Phoenix Men And Women Live With Addiction

One of the most important facts to know about drug addiction is that there really is no such thing as a “non-addictive” drug. While some substances do have more addictive characteristics than others, this is not the sole determining factor to addiction. If an individual is prone to addiction, they can become addicted to anything.

If you have begun to think that you may be addicted to a substance, this realization puts you in a better position than many. As seeking help from one of the many Phoenix area addiction specialists, can keep you off a path of possible destruction. Most people can be addicted for years without even realizing it. They merely see all of the evidence of drug addiction and falsely attribute it to something else. It is much easier for a person to blame their job and co-workers, their family, and virtually anything else, rather than face the realities of addiction. While one may conclude that this is because a person does not want to “admit” to a “weakness,” it’s equally important to consider the added fact that the addict does not wish to put themselves in the position of giving up their drug-of-choice.

Whether you see this problem in yourself, or recognize it in a loved one, there is hope. The person who is addicted, often has a very good chance for a full recovery, if they are willing to take the steps necessary to begin recovery, which may include leaving the Phoenix area for treatment.

There are a number of resources available in Phoenix and the surrounding areas, to help a person recover from drug addiction. Whether you are seeking information for yourself or for someone else, the most important point to keep in mind is that it is nearly impossible for any one particular resource alone to provide the desired results. Recovering from drug addiction does not only mean abstaining from the use of drugs—recovery also means a complete overhaul of one’s attitudes, beliefs, behaviors, and lifestyle. Neglecting to acknowledge this fact often leads the addict to give up their addiction, and replacing the “drug” with other destructive patterns or behaviors.

One of the most successful aspects of drug addiction recovery is a 12-Step Program. If the addict “works the Program” exactly as it is intended, it can be very beneficial. The drawbacks, however, are that many drug addicts do not take the 12-Step Programs seriously, and, in not fully complying with the manner in which it is to be used, they do not experience any real or lasting improvement; also, it is not uncommon for an addict to become dependent on the Program to the extent that it is nothing more than a substitute for his previous drug-of-choice.

As many drug addicts have had some type of mental conditions prior to beginning their drug use, and the use of drugs have caused complications of their own, a true recovery program should include a mental health evaluation and the treatment that is appropriate.

While many use the term “recovery,” too often a serious mistake is made. Although drug addiction is a serious problem, which can not only destroy a person’s life and the lives of those around them, but also prove to be fatal if not dealt with, the purpose of recovery is to assist the individual in regaining their life. Some believe that since they have been addicted to drugs, that they can never be “o.k.” again, and that their lives will never be “o.k.” again. This misconception is neither the true meaning nor the true purpose of recovery.