Narcotics Anonymous and the Victims of Substance Abuse

NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS 2

Narcotics Anonymous and the Victims of Substance Abuse

It is thought that addiction could develop through genetics or it could be learned behavior during childhood. Addiction can be learned through role modeling and a lack of nurturing in the home. This paves the way for a lifetime of maladaptive coping skills and destructive relationships, as well as substance abuse.

Substance abuse is considered a chronic illness that has a physical and psychological control over the abuser. It is important to remember that the abuser is human and did not start using in search of pleasure but in search of a release. A release from the stresses of everyday life. Whether it is an escape from a bad day at school/work or escaping from the memories of being sexually abused as a child. Either way the end is the same, a lifetime of fighting the demons of addiction.

To help victims of substance abuse overcome their addiction, they need to focus on the underlying cause. One main risk factor for becoming an addict is a previous diagnosis of a psychological disorder. Psychological problems like depression, anxiety, attention deficit disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder are the more common disorders directly related to substance abuse. Other risk factors include family history of addiction, being male, peer pressure, and a lack of attachment to family.

Addiction can be treated many ways including inpatient/outpatient programs, pharmacological treatments or a combination of both. Before the treatment process can begin, the abuser needs to first recognize their illness and they need to truly want to discontinue their current lifestyle. Regardless of which treatment the client chooses, daily gro...

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