What Every Professional Needs To Know About Alcoholism And Drug Addiction Posted by nick_niesen on October 26th Authentic Jimmy Wynn Jersey , 2010
Alcoholism & Drug Addiction are common realities in today聮s society. Some estimates have shown that over twenty percent of the United States population battles with a substance abuse problem. Not only health caregivers and social workers encounter this population on a regular basis. Indeed, even company managers and professionals most likely encounter some (if not many) of this percentage more often then not. Professionals in their positions of authority may be the only ones with the opportunity to help. It is their opportunity to spot drug dependency and (hopefully) offer the availability for effective individualized and holistic treatment. A little perception and educated kindness may mean the world of difference 聳 maybe even save a life.
Who Does Drug Addiction Affect?
Addiction聮s effects insidiously spread. Bringing only destruction, sorrow, and pain, it affects not only the addict Authentic Andy Pettitte Jersey , but also the people in hisher life. Hurting friends and family, drug addiction also permeates professional settings. Employees with dependency problems hurt businesses and create aggravating and possibly unsafe work environments. In medical settings, addiction intensifies the care needed from psychological and physical health providers.
Many untrue myths on the origins of drug addiction continue to circulate. Some attempt to pinpoint the social groups most affected. Others attempt to recognize addiction as an illness or a moral defect. These falsehoods must be stopped. While they perpetuate unnecessary confusion, fear, and shame Authentic Gerrit Cole Jersey , these inaccurate conclusions augment problems and make them more difficult to treat. Addiction does not appear in any particular component of society. Rather, it affects every socio-economic class, ethnicity, and gender. Not a disease and never an indication of a 聯bad聰 person, addiction is merely a problem that needs solving. There is no reason to label drug addicts with untrue stereotypes Authentic Jose Altuve Jersey , and there is no need to fear them. At some point everyone struggles with life聮s hurdles and needs help from others. Addicts are no different from anyone else. No one chooses addiction; rather, addiction steals from himher. With kindness, help, and support from others, people can reclaim their lives.
How Can Drug Addiction Be Detected?
With most drug addictions there are warning signs. Some are characteristic symptoms of particular substances. (e.g. Authentic Michael Brantley Jersey , most alcohol can be smelled on the breath; constant sniffling may indicate a cocaine user, puncture scars inside the elbows can suggest syringe use for heroin abuse, etc.). However, there are many general indicators as well:
* Red or dilated eyes * Slurred speech * Cold or sweaty hands * Difficulties concentrating * Moody, impatient Authentic Alex Bregman Jersey , dangerous, andor violent behavior * Extreme periods of energy (e.g., constant talking) andor fatigue * Paranoia * Sudden or decreasing disregard in personal appearance or hygiene * Sudden change in friends * Dishonesty * Depression
Well over half of drug users work, and two out of five have taken an illicit drug at their work site. Unsurprisingly, almost half of work related accidents involve substance abuse. While this causes daily frustration for managers and fellow employees Authentic Carlos Correa Jersey , low productivity and damages cause money losses. Mistakes and inappropriate behaviors put employees and customers in danger. Substance abuse on the job manifests in many ways:
* Decreases the quality andor speed of work. * Constant absences andor tardiness (especially right before a weekend or holiday break and right after payday): Researchers find that drugs cause over sixty percent of work absences. * Often leaving work early * Lengthening breaks * Talking more on the phone * Stealing company supplies andor profits
An employer may detect job performance issues; whereas, a health provider may spot behavioral issues during an examevaluation. However, regardless of a professional聮s role, it is vital that action follows even the slightest amount of suspicion. Helping a substance abuser will not only help the addict, but also the others that love and work with himher.
How Can a Professional Help a Drug Addict?
Addiction can be permanently treated. But then why do so many recovering addicts return to the same behaviors? Posing a severe problem in and of itself Authentic Nolan Ryan Jersey , addiction rarely develops on its own. Substance abuse most often results from inadequate coping of conscious and unconscious deeper issues. Problems stem from unresolved childhood traumas, current personal tensions, and occasionally deep troubles at work. Dependency denial merely enlarges the initial denial. Substance abusers require extensive patience, compassion, and sensitivity to treat and to heal. For this reason Authentic Craig Biggio Jersey , addicts may need constant encouragement to pursue treatment options. Employees may benefit from job-enforced treatment programs. Unfortunately, while abuse instigators are commonly known, treatment is often misunderstood. However, with individual and holistic treatment that heals the underlying causes for the dependency on drugs andor alcohol, the addiction itself can disappear!
By preparing ahead of time Authentic Jeff Bagwell Jersey , professionals can ensure that they provide substance abusers with sufficient help. Below are some suggestions. (These do not substitute for the help of a professional interventionist, nor should they be used in an intervention-type scenario).
Step One: Educate Yourself on the Signs of Drug Addiction
First, know how to recognize addiction; look for warning signs (stated earlier). Second, become familiar with strategies for handling with a possible drug addition (described in the following text).