Drug addiction is a common condition in the United States. There are various forms and causes of addiction, depending on individual’s drug of choice. But how many people get treatment for drug addiction? Although the statistics vary widely, over 11.6 million people suffer from drug and alcohol addiction, but only about 2.4 million of those people receive treatment for these problems. Taking into account all forms of substance abuse, about 1-3% of Americans will receive outpatient treatment for their addictions annually.
Reason Why People Fall Victim of Drug Addiction
The causes of addiction do vary from person to person. Below are some of the proven reasons why so many Americans are getting addicted to drugs.
Mental disorders
Mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, stress, and personality disorders can lead to drug addiction.
Traumatic Experience
Traumatic experiences such as sexual abuse, rape, or physical abuse might lead to drug addiction. This usually happens when the affected individual is unable to control the feelings of anxiety and panic that they experience.
Social Pressures
Most drug addicts are often influenced by their peers. Social pressures such as peer pressure, the need to belong, and peer approval might be attributed to the factor in the onset of drug addiction.
Low Self Esteem
Individuals who have low self-esteem and lack confidence might be more prone to drug addiction because it gives them a feeling of control and escapism.
Barriers to Effective Drug Addiction Treatment
There are a lot of reasons why people aren’t getting the much-needed addiction treatment. These include:
Lack of Resources
If you do not live near a treatment facility, it can be difficult to get in to see a doctor. This is especially true if you live in a rural area.
Stigma
Some people are afraid to seek treatment for their addiction because they are worried about being shamed or judged by their peers and friends.
Not Ready to Change
If you do not feel like your addiction is affecting your life in a way that is negatively impacting your well-being, you may not be as interested in receiving treatment as someone that is.
How Can Drug Addiction Be Treated?
Treatment for drug addiction depends on the kind of drug that the person is addicted to. There are different types of treatments available for different kinds of drugs. These treatments include:
Drug Substitution
Drug substitution is a type of treatment that involves the substitution of one drug with another. This is done in order to gradually reduce the cravings and withdrawal symptoms. During this treatment, the patient is monitored closely so as to ensure that there is no rebound effect
Drug Detox
Detox involves the patient going through a medically supervised withdrawal from the drug. This is usually done through hospitalization, and doctors will monitor the patient to ensure that he doesn’t go into withdrawal syndrome, which can be very dangerous to his health.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
This involves a combination of psychological, social, and environmental factors that are believed to help people change their behavior, thoughts, and emotions for long-term recovery from drug addiction. This is usually an outpatient treatment, but it can be done in the hospital as well.
Contingency Management
The contingency treatment option is gaining popularity when it comes to treating various forms of addiction, such as narcotics, alcohol, and tobacco addicts. This method uses positive reinforcement techniques to help encourage drug addicts to stay clean. The most common technique involves rewarding the person with something that they like.
Medications
There are many medications available for the treatment of drug addiction. These range from stimulants to tranquilizers and antidepressants, which can be used to reduce drinking behavior as well as cravings.
Final Thought
Drug addiction is becoming more complicated each year. As it stands, there are approximately 2.4 million people in the United States who benefit from drug addiction programs. While the number is significantly small compared to the number of addicts, there are still a lot that needs to be done. If you or your loved one is addicted to drugs and need help, call us today at 833-610-1174.