Why Severe Drug Addicts Need Interventions

 

 When you are an addict, it changes your whole life. Because of your addiction, every aspect of your life has, or will soon change. Everything from what you wear, what you eat, where you live, who you are around, when you get sick, and various other things are directly linked to your addiction. Addiction is so all-powerful, that it is often impossible for addicts to get out of their lifestyle and situation without the help of another. In this article, we will discuss all of the aspects of why severe addicts NEED interventions and subsequent addiction treatment to be able to start on the path to recovery from addiction.

Addiction Is An Addicts Life

Let me start by saying that the addict is not going to make the change themselves -- in most cases. Addiction has become their life, and in the mind of the addict, they are this way until they eventually die. They simply don't have it in them to make the change themselves, they don't want to make the change themselves, or they don't see it as being possible to make the change themselves.

They Need Others to Make The First Step

Getting help for an addiction is much like jumping out of an airplane... Everything in your guts tells you not to jump; that it is dangerous and frightening for you, so don't do it. Even with a parachute on, some need a push to actually make it out of the plane.

An Addict Needs Help to Realize That People Still Care

Most severe addicts don't like themselves too much; in fact, many addicts hate themselves for what they do and what they have become. Because of this, they often see themselves as too far gone to be saved, and that the world will be happier when they are gone. Getting an addict to realize that this is not true, and that there are still people out there that care greatly can be enough of a push to start the recovery ball rolling.

Nobody Wants To Go It Alone

This one is true with all humans; addicted or not. Difficult things are hard to start and can leave a person terrified at just the thought of doing them. It is much easier to start something that scares you and will most assuredly be difficult if others are going on the journey with you. Imagine again the airplane... While some need to be pushed from the plane, others will gladly jump if you jump hand-in-hand with them.

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How Do You Taper Off Alcohol Usage?

 

There are individuals who can just quit alcohol without experiencing considerable withdrawal symptoms.  However, there are others who may experience severe symptoms of withdrawal when they stop drinking suddenly.  Withdrawing from alcohol is potentially fatal and as such, it is extremely essential that you gradually detoxify from alcohol if you start to experience severe symptoms when attempting to quit.  Tapering off alcohol is a great way to gradually detoxify.   

Severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms are typically experienced by:

• Individuals who have remained drunk for several consecutive days
• Individuals who have consumed small quantities throughout the day for 30 days or more
• Individual who are known to have alcohol withdrawal symptoms
• Individuals who have become intoxicated each night for 30 days or more

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms can be classified as severe, moderate and mild.

Severe

Also known as D.T.s or Delirium Tremens, severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms typically happen 48 hours after the decrease or cessation of alcohol consumption.  Intense sweating, rapid breathing, blood pressure spikes, agitation, irregular heartbeat and disorientation are some of the characteristics of severe withdrawal.  Left untreated, D.T.s will kill approximately 1 in 5 individuals.

Moderate

This typically happens between 24 and 36 hours after the intake of alcohol has ceased.  It is usually manifested as tremors, high blood pressure, intense anxiety, racing pulse, seizures, hallucinations and insomnia. 

Mild

Typically, mild alcohol withdrawal happens with 24 hours of having the last drink.  Insomnia, increased pulse rate, upset stomach, panic, anxiety and twitching are some of the characteristics of mild withdrawal symptoms.

Is Tapering Off Alcohol Right For Me?

After not drinking, if you start to sweat profusely, your blood pressure spikes, your hands become visibly shaky or you have irregular or rapid pulse, tapering off alcohol would be would be ideal.  Prescription medication or alcohol can be used to taper off.

Using Alcohol to Taper Off

When tapering off alcohol, it is tremendously important to replenish lost vitamins and fight dehydration.  During a medical detoxification, an IV may be used for re-hydration and vitamin shots could also be administered.  If you are self-detoxifying, ensure that you take vitamin supplements and drink lots of fluids. 

Important Note About Tapering Off Alcohol

Tapering off alcohol by yourself is not suggested for those who experience moderate or greater withdrawals. If you are experiencing any type of withdrawals from alcohol, it is highly recommended that you seek treatment from medical professionals or through addiction treatments facilities and rehab.

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Is Alcohol Really More Dangerous Than Heroin?

When discussing drug abuse, some people often claim that alcohol abuse is not as dangerous as heroin abuse. This misconception can also be blamed on the media, which normally focuses on the perils of heroin addiction. Since alcohol is legal while heroin is illegal, the myth of heroin addiction being worse than alcohol addiction may make sense to many people. The truth, however, is that alcohol addiction does more harm in society than heroin or any other drug for that matter. The question you may ask is, "Is alcohol really more dangerous than heroin?"

Why Alcohol is More Dangerous than Heroin

A recent study in the U.K. was carried out to determine the dangers of different types of drugs ranging from alcohol and heroin to tobacco and other types of drugs. Each drug was rated on a scale of 1 to 100, with the latter being the most dangerous. The results of the study revealed that alcohol was the most dangerous, with a score of 77. Heroin, crack cocaine and cannabis scored 55, 54 and 20 respectively. There are many reasons why people consider alcohol to be less harmful than heroin. They include:

• Alcohol is legal, so it is considered a recreational drug, while heroin is an illegal substance, so it is considered harmful. Possessing, manufacturing, using or distributing heroin is illegal and may land a person in jail.
• Alcohol use is usually shown in a positive light on TV commercials and programs, while heroin use is portrayed negatively, thereby influencing the opinion of the viewer.
• Alcohol manufacturers invest billions of dollars to make alcohol seem acceptable to consumers.

There are many other reasons why alcohol use may be considered acceptable and less harmful to personal health and the society in general. The truth, however, is that both drugs are harmful, but alcohol abuse is far more prevalent than heroin use. Think of the number of accidents that have been caused by DUIs, the domestic violence cases that were fueled by alcohol intoxication and the deaths caused by alcohol abuse. While the same can be said about heroin, alcohol-related cases are significantly more frequent.