Who is at risk for drug and alcohol addiction?

There is no specific social class, gender, race, or age group that is most at risk for drug or alcohol addiction. It can happen to anyone.

However, certain groups are more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol than others. Among these are adolescents ages 12-17 and adults older than 65 who may use prescription drugs incorrectly.

Symptoms of addiction to drugs or alcohol

It can be very painful to watch yourself or a loved one grow addicted to drugs or alcohol. Signs of addiction can be both physical and emotional.

Physically an addicted person might gain or lose weight, feel constantly tired and run down, have poor physical coordination, or otherwise act differently than they used to.

Behavioral signs of addiction are most commonly loss of interest in activities related to work or family and apathy or lack or dedication. A persona addicted to drugs or alcohol might be overly emotional or defensive.

Sometimes an addicted person relapses back into old, destructive habits, even while in rehab. A CapitalCounselors Drug/Alcohol Addiction Therapist can help the addicted person understand the destructive thoughts that lead them to drugs or alcohol and better insure a full recovery.

Recovery from drug and alcohol addiction

Recovery from drug or alcohol addiction is a life long process and can not be quickly cured. However, a CapitalCounselors Drug/Alcohol Addiction Therapist can help you maintain a drug-free lifestyle and choose work, family, or other activities over drugs.

Withdrawal from drugs or alcohol can be difficult and dangerous. It may be necessary to seek medical help when quitting. It is generally advised to cut down gradually on drug use instead of quitting cold turkey.

Therapy for alcoholics

To get help with alcohol addiction is important to be honest with yourself and your therapist about your problem. Alcohol is not a personal weakness of will. It is a disease. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for this disease, but a CapitalCounselors Drug/Alcohol Addiction Therapist can help you lead an alcohol and addiction-free life.

Different styles of therapy and recovery work for different people. A CapitalCounselors Drug/Alcohol Addiction Therapist can work with you individually to best insure recovery. Sometimes medication can be useful for severe alcohol addiction. A CapitalCounselors Drug/Alcohol Addiction Therapist will discuss these options with you.

The most effective therapy works with you to question your beliefs that trigger the urge to drink. A CapitalCounselors Drug/Alcohol Addiction Therapist can help you identify these false beliefs and find better alternatives to deal with troubles or anxieties that lead you to drink.

Even if you attempted to stop drinking but relapsed, there is still hope for recovery. Recovery is never overnight, but a CapitalCounselors Drug/Alcohol Addiction Therapist can help you lead a healthier lifestyle free of alcohol.

Therapy for drug abuse

Many people wonder why drug abusers cannot just quite using on their own. However, many substance abusers have tried to quit but are unable to. A CapitalCounselors Drug/Alcohol Addiction Therapist can help you stop depending on drugs.

There are different methods of therapy for substance abuse that can be effective to lead you to a drug-free lifestyle. These include cognitive therapy, which helps you question your beliefs that lead you to take drugs. There is also group therapy and methods that examine your past or childhood for exposure to drugs or other triggers for present addiction. Medication may also be a part of treatment for drug addiction.

A CapitalCounselors Drug/Alcohol Addiction Therapist can help you identify these destructive impulses and help you cope if a relapse occurs.