Children and Family Drug Addiction

Jess was born into a drug addicted family. Her father was a crystal meth addict, her brother was addicted to heroin and crystal meth and her mother was addicted to marijuana.

When family members abuse drugs, there is an enormous impact on the health and wellness of family dynamics.

According to SAMHSA, more than 667,000 Americans, ages 12 and over, were active users of crystal meth in 2016.

NIDA reports indicate that in 2013 nearly 25 million people in the U.S., ages 12 and older, used an illegal drug in the last month.

As she grew up, Jess had zero consequences for her behavior and substance abuse was more or less encouraged.

Substance abuse and drug use among children from addictive families is a serious and continuous problem.

Drug addiction is a severe social issue that plays a role in the destruction of families, individuals, and communities.

At the age of 11, Jess was handed her first drink and there was no doubt that she had an addictive personality.

Heroin Addict and Polysubstance Abuse

Substance abuse during childhood has a heavy impact on adolescent growth.

Cognitive abilities, education, and relationships are all hindered by the use of alcohol and drugs.

When Jess first started partying, she was using several different drugs, including ecstasy, weed, and pills.

Eventually, Jess tried Heroin. When she smoked it for the first time, she became heavily drug addicted.

Heroin is an illegal, highly dangerous and addictive drug.

In fact, the DEA has discovered that since 2010, heroin-related deaths have increased by nearly 250 percent.

People who use drugs like heroin quickly become addicted and are affected mentally, physically and even socially.

Drug Detox to Sober Living

Realizing that she had to stop her addiction, Jess admitted herself into a detox program to purge all the drugs and alcohol in her system.

Medically-assisted heroin detox is done under the care and supervision of a medical health professional.

Often times, detox includes painful withdrawal symptoms, medical complications, and drug cravings.

Although detox is a necessary part of the recovery process it’s not considered adequate treatment nor enough for a long-term success.

Detox is only considered the first step to drug treatment.

Going into a sober living environment right after treatment and rehabilitation is not always needed.

However, having resources for a sober living is important for those who are looking for alternative methods of treatment because of the inability to go to a formal rehab center.

Sober living is a structured living environment for transition into recovery.

People that live in sober living homes are known to go to meetings and be involved in 12-step programs.

Sober living is beneficial for those looking for a life of lasting sober recovery.

Alcoholics Anonymous and Support

Drug addiction is a disease and is widely accepted in science as well as in all Anonymous-based programs.

Jess’s road to recovery started with detox and sober living, where she found acceptance and recovery in Alcoholics Anonymous.

12-step programs provide addicted people with a social and recovery network of support.

The 12-steps of AA are based on a set of principles—they are a guide to help alcoholics and drug addicted people to surrender and admit powerlessness over their addiction to drugs or alcohol.

12-Step Programs and Sobriety

Even though the 12-step approach is a cornerstone of recovery for many of those who struggle with alcoholism and drug addiction, it’s not for everyone.

For some, the spiritual basis of 12-step programs deters them from getting the help and support.

Fortunately, there are alternatives to AA and other anonymous programs, which are non-12-step support programs.

If you or someone close to you is struggling with alcoholism or drug addiction, there are resources available. Contact us at (877) 322-2450, we can help you get into recovery and clean once and for all