impact of detrimental social risk factors by providing healthier ways to
cope with deprivation caused by lack of parental supervision, living in impover-
ished circumstances or dealing with an abusive relationship.
COUNTERACTING THE RISK OF ADDICTION
Seeking and obtaining support can help you and someone you care for counteract
the effects of social risk and the development of addiction. As the loved one of a
family member whose social circumstances place him or her at risk, you can help by
ensuring the availability of drugs or alcohol is eliminated from the home. Assistance
and support can be sought through a child's school system or through community
service agencies. Lack of insurance or financial means does not have to preclude
you and your family from receiving the kind of support that can prevent addiction.
Many local and statewide agencies and organizations can provide practical assis-
tance that can make a difference. The opportunity to work with a counselor, mentor
or church authority can assist the person at risk in overcoming the social issues that
increase the risk of substance abuse.
TREATMENTS THAT ADDRESS THIS FACTOR
Drugs and alcohol are often used as ways to escape the reality of social circum-
stances. It might be hard to see how rehabilitation for addiction can help you and
your family overcome poverty or escape from an abusive relationship. Regaining
your health through detoxification and medical care, coupled with counseling can
help you establish feelings of self-worth that empower you to work toward posi-
tive change in other areas of your life. The counseling and life skills education
you or another member of your family participate in during recovery can help
build the skills needed to create positive changes in life.

15. FACTOR #4:
SOCIAL RISK/PEER PRESSURE
AFTERCARE THAT ADDRESSES THIS FACTOR
According to the USDA, counseling, psychotherapy and the development of
social and practical skills can help maintain all the progress that's been made
after completing recovery treatment for addiction. While maintaining sobriety with
counseling and by avoiding known triggers, having the chance to learn positive
social skills can equip you or a family member with the ability to
make healthier life choices despite life circumstances. Practical
skills gained through educational or job training also help
promote sobriety by empowering someone you love and
yourself to feel that it's possible to rise above social
circumstances.

16. FACTORCOPING
LACK OF HEALTHY
#5:
MECHANISMS AND LIFE SKILLS
WHAT MAKES SOMEONE VULNERABLE
A propensity towards drug or alcohol abuse generally occurs when a loved one
faces multiple risk factors. The presence of any of the aforementioned risk factors
can lead someone you love to have a lack of healthy coping mechanisms or the life
skills necessary to avoid experimentation with drugs or alcohol leading to addiction.
Not having the skills to work through adversity in a healthy way makes you vulner-
able to resorting to unhealthy coping mechanisms instead.
OTHER RISKS THAT INCREASE THE WEIGHT OF
THIS FACTOR.
When you, a family member or spouse lacks healthy coping mechanisms or life
skills there is an increased risk of being influenced by the habits of others. A teen
who hasn't learned how to handle stress in a healthy manner and has no support
system at home may be more willing to believe it when a peer suggests that using
drugs or drinking alcohol can make the situation better. Additionally, if drugs
or alcohol have been used within the family as acceptable coping
mechanisms, then children within the family face a greater risk of
also turning to substance abuse.
HOW YOU ARE AFFECTED BY A LACK
OF HEALTHY COPING MECHANISMS AND
LIFE SKILLS.
Lack of healthy coping mechanisms, no matter what the
cause, place you at risk whenever an overwhelming
amount of pressure occurs. Rather than realizing
that there's a way to work through and overcome
the problem, the person affected may believe there's
only temporary escape. In an effort to overcome difficu-
lties, you and your family member will look to others for
possible solutions. If the examples and role models available
are not positive, it can further solidify unhealthy coping
behaviors, such as drug or alcohol abuse.

17. FACTORCOPING
LACK OF HEALTHY
#5:
MECHANISMS AND LIFE SKILLS
PRESERVING HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Seeking and obtaining support can help you and someone you care for counter-
act the effects of social risk and the development of addiction. As the loved one
of a family member whose social circumstances place him or her at risk, you
can help by ensuring the availability of drugs or alcohol is eliminated from the
home. Assistance and support can be sought through a child's school system or
through community service agencies. Lack of insurance or financial means does
not have to preclude you and your family from receiving the kind of support that
can prevent addiction. Many local and statewide agencies and organizations can
provide practical assistance that can make a difference. The opportunity to work
with a counselor, mentor or church authority canassist the person at risk in over-
coming the social issues that increase the risk of substance abuse.
COUNTERACTING THE RISK OF ADDICTION
The presence of a positive influence in your life or the life of another family member
can counteract the risk of addiction due to lack of healthy coping mechanisms.
Teens and adolescents can benefit from spending time with a "big brother" or "big
sister" from within the community or the church. An adult family member who's
at-risk of turning to substance abuse can learn better ways to cope with life chal-
lenges by working with a respected and trusted mentor.
TREATMENTS THAT ADDRESS THIS FACTOR
Once the person in treatment completes the detoxification phase of rehabilita-
tion, he or she will begin to participate in other parts of the program that promote
the development of healthy coping mechanisms and life skills. Through work with
a counselor, attendance to a peer support group and life skills workshops your
loved one will learn healthy alternatives for coping with life stressors. Rather than
turning to drugs or alcohol, coping techniques such as talking to a support
person, using exercise to relieve stress or expressing feelings through creativity
will be developed and built upon throughout the program.
AFTERCARE THAT ADDRESSES THIS FACTOR
The life skills and positive coping mechanisms learned during rehabilitation are
important to the maintenance of sober living. Your loved one will need the ongo-
ing support of family, friends and a support group or counselor to encourage
healthy decision-making. Being surrounded by people who will model positive life
skills and good decision-making processes will help you or a newly sober family
member continue to build upon the skills learned during treatment. For this
reason as well as for sobriety's sake, it's important to cut ties with those who will
encourage poor choices leading to a relapse into addiction.

18. DRUG AND ALCOHOL REHABILITATION:
AN EFFECTIVE, COMPASSIONATE SOLUTION
FOR A HEARTBREAKING PROBLEM
A propensity towards drug or alcohol abuse generally occurs when a loved one faces multiple risk factors.
The presence of any of the aforementioned risk factors can lead someone you love to have a lack of healthy
coping mechanisms or the life skills necessary to avoid experimentation with drugs or alcohol leading to
addiction. Not having the skills to work through adversity in a healthy way makes you vulnerable to resorting
to unhealthy coping mechanisms instead.
THE PROGRAM IS GEARED TOWARD THE
SPECIFIC ADDICTION.
Although some of the same factors contribute toward the development of drug or
alcohol dependency, each addiction requires treatment geared toward the specific
drug or substance abused. Different substances affect the mind and body in different
ways, resulting in the need for variations in rehabilitation. One person may require
more intensive medical treatment due to the physical and mental effects of addiction,
whereas another person may need more behavioral counseling as dictated by the
needs of the substance.
THERE'S A PLAN FOR AFTERCARE
An effective aftercare plan is an essential part of a good treatment program. Main-
taining the sobriety that your loved one has worked so hard to achieve requires
lifelong support and the ability to continue using all that was learned during rehabili-
tation. As you or another person in your family prepares to finish recovery treat-
ment, you'll begin to make aftercare plans that might include continued counseling
with an addictions counselor, attendance to a peer support group and occasional
workshops to boost and strengthen life skills.

19. THE TREATMENT ADDRESSES ALL NEEDS, NOT
JUST ADDICTION
When you, a family member or spouse lacks healthy coping mechanisms or life skills there is an increased
risk of being influenced by the habits of others. A teen who hasn't learned how to handle stress in a healthy
manner and has no support system at home may be more willing to believe it when a peer suggests that
using drugs or drinking alcohol can make the situation better. Additionally, if drugs or alcohol have been used
within the family as acceptable coping mechanisms, then children within the family face a greater risk of also
turning to substance abuse.
AMPLE TIME IS PROVIDED TO DETOX, RECOVER
AND LEARN.
An effective drug or alcohol rehabilitation program provides each individual with time to detox, recover
physically and mentally, and gain life skills that will help maintain sobriety. The length of time needed for
your body to detoxify depends upon the substance that was abused, and it's important to allow the body to
become drug-free. Once you, a partner or other family member have progressed through detoxification,
the program staff members can work with the person to address health problems as participation in other
portions of the recovery program begins.
COUNSELING IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF
THE PROGRAM
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, counseling is one of the most common forms of treatment
for addiction. An effective program will include various types of counseling, such as individual, family and
group counseling. Working with a counselor helps you and affected family members address behaviors and
circumstances that led to addiction. It also helps create a foundation of accountability and responsibility,
which is a critical part of remaining sober. Therapy conducted with a peer support group during and after
treatment can alleviate feelings of aloneness, while helping you continue to gain new tools for coping with life
challenges in healthier ways. Counseling that involves family members is a vital part of treatment for those
who will return to a family once they leave the treatment facility.
If you, a partner or other family member has abused drugs or alcohol and succumbed to addiction,
the effects will wreak havoc on your life and probably already have. The serious
consequences of addiction can cost you and your family all that you once held
dear, such as your health, well-being, financial security and relationships.
There is hope, no matter how long addiction has prevailed, to regain
the things and people that make your life worth living. At BestDrug-
Rehabilitation.com, a caring and knowledgeable staff member waits
to help you make the first step toward a better and healthier life.
Don't wait another minute to reach out toward someone who can
help. The efforts you make today will provide hope and
opportunity where, before, there was none.