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Recreational drug use is something millions the world over partake in. Many see this as the ideal way to relax in the privacy of their own home, or to give an added boost when enjoying themselves at clubs, raves, festivals and parties.

While this article does not condone such a pastime it is clear for all to see that drug use is part and parcel of many people’s lives.

What needs to be understood are the signs that ‘recreational’ and ‘occasional’ are turning into ‘regular use’ and a habit that needs constant feeding.

Let’s consider the definition of using drugs recreationally, why so many dabble, what the ‘favourite’ drugs of choice are, and why this pastime can turn into a dangerous, habit forming dependence.

Definition of recreational drug use:

Recreational drugs are generally classed as illegal chemical substances that are taken for pleasure. It should not be forgotten that legal substances such as alcohol and tobacco are often used for recreation, but are also highly habit forming.

Why do so many see drug use as part and parcel of life?

There are many reasons that men and women see drugs as part of their life. Peer pressure is a big factor for those starting out on the drugs trail.

Young users will often try drugs not because they have a particular desire to do so, but because the crowd they are hanging with have influential members who introduce a drug to try.

Not wanting to feel left out, many will feel pressurised into going along with this experimentation.

Others are genuinely interested in experimentation. They will do so in a quest to discover how certain drugs affect them and to feel the ‘highs’ that are promised.

A more straightforward reason is that those who try illegal substances genuinely enjoy the experience and feelings that their drug(s) of choice give them.

Three reasons that are not a great basis for recreational drug use:

Again, there are lots of reasons not to get involved in drug use, but those who take them for any of the following reasons need to be very careful they do not slip into heavier more regular use, dependence and addiction.

If you are taking drugs because it gives you a newfound confidence when relating to others, you are taking drugs to help forget problems or worries, or you are taking drugs because that is when you feel happiest, you are part of a group that is far more likely to suffer dependence or addiction issues.

The reason for stating the above is that such reasons give false feelings that are only temporary.

Using drugs in such situations can rapidly lead to increased use, increased amounts when taken, and these users can find they quickly become dependent upon drugs simply to deal with day to day issues, to ‘escape’ their problems; which will not go away on their own! Or to help them relate to others.

Recreational drug use – the most common illegal substances:

Depending on which part of the world you live in Marijuana or Cannabis is the most popular drug for recreational use. This is followed by Amphetamines: Whizz, Speed and a whole host of other names, Cocaine: Charlie, Toot or ‘C’, Amyl Nitrates: Poppers, TNT, Liquid Gold, Ecstasy: ‘E’, Mandy, and then there is the ‘legend’ of all drugs; Heroin; Smack, Horse, ‘H’.

While all of the above can become habit forming the use of cocaine and/or heroin should be avoided. These are dangerous drugs to dabble with. This is due to the fact that your mind and body quickly accept these substances and become ever more hungry and dependent upon them.

Tolerance:

It cannot be understated how quickly your mind and body take to drugs. Your brain and body are complex machines that know what they like and like what they know.

Tolerance of drugs is quickly accepted, but this acceptance comes at a price. The price is that both body and mind want more. As your tolerance to the drug builds, you need more of the same simply to reach the same ‘high’ as previously achieved.

A dangerous spiral to get into:

The tolerance factor means that regular and continued recreational drug use will lead to a user taking more of the substance, and taking it more regularly.

Before they really realise it the ‘recreational’ has disappeared from their drug use and they now find they have a habit that must be fed.

As this habit grows so does dependence and addiction. Users who find themselves in such a situation really must seek professional drug rehab assistance sooner rather than later.

Everything in moderation:

No one sets out to become dependent upon drugs. Everyone thinks “I am far too strong minded to let my drug use take control”.

The evidence shows that many are wrong. The millions who are now addicted have their own story to tell, and this story will start along similar lines.

“….I began recreational drug use because the company I kept and the fun we had while under the influence was ‘cool’, ‘happening’ and a real good laugh…”

Unfortunately for many of these users the hold drugs takes on them has made things very ‘uncool’, ‘un-happening’ and the dependence they now harbour is anything but funny.

Moderation in all things is the sensible way to go, but drugs do many weird things to your thought process, feelings and mood. Excessive use is a surefire way to find yourself dependent on something that is not easy to stop.

What to do if you feel your drug use is becoming excessive:

Please do not delay in seeking the assistance of drug rehab establishments. The fact you have a problem with drugs is not something you should ignore or feel embarrassed to admit.

The longer you think the problem will simply go away and the longer you delay contacting an established drug rehab counsellor the more difficult things will become.

You will continue to heap psychological and physical damage on yourself, you will continue to increase the hurt and anguish on those closest to you, and the harder it will become to face a life without drugs.

Recreational drug use will never stop, but if you decide to add this pastime to your list of ‘hobbies’ please be fully aware of the hungry expectation of your mind and body. They will want feeding more often and with larger portions.

Recognising the signs that you have moved on from occasional use to it becoming a dependent part of your life, and seeking qualified professional drug rehab assistance is vital to avoiding or overcoming dependence and addiction.

Often individuals, who are helping an addicted family member or friend, think his actions are aiding his friend, but in reality, he is actually perpetuating the problem. In actuality, he is really enabling the person. Truthfully, he is in fact hurting the person.

So how do you know if you are enabling someone? Here are some questions you can ask yourself to see if you are indeed enabling your relative or friend. Do you cover up her addiction? Do you avoid talking to her about her addiction? Do you believe she can quit using whenever she wants to do so? Have you bailed her out a financial situation in the past? Does she continue to fail at promises she makes even though you keep giving her chances to change? Do you rationalize her behavior, so you cannot even detect when you are covering up her substance use? If any of these questions pertain to your relationship with an addict, you are more than likely enabling her addictive behaviors.

So now that you realize your enabling habits can be harming the addict, instead of helping, what do you do now?

Do not be afraid of changing and do not wait until a junkie hits rock bottom. You can help now before the problem gets out of hand. Do not be afraid of the consequences your loved one will endure if you quit enabling him. Enabling only allows the alcohol and drug habits to continue in your family member or friend’s life, so commit to making changes in your relationship to allow your loved one to feel the full effects of the consequences of the behaviors he chooses to engage in while feeding his alcohol and drug dependence. Allowing him to experience the consequences will push him to evaluate his substance abuse problem.

You can begin to change by setting boundaries with your family member or friend. Reassure her that you care about about her, but let her know you will be setting up boundaries in your relationship moving forward. Help her understand that you will no longer be giving into requests, which contribute to her alcohol or drug fixation. Let her know you will no longer sit aside and be passive on her obsessive choices as she drags you into the complications that coincide with her substance dependence. However, make sure you are not being aggressive and mean when you are establishing boundaries with your loved one. Be assertive. Make it known that you will no longer be giving her money. Tell her you will no longer be making excuses for her addiction to others. Explain you will no longer be fulfilling her obligations for her either. Hold your ground and make sure you are following through with the boundaries you set in place. Refrain from rescuing your family member or friend from situations she gets herself into as well. Understand this change will be hard for both you and your addicted loved one. However, remember to stand firm and not give in to angry demands or threats.

Recognize there will be strife that comes with these newly changed behaviors. Changing previously relied upon behaviors and once providing expected finances can cause a person to become angry. Be prepared for the angst, retaliation and manipulation that comes along with your stance against enabling. Accept your family member or friend may push harder to get what he wants and has previously gotten out of you. Learn how to cope with the person acting out against you. Being prepared for these types of behaviors so you can deal with them appropriately instead of giving into them. Have confidence in the boundaries you set and stick to them.

Do not give into your loved one’s negative reactions. Do not allow her to control your choices by making her own poor choices. She might try to regain the control she at one time had by guilting or manipulating you, but remember she must take full responsibility for her behaviors in order to learn from the consequences. However, feeling these ramifications may make her feel uncomfortable causing her to act out in insecurity or rebellion.

It is also important to take care of yourself. Loving an addict and setting boundaries can often be difficult and hurtful. It is important to recognize the choices he makes is his responsibility not your responsibility. If you are being harmed by an addicted loved one, make sure to report it to the proper authorities as well, so you all can get the help you need.

Finally, try to get your addicted family member or friend to seek professional guidance. Hopefully, by allowing her to feel the weight of her options through the consequences she experiences, will help her realize she needs treatment to overcome her addiction. It may be a long journey to recovery, but in the end it will be well worth it for you and your loved one.

Help your addicted family member or friend have the opportunity to get better by refusing to enable him any longer. It is a long, hard journey, but in the end, getting better and overpowering the addiction is well worth it for everyone involved.

Those who use and abuse illegal substances are literally on a journey that can take just three steps to drug rehab.

We will look at each in turn, but first let’s consider a common misconception amongst those who are regular drug users:

Addiction – It will NEVER happen to me:

If only this were true. Clearly no one who begins using drugs is in it with the intention of becoming addicted. They are in it for the hit, the buzz, the high and the absolutely cracking feelings that certain illegal substances offer.

Unfortunately in the drugs world you get nothing for nothing. Regular users rapidly discover that where there is a high, there is a double low.

The more regular your drug use and the bigger quantities you load for each hit mean one thing. The stronger your dependence upon drugs become.

This is due to something that many do not realise. It is how quickly your body and mind take to these substances. They do so with an enthusiasm and hunger that is frightening.

Once you are into regular use, you need more of the same just to achieve the same high as previously experienced, and this vicious circle continues until you are well and truly hooked.

Let’s take a look at where it all begins:

Three steps to drug rehab – Step 1:

When you start dabbling with drugs it is fun, you have a good time with like-minded users and use is generally sporadic, but before you know it, taking your drug of choice moves from irregular use, or only on ‘special occasions’ to far more regular use.

Perhaps you have a toot after a long day at work to ‘de-stress’ and before you know it this becomes a daily ritual, some will reach for the pipe after an argument or because they are having a hard time in a relationship.

In such situations drugs become your crutch. Something to lean on and escape the problems surrounding you.

When you discover that the drug you are using is not really doing it for you anymore then the natural progression is on to something stronger.

Initially this more than does the trick, but herein lies the problem. Regular use of this new, potentially far more addictive drug works in a similar way in relation to dependence.

Your mind and body begin to crave it, but not in the same amounts or at the same regularity. To feed your ever growing habit you need to consume more of the drug and use it on a more regular basis.

Three Steps to drug rehab – Step 2:

Although you realise you are using drugs on a far too regular basis, you refuse to admit this to yourself or those closest to you.

The saying “The truth hurts” has never been more meaningful than when put to a person who knows they are now dependent upon a particular substance, but to date have refused to acknowledge such facts to themselves.

Have a look at the following signs that are clear pointers telling you that drugs are now in control of you rather than the other way around.

Those who relate to such signs really must hold their hands up, admit that their dependence upon drugs is something to be taken seriously and just as importantly they must seek professional help for their drug addiction.

Four LARGE alert signs that flash ‘Drug Rehab Required’:

. Has the quantity of each ‘blast’ you prepare increased steadily over time?

. Has the time frame between each hit decreased steadily over time?

. Are you considering trying a stronger drug, or have you already switched to something that promises a bigger ’high’?

. Rather than smoking, snorting or swallowing your swag are you considering, or have you already switched to injecting?

Before we finish off with the final stride on your three steps to drug rehab, please also consider if the following relates to you:

Drug dependence – An all-consuming ‘pastime’:

Are drugs constantly on your mind? Do drug thoughts surface quickly once you wake up? Do such thoughts keep resurfacing throughout the day, and follow you into what is generally an uneasy sleep, or a stupor that has been brought about by excessive drug taking?

Many will constantly think about the amount of stash they have left, when their next ‘hit’ is due, and will subconsciously replay in their mind future plans for their next score.

There is a good chance that a contingency will be in place regarding substitute suppliers. This is purely to counter the unlikely event that their ‘main man’ is dry or otherwise indisposed.

Such thoughts are not healthy and they must tell you that your dependence on drugs is reaching a critical stage.

Three steps to drug rehab – The final step:

The final step in your journey to seeking professional help with your drug addiction issues is one which is not easy, but is one you must take.

You have to stop denying that you have a serious issues in terms of your drug use. Admit to yourself that drugs are in control of you and not you in charge of them.

This is a very difficult thing for many who are dependent upon drugs to do for one major reason:

Fear:

This FEAR is a deep unsettling one of how you will possibly survive without your regular supply of drugs.

While such fear is completely understandable, it cannot and should not prevent you from taking the brave step of admitting to yourself the extent of your problem and to seek urgent professional assistance.

Routes to consider when seeking help:

There are several routes to consider when seeking help. These include confiding in your health professional, availing yourself of the services provided by a local outpatient rehab centre, or opting for a far more positive approach.

This approach has been taken advantage of by many recovering addicts. That route is to spend time in a respected residential rehab establishment, with the serious thought of opting for a stint at a luxury overseas rehab resort.

Don’t wait for the next step:

It is imperative that whatever stage of the three steps to drug rehab you are at that you seek professional help. If you do not your next step could be terminal.

While the question: Alcohol addiction, is it an illness or a disease, is certain to raise differing opinions, one thing is for certain:

If you are suffering from a dependence upon alcohol it is imperative you seek professional rehab assistance now.

Legal Liquid = Huge potential for dependence:

In countries that permit the sale and consumption of alcohol each drink comes with a health warning.

The problem appears to be that far too many men and women have either become so used to such warnings they take little heed of them, while others find it highly amusing to play on words:

Just 3 examples of the ‘wit’ you will hear relating to official slogans are:

Drink Responsibly: Why should I? My intention is to get mashed and mangled!

Do Not Have One For The Road: O.K. I will have two, it makes falling over less hurtful!

Drink In Moderation: I haven’t found ‘Moderation’ yet, until I do and they let me in I will drink when and where possible and as often as I please.

We could go on, but are sure you get the picture.

The issue here is that the question: Alcohol addiction, is it an illness or a disease, has very serious implications for those bent on over-imbibing.

The amount of alcohol you consume is something to be taken seriously rather than lightly. This is because as sure as night follows day, those who continue to drink regularly and heavily are heading for alcohol dependence.

Let’s understand why:

Why is alcohol so addictive?

This is because it is a CNS (Central Nervous System) depressant. It is a well-known fact that when taken in moderation alcohol relaxes, reduces anxiety and helps loosen inhibitions.

This is the positive side of a legal substance with the hidden potential to cause addiction.

Regular or heavy drinking sessions take a toll on your brain and your body. This is because both develop a tolerance to the amount of alcohol you consume.

While this tolerance allows you to consume more, it also needs to be constantly ‘fed’. As you feed this tolerance then your dependence upon alcohol becomes stronger, and crucially it takes more of the same simply to achieve the ‘high’ previously experienced.

Long periods of constant daily drinking or regular heavy drink sessions continue to build up your tolerance until you need alcohol simply to feel ‘normal’.

Without it you feel ‘lost’ or ‘empty’. Such dependence is reinforced when those who try to stop drinking begin to suffer unwanted physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms. Such symptoms will quickly encourage them to “get back off the wagon”.

Alcohol addiction, is it an illness or a disease – Physical issues:

Dependent upon which source you listen to or read it will become clear that alcohol addiction is both and illness and a disease.

Indeed, from a medical point of view it is often described as a medical illness through the disease model.

From a disease perspective it is seen that this physical addiction cannot be controlled, it has common symptoms, and successful alcohol rehab treatment includes specialised medical treatment.

Other strong reasons as to why alcoholism is classified as a physical disease are down to the withdrawal symptoms that are to be expected when abstaining from alcohol.

Those withdrawing will find common physical symptoms that have to be accepted as part and parcel of their recovery process. These include sweating, shaking, sickness and light-headedness.

Alcohol addiction, is it an illness or a disease – Psychological issues:

Because alcoholism is classed as an addiction it is considered a brain disease. Abuse of alcohol can physically alter the brain thus causing it to function differently, and to form the basis of addictive behaviour which is similar to those with drug dependence issues.

It is very important for those attempting to lead an alcohol free future to understand fully that alcohol rehab programs will focus on both the physical and psychological damage excessive drinking has caused.

While the physical damage may heal reasonably quickly there is a strong chance that the psychological issues will remain far longer.

Due to these psychological problems it is imperative that those who have battled and are winning the first phase of their alcohol addiction continue with regular aftercare treatment.

This essential ongoing treatment will go a long way to ensuring they do not have a relapse situation on their hands.

How much damage have I caused already?

This is an interesting point when discussing alcohol addiction, is it a disease or an illness; so let’s look at it from 3 angles:

Physical damage:

This very much depends upon how long a person has been addicted to alcohol along with their physical health, diet and general well-being.

Assuming there is no severe liver, heart or vital organ damage, a person who quits drinking, stays dry, carries out regular exercise and keeps a reasonable diet should recover physically in a reasonable time frame.

Psychological damage:

This is much harder to assess. As mentioned, addiction to alcohol affects the brain, your feelings and your thought process.

These aspects of mental damage need to be assessed and measured by professionals and should be regularly monitored to assess a person’s state of mind.

As well as medical assessments, counselling plays a vital part in the recovery process. Professional counsellors will make it their duty to understand how a person coming off alcohol feels, help them work through their issues, and understand how they are responding to the various strands of treatment.

Social/Relationship damage:

When discussing alcohol addiction, is it an illness or a disease, it is vital to remember the social and relationship problems that excessive alcohol consumption causes.

Many alcoholics find their relationships in tatters, this generally leads to heavier drinking in an attempt to bury such problems with a bottle.

While this may be considered a natural reaction by many, it is equally true that deep down the alcoholic realises that it is drink which is the major cause of such relationship breakdowns.

The problem is that the grip alcohol has on them makes it extremely difficult to think rationally about the damage they are causing to themselves and their loved ones.

As well as the hurt and damage your drinking is causing to family and loved ones there is also a strong possibility that your work will suffer and your social circle will shorten.

Alcohol addiction, is it an illness or a disease? It is both!

The truth of the matter is that being addicted to alcohol is no fun whatsoever, it is also potentially life threatening.

If you find yourself sliding into the alcohol abyss then it is absolutely vital you seek professional alcohol rehab assistance, and just as importantly that such help is found NOW!