Understanding Various Chemical Dependencies

Watching your child or sibling struggle with chemical dependency can be hard to witness and even harder to help them overcome. Some family members might think it is an addiction that can simply be stopped by going “cold turkey” or by limiting the persons’ intake down to a more acceptable level. But taking this away from them can cause additional issues such as physical withdrawal pain, severe mental distress, and more. Chicago Behavioral Hospital has been helping youth learn how to overcome the demanding need for certain chemicals and to move on to a successful treatment plan.

The Range of Chemical Addiction and Dependencies

While some forms of chemical addictions may be considered socially acceptable, such as alcohol or nicotine, they can all take a severe toll on the body.  Being able to identify the signs of a dependency or addiction, as well as what may be the cause, is the first step to finding treatment.

  • Alcohol is one of the most socially acceptable items on the list, it can lead to addiction and dependency just as easily. Being eager to drink socially and privately, hiding or feeling ashamed of your drinking habits may all be signs of an addiction.
  • Smoking is the second most socially acceptable item next to alcohol use. Being unable to stop smoking for more than a short amount of time, ignoring health issues that arise, and a physical and mental inability to stop smoking are all signs of an addiction.
  • Prescription opiates falls under a more serious category and can start innocently enough with the use of pain pills for an injury or illness. Once becoming fond of the feeling they provide, some people may start trying to obtain them from friends and family, or by lying to doctors and other health care professionals.
  • Inhalants is one of the easiest addictive chemicals to obtain, inhalants may include paints, glue, hair sprays, Sharpie markers, or lighter fluids. Inhaling the odor from these products gives a hallucinogen type feel and can cause slurred speech and lack of coordination.
  • Heroin is one of the more serious addictions one can fall into. Heroin changes the chemical balance of the brain to trigger feelings of relaxation and euphoria.

Once you notice a friend or family member might have an issue, try talking with them. Some people may be open to help, and others may resist it. When a serious approach needs to be made, contacting  Chicago Behavioral Hospital in Chicago IL could change lives for the better.

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Overcoming Addiction to Opiates & Narcotics

Opiates such as heroin and prescription painkillers are a commonly used narcotic to gain a feeling of indifference or numbness. When things are going bad in life, a person may turn to opiates to erase those emotions, but they can then fall into a downward spiral and are unable to stop using them. When individuals attempt these drugs for the first time, they may easily become addicted and the emotional strain it places on friends and family can be just as serious as the physical strain it places on their own bodies.

Important Steps to Consider for Successful Treatment

Willingness to change. One of the most important traits for a person to have is a willingness to overcome the addiction they are facing. We know it’s not easy, but believing in yourself and actually wanting to make a change for the better in your life is a huge step in starting your journey.

Extended treatment plan. Several people join a treatment center for a short time then feel they can continue it on their own. This is not always a good choice and many people will relapse back into their addictions. Staying involved with an extended treatment plan for 60 days, 90 days or even longer is an excellent way to stay motivated and on the right track for the long term.

Transition period. Once you complete an inpatient treatment plan, it’s important to set up a smooth transition period to help ease you back into the daily requirements of your life. This helps move you from an extended treatment into a long term life-changing plan.

Family support. Make sure your family and friends are on board. Getting support people you look up to or relate to is very important; and if any other members of your social circle use drugs, getting them into a treatment program or staying away from them will help make your own life much better.

Remaining Clean or Sober for an Extended Period

Finding a support group, either in Chicago IL or online, can benefit you more than you might realize. Finding a group of people who can all relate to the same ups and downs of being involved with a drug treatment center can help you learn to open up and express your emotions. Being able to tell people about your good days and your bad days will help nurture the goal you are working to meet. Together, with a strong support system, you can be on the path to freedom from your addiction.

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