Drug Effects

Each drug of course can and does create its own effects. With all the substances available today the list of effects can be staggering. There are common denominators to drug abuse and addiction however. Those who start down the path of addiction begin to accumulate so much damage to their physical and mental selves and their lives that the quality of their lives in general deteriorates. If drug or alcohol abuse continues unchecked, eventually the person is faced with so many unpleasant circumstances that each sober moment is filled with despair and misery. All this person now wants to do is escape these feelings by medicating them away. This is the downward spiral of addiction.For most addicts, there are only three possible outcomes: sobriety, prison or death.

All drug rehab programs are not created equal; there are many different types and formats. There are long term, short term, in-patient, out-patient, traditional 12 step, and non traditional to name but a few. One big difference to be aware of is whether or not the drug rehab programs you may be looking at are drug free or whether the program embraces the use of other or substitute or additional drugs and ‘medications’ in an effort to control or alleviate addiction. Narconon Arrowhead is a long term, non traditional, drug free approach to the problems of abuse and addiction. These points set us apart from many of the other drug rehab programs available. We start with the assumption that the being is basically good and despite any appearances to the contrary actually wants to attain a completely drug free productive life. The Narconon program embraces many, many different factors that stop or inhibit the individual from reaching this goal. The majority of Narconon staff are ex-addicts and alcoholics themselves and know what it takes to get lasting results – we’ve been there! When examining the various drug rehab programs look for one thing – LASTING results and success.

Addiction is a condition characterized by repeated, compulsive seeking and use of drugs, alcohol, or other substances despite social, mental, and physical consequences. It is usually accompanied by psychological and physical dependence on the abused substance and the appearance of withdrawal symptoms when the addictive substance is rapidly decreased or terminated. When addiction exists, the drug use controls the individual rather than the individual controlling the usage. Many of today’s illegal drugs are extremely addictive as well a many prescription drugs – particularly ones for depression and sleep problems, as well as painkillers.

Drug side effects are becoming more and more of an issue for addiction professionals. This is especially true in light of the epidemic rise in the abuse of and addiction to prescription painkillers, anti-depressants, and anti-psychotics. These often have life threatening side effects when taken as prescribed, let alone at abusive or addictive levels. More and more individuals seeking drug treatment for addiction to some sort of street drug are also reporting abusive and addictive use of prescription drugs at the same time. This is an explosive and potentially deadly combination. In this culture, at this time, one should always suspect more substances are being used than what is being reported.

Addiction services needed in most cases go far beyond withdrawal and cessation of use. At Narconon Arrowhead the addiction services are extensive and comprehensive. A partial list, and this is only a partial list of some of the main points, includes; Drug free gentle withdrawal, Full detoxification of drugs and toxins stored in the body, Therapeutic drills designed to extrovert and get the individual back in communication, Legal Liaison when needed, nutritional handlings, increasing abilities to study and learn, recognizing and dealing with individuals or environments which can be dangerous to ones sobriety. In addiction a full handling of the cravings, guilt and depression that so often accompany addiction are fully addressed, as well as effectively planning for the future after rehab. Our addiction services also include a full family consultant section as we are well aware that addiction affects much more than the addict. Families generally have lots of questions and concerns regarding their loved ones progress. These are just a few of the life changing addiction services embraced by Narconon Arrowhead.