In many cases, addicts use drugs in an attempt to cope with real or perceived difficulties and conflicts in their lives. It’s been estimated that a large majority of addicts may be living with depression or other mental illness, turning to drugs in a misguided attempt to “self medicate.”

Sadly, once the desire for drugs has been triggered, it soon becomes a cycle that feeds on itself.

If a person feels compelled to numb his or her feelings, or escape painful memories, drugs may seem to be a viable option. In the short term, drugs can achieve these objectives: the bad feelings go away and a state of euphoria takes hold.

But in a fairly short time, the effects of the drug wear off. The feelings and memories return, triggering a need to numb out or escape again. As using escalates, the amount of the drug required to achieve the desired state creeps upward. Both the quantity of drugs and frequency of using increase.

Drug using itself creates additional problems: acquiring more drugs may mean resorting to criminal acts. Aside from potential legal problems, such behavior affects the user’s self esteem, creating even more reasons to numb out or escape. In the center of the storm, the user is often unable to see the dangers involved.

Often, an intervention in some form is the only means of interrupting this cycle. The appeal of friends or family members, an arrest—even a health scare—may give the addict an opportunity to pause and see the situation for what it is: a life spinning inexorably out of control. When this realization takes hold, the addict may be open to accepting help. That’s the moment when treatment becomes possible.

If you or a loved one is coming to that realization, please let us help you find a treatment program that meets your needs. We’re here to help, only a phone call away. Don’t put it off any longer. Call (800) 345-3108 or email us for information or a referral.