Drug addiction can manifest itself in many different ways. A person could be addicted to prescription medications, inhalants or other, common street drugs (cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines, etc.). A willingness to experiment and curiosity can sometimes be the initial factors that lure an individual into a drug-addicted life. They want and like to feel the “high,” or euphoric experience that occurs with substance abuse. Drug addiction is a progressive and deadly disease. It’s a serious, ongoing brain condition characterised by an uncontrollable desire to seek out and use drugs despite the long-term negative consequences. The cravings can be intense and can also mask other mental problems the abuser and loved ones may not even realise exist.
Whether used experimentally, for recreation, socially, occasionally, or for medical purposes, use of a potentially habit-forming substance for almost any purpose can and frequently does result in a dependency on that drug. While almost any drug use can cause great harm, one of the most harmful reasons for drug abuse—in terms of the likelihood that it will lead to addiction—is the type that is caused by a desire to numb pain, reduce constant negative emotions or to deal with difficulties in an individual’s life.
Therapy for drug addiction
Drug addiction therapy should be designed to meet the individual person’s problems and needs. The proper therapy settings, treatments, and solutions offered should be discussed with loved ones and involve their inputs as well. Drug rehab is a solution that’s achieved by hard work from the patient and by having a determined mindset. True addiction recovery can never be accomplished if the person seeking treatment doesn’t want it. Drug addiction is not usually something that can be accomplished alone. Thought not impossible, curing a drug addiction is a lifelong process that ultimately depends on the addicted person’s ability and willingness to be accountable.
Someone with a drug addiction needs help from addiction professionals, counsellors, and honest friends. A drug addiction is just that — the brain and body have become dependent on the drugs. Only professional assistance can enable an individual to conquer it. While drug addiction therapy can be a significant investment, there’s no question that a life free from addiction is well worth the expense. The consequences of ignoring a drug addiction can have devastating consequences for family, friends and the community at large.
About Brian Burgess
Brian Burgess is a Barnes, SW London based therapist and counsellor. He has a vast experience when it comes to treating people from all backgrounds for a wide range of addictions, including drugs and alcohol. If you or someone you know has drug addiction problems, please call Brian now on 020 3096 6277 for a free initial consultation. Your call will be treated in the strictest confidence.
"I’ve known Brian Burgess for over thirty years now. Hand on heart, I can tell you that his life experiences have more than qualified him as someone who has lived through more than most of us have in a lifetime. Coupled with his counselling skills, this makes him not just a listener, but a hearer of pain and confusion. His Talking Therapies come from a place of strong, but gentle survival which is what makes me respect him so much…. And it takes a lot to impress me!"
- Trisha Goddard – Talk show host, actress
"Brian was an important member of my staff at the out-patient PROMIS Counselling Centre and in-patient PROMIS Recovery Centre for two years from 2000 until 2002. He worked initially in marketing but was also very helpful in counselling patients who had stressful negative experiences in their lives, as he had done in his. He was loyal, diligent and trustworthy. I now count him as a friend as well as a professional colleague."
- Dr Robert Lefever - Addiction and rehabilitation expert and author
"Brian looks the part, he is intelligent, 100% trustworthy and extremely capable – a real solution finder and nothing is too much trouble."
- Simon Woodroffe Founder of YO! Sushi and YOTEL
"I know only very few people that I can fully trust to always look after my interests, and my best. Brian is one of those few. He's trustworthy, committed and has great integrity. I recommend Brian without reservation"
- Henrik Matsen. Director and Co Founder at RMR Advisors Investment Banking
"I've known Brian for years ..He has always proven to be hard working, trustworthy, and really understands the business world. You can rely on him 100% to deliver (and he's a good man). That's why I've always recommended him over the years"
- Elle McPherson. Australian model, businesswoman, television host, and actress
"I've known Brian for 15 years. During that time he's proven himself to be always reliable, a man of integrity and a man of great discretion. Brian is extremely capable and is able to deal with complicated matters in a very sensitive manner. I recommend him without reserve."
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"The only way to guarantee that something important gets into the right hands at the right time is usually if I do it myself, but when that’s just not possible then it’s good to know we can use Brian."
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"Brian is totally reliable, honest, discreet and gets the job done with no fuss"
- Ged Doherty, Film Producer, Raindog Films, London
"I have known Brian for a number of years & I have found him to be a totally reliable , diligent & trustworthy person in every sense"
- Roger Taylor. Musician, Duran Duran, London