Chemical dependency

Chemical dependency is used to describe the compulsive use of chemicals (drugs, alcohol, tobacco) and the inability to stop using them, despite all the problems caused by their use. Individuals with a chemical dependency can stop using alcohol or drugs... for a while. But professional help is needed to stop it for life. Individuals who quit without professional help, usually overcome with an unbearable desire to resume alcohol, tobacco or drug use.

Alcohol and drug addiction are progressive diseases. In most people, addictions begin slowly and grow until the victim's life becomes progressively unmanageable. As repeated efforts to gain control over the addiction fail, life for the person who has developed a chemical dependency begins to fall apart.

Drug addiction in young generations progresses more quickly than the same addiction in adults. Therefore, it is imperative that addictions be caught early and drug treatment started before the problem grows into something deeper. Addictions can be identified through a pattern of problems in a young person's life and they are a direct result of drugs. Also chemical dependency can dramatically affect an employee's ability to contribute to the company's success, leading to a drop in productivity, reduced product quality, increased absenteeism and higher health care costs. From personal point of view a chemical dependency can lead to failed marriages, broken homes, severe emotional problems and even death.

Chemical dependency is characterized by continuous or periodic behaviors that indicate the fact that an individual is having a problem with a substance abuse:

• getting high on drugs or getting intoxicated (drunk) on a regular basis

• lying, especially about how much they are using or drinking

• avoiding friends and family members who are not involved in a drug environment

• giving up activities they used to enjoy such as sports or spending time with non-using friends

• talking a lot about using drugs or alcohol

• believing they need to use or drink in order to have fun

• pressuring others to use drugs or drink alcohol

• getting in trouble with the law

• taking risks, such as sexual risks or driving under the influence of a substance

• work performance suffers due to substance abuse before, after or during working hours

• missing work due to substance use

• depressed, hopeless, or suicidal feelings• anxiety and dilated pupils as a result of drugs use while they are under their effect

A variety of drug treatment programs for chemical dependency are available on an inpatient or outpatient basis. Programs are usually based on the type of substance abused from. Detoxification and long-term follow-up management are important features of successful treatment. Long-term follow-up management usually includes formalized group meetings and developmentally age-appropriate psychosocial support systems, as well as continued medical supervision. Individual and family psychotherapy are often recommended to address the developmental, psycho-social, and family issues that may have contributed to and resulted from the development of a drug substance abuse disorder.

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Chemical dependency

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