Drug Addiction and Substance Abuse

Drug addiction is a disease that requires treatment. People addicted to drugs have an uncontrollable compulsive drive to abuse drugs despite the harmful consequences to themselves and their families.

Addicts become addicted to controlling and sustaining specific moods and emotional states through the use of drugs. The uncontrollable urge to use drugs takes priority over everything else, including family, friends, career and health. The need to take drugs becomes just as important as the need to eat and drink water. Generally, drugs are classified under three major categories:

Depressants (or ‘downers’) slow the functions of the central nervous system and affect concentration and coordination. Examples include:

  • Alcohol;
  • Cannabis (or ‘Marijuana’, ‘Hash’);
  • Opioids (Heroin, Methadone, Morphine);
  • Benzodiazepines;
  • Barbiturates.

Stimulants (or ‘uppers’) speed up bodily functions by increasing dopamine levels, inducing euphoria, energy and alertness. Examples include:

  • Cocaine & Crack Cocaine;
  • Speed;
  • MDMA (Methylenedioxymethamphetamine or ‘Ecstasy’);
  • Crystal Meth;
  • Khat.

Hallucinogens distort perception of reality with unpredictable and sometimes dangerous consequences. Examples include:

  • LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide or ‘Acid’, ‘Trips’);
  • PCP (Phencyclidine);
  • Ketamine;
  • Magic Mushrooms (Psilocybin).

Drug use is becoming more and more prevalent. Shockingly, experimentation of drugs often starts out in schools. If family members are able to keep their loved one away from drugs they will only ever achieve a physical detoxification. The psychological, underlying, reasons driving the addict to use drink or drugs will not have been resolved and there will be a high likelihood that they will return to their addictive behaviours.

I understand that there is a rationale behind the use of drugs. I work with the addict to uncover and understand the reasons behind their misuse of drugs. My treatment approach puts in place healthier alternatives, as well as addressing the original issues the drugs were initially deployed to deal with.

If you or someone you care about has a problem – or even if you’re not sure – please contact me on 07999 456 777 for confidential help and advice. It could be the best decision you ever make.