Drug Addiction

If you or your loved ones are affected by a drug addiction, we can help. Drug addiction can cause huge changes in perception and the behaviour that results from drug use can be unpredictable and dangerous. Drug problems can affect people from all walks of life and any social background, but regardless of your history, the symptoms of regular drug use are the same. Please get in touch now before your addiction further affects your relationships, work or outlook, and discover how our approach to drug addiction treatment can help you or your loved one recover.

Drug addiction: the facts

Drugs can alter the mind and create chemical changes in the brain that affect motor skills and mental logic, while impairing the senses. The reactions in the brain that are caused by drugs can lead to a deep dependence on them, to the point where a user cannot stop using them, despite possible intentions to quit. Drugs can destroy a person's individuality, personality, ambitions and relationships. At Step One Recovery, we can help you or a loved one who has a drug addiction. Our private and luxurious centres in the UK and the Spanish sunshine are the ideal places to heal the body and soul. We tailor all of our addiction treatment solutions for patients whose professional obligations, personal reputation or religious traditions require the utmost discretion. Our care leads with understanding, love and compassion, followed by first-class clinical excellence. Contact us to experience our nurturing and loving care, so you can start living the life you want that's free from drugs, with a refreshed perspective.

A drug addiction can give a sufferer mind-controlling cravings for substances such as cocaine, amphetamines, marijuana and heroin. It is also possible for a person to become addicted to prescription drugs such as pain killers. As a drug addiction deteriorates, a person's behaviour and mindset can become increasingly unpredictable and secretive as they try to conceal their habit. They may stop going to work or their usual place of education, and long-term relationships will be strained as emotions like anger are increased. For these reasons, a drug addiction can be difficult to correctly diagnose.

Symptoms of drug addiction

If you or a loved one is suffering with a drug addiction, it can be a worrying time. You may see that something is wrong with your loved one, but they may be in denial or go to extreme lengths to hide their addiction. These are normal behaviours. It is important to note the following symptoms or behaviours to make a drug addiction diagnosis:

Using drugs to a point of compulsion
Using large amounts of drugs
Secretly hiding drugs
Displaying a failure to stop drug taking
Displaying strong psychological and physical cravings for drugs, including strong withdrawal symptoms when they are not being taken
Work or education difficulties as a result of drug use
Continued taking of drugs in work or office environments
Lack of interest in former hobbies and recreational activity
Behaving out of character due to drug usage
Build up of tolerance to drugs being taken

If you have noticed more than six of these symptoms, this is a cause for concern and could be a severe drug addiction. You should get in touch with us at Step One Recovery to see how we can help you through our rehab services. If you have noticed one or two of these symptoms, you could have a mild drug addiction or the early stages of addiction, and should still call us for help and support to prevent it progressing further.

If you suspect a drug overdose, look for the following warning signs:

Loss of breath/breathing struggles
Blue-looking skin
Irritability and aggression
Confusion and disorientation
Confused or jumbled speech
Raised body temperature
Vomiting and feeling sick
Internal bleeding
Lapsing in and out of consciousness

You should seek medical attention immediately if you find someone displaying any of the above symptoms of overdose, which can prove fatal.

The causes of drug addiction

While changes in the brain are the main cause behind most drug addictions, other factors such as genetics and environment can also play a part in making a person particularly susceptible to suffering from a drug addiction. These factors include:

Genetic factor and family history: For instance, those born to a drug addict are more likely to develop a drug addiction of their own. They may also grow up to believe that drug taking is a normal behaviour.
Pressure from peer groups: Young adults who are highly influenced by their peers may feel pressured to experiment with drugs, which can in turn lead to a drug addiction in the long- term.
Troubled family relationships: An unstable and disruptive childhood can lead to a person turning to drugs, especially if they have experienced abuse.
Mental illness: Those with a mental illness such as anxiety or depression are more likely to take drugs to help them cope with everyday situations and boost their mood on a temporary basis (known as a 'high'). Four in ten drug addicts have some form of mental health issue.

Drug addiction withdrawal symptoms

Drug addiction can lead to a person developing a very strong emotional and physical dependence on an illicit substance or substances. Any sudden attempt to quit drugs will mean the onset of withdrawal side effects, which can be highly uncomfortable and even painful. It is always important to detox from drugs in a safe and medically supported environment to avoid fatality or serious personal injury. Common withdrawal symptoms experienced by drug addicts include:

Feeling agitated or angry
Difficulty sleeping or troubling dreams/nightmares
Confusion and lack of cognitive function
Sweating
Muscular cramps
Stomach pain
Vomiting and nausea
Shaking
Severe mood swings
Paranoia
Seizures
Loss of consciousness

Withdrawal symptoms are at their strongest during the first one-two days after the last hit of an illicit substance. This is when symptoms can be at their most potentially fatal, and medical supervision is advised. It is important to detox in a medical facility where withdrawal symptoms can be monitored closely. Medications given under supervision can ease the discomfort of withdrawal symptoms until the patient is no longer struggling with symptoms. From here, they can then begin a program of rehabilitation, such as that offered at Step One Recovery.

At Step One Recovery, we offer medically-assisted detox programmes if required. We also offer family therapy and support, healing your loved ones as well as you. If you are suffering with drug addiction and need help and support, we can offer a deluxe recovery facility that comes with all the healing powers of a Mediterranean climate along with centres in the UK. The option of a Spanish facility is a true home-from-home where you will always feel safe. We are a family, not just a clinic. We offer our clients unrivalled discretion in a private setting, world-class treatment through evidence-based methods, and the loving care of experienced and dedicated psychologists, doctors, nurses and certified counsellors. Get in touch with us today to see how we can help support you through a drug addiction rehab programme.

Our approach to Drug addiction treatment

Whether the drugs you use are depressants, stimulants or hallucinogens, we will tailor a drug addiction treatment package that will release you physically and psychologically from your cravings. Our professional team are highly experienced in managing detoxes; giving you the tools you need to live a life free from drugs. We will:

Develop your knowledge of the 12 step programme.
Help you come to terms with the underlying issues which are causing your condition.
Provide you with the care and support you need during your treatment.
Equip you for a happy, drug-free future.

Our luxurious and private Mediterranean estate and the UK based centres such as our London Rehab are the perfect options for you to take your first step towards drug addiction treatment and recovery.

Drug Addiction FAQs

Can my addiction be cured?

When you’re at the peak of your addiction, it feels like you’ll never be able to escape it. Our highly qualified personnel have a proven track record in helping people successfully escape their addictions for good. We can certainly bring about significant, positive changes in your life.

How do I know if I am dependent?

If you are questioning whether or not your behaviour is normal, it sounds as if your quality of life may be suffering. For a no obligation chat about your situation, please give us a call on +44 (0) 800 012 6006.