|  | Conditions Treatments | Drug Addiction

Counseling & Drug Abuse

Drug abuse is the use of illegal drugs or the misuse of prescription drugs for at least a year with the result of harmful outcomes, according to the National Institute of Health. Drug abuse contributes to social problems such as; violence, stress, child abuse, homelessness, crime and broken families. Counseling and ongoing therapy can be used to treat drug abuse and prevent drug addicts from relapsing and falling back into abusing drugs.

  1. Identification

    • Symptoms of drug abuse include neglecting everyday responsibilities, work, school, family or children, Increased arguing, fighting and physical violence; driving under the influence, criminal arrests and committing crimes such as stealing. Physical symptoms include loss of weight, nervousness or irritability, short temper and the inability to concentrate for long periods of time.

    Types

    • Types of abused drugs include illegal drugs, such as cocaine, heroin, LSD (acid), ecstas and marijuana. Prescription drugs can be abused as well and include Vicodin, OxyContin, Demerol, Ritalin and Concerta. Steroids are synthetic substances taken orally or injected used to enhance performance, and are frequently abused by athletes.

    Effects

    • Drug abuse can cause paranoia, stress and anxiety. Drugs can alter the brain and affect the brain's ability to function. Self-control, motivation, memory, learning, emotional regulation and mental judgment are all effected by the use of drugs. Drug abuse effects weight and outward appearance, as well. Relationships also feel the consequences of drug abuse in the form of financial hardship, divorce and mental anguish of the affected family members including, children, parents and spouses.

    Individual Counseling

    • Private one-on-one meetings that occur between the drug abuser and therapist are individual counseling sessions. Individual counseling sessions are used as a treatment source in rehabilitation centers and hospitals. Sessions take place in the office of the therapist and normally last for an hour, several times a week. The therapist will attempt to identify causes of drug abuse and work with the patient to develop a treatment plan.

    Group Therapy

    • Group counseling is a meeting consisting of individual drug abusers who come together in a group to talk openly about the consequences and experiences the addictions have on them with each other and a therapist. Group therapy is a popular form of treatment in rehabilitation centers giving drug abusers the ability to connect with other people who have been in the same situation.

    Family Counseling

    • Family counseling involves the drug abuser attending therapy sessions with family members to discuss relationship, trust and emotional issues the drug abuse has had on the family. A therapist acts as a mediator to ensure everyone in the session has a chance to speak and discuss the affects of the drug abuse.

Drug Addiction - Related Articles