When it comes to substance addiction in the individuals I counsel; I ask my clients to tell their drug stories.
So, what is the substance history?
The awareness of the drug addict individual can be effective in starting treatment. If he is not aware of the problem, this shows us that he is in the pre-awareness period. Awareness only begins when you understand what the problem is. If the person intends to change after this stage, he can move on to the decision step.
When the drug addict takes a step for change, he only takes action. Being able to maintain the change is another important step, which we call maintenance...
When an individual who is addicted to a substance wants to be treated voluntarily, psycho education must be provided on the subject. Explaining the recovery periods to both the individual and the family can be effective in eliminating question marks about the problem they face.
Let's briefly explain what happens when we take a look at the recovery periods.
The period we call the abstinence phase is when the first month has not yet been completed. Emerges. During this period, the individual may face physical and mental difficulties.
Between 1 and 3 months; The period we call honeymoon begins. In other words, individuals and families with substance addiction think that recovery has occurred. However, during this period, only the desire for substances decreases, fatigue and weakness may occur, and depressive states may be observed.
Between 3 and 6 months; The prolonged recovery phase begins. An individual who is addicted to substances may experience malaise, a feeling of emptiness and not knowing what to do.
However, a restructuring phase can be started after 6 months. At this stage, the individual can say hello to a new lifestyle by making new friends and new hobbies.
The point that needs to be known and taken into consideration is that there may be slippages even during the treatment phase.
In my article, I talked about deprivation. So, what is deprivation? Let's continue to explain this.
Withdrawal: These are the mental and physical symptoms that occur when the substance is stopped or reduced. Withdrawal symptoms include restlessness, anger, distress, tension, yawning, vomiting, diarrhea, runny nose and watery eyes.
Depending on the substance used. For example, withdrawal symptoms in a heroin addict begin after 4-6 hours, while methadone withdrawal may require as long as 36 hours after the last use.
Continuing with the terms, let me tell you about relapse.
What is relapse?
It means starting to use the substance again after quitting. Associations can cause relapse in individuals who use substances. Encountering sounds, smells, other friends and groups using substances, and stressful events can cause relapse.
Another question from families is: What will we do as parents when we find out that our child is using substances?
Firstly, Please remain calm.
Review your communication. Do not behave in a blaming manner towards yourself or your child. Remember that when you can talk to your child, every sentence your child says will give you clues. So don't start or continue the conversation by giving advice. Do not feel ashamed or angry.
If you have children in school; You can contact the psychological counseling unit.
It is important for our children to learn to say "no". Because you may not know where, when and under what conditions the substance is offered to your children.
The treatment step is another curious issue…
When we take a look at the treatment process, two important questions are: Does the person define himself as addicted? ? Does he want to be treated? What kind of treatment method should be followed after getting the answers to these questions? We can think like this. The treatment methods and treatment durations to be applied to patients may vary.
Treatments can be outpatient or inpatient, long or short-term. Changes in the individual can only manifest themselves after the 3rd month of treatment. In addition to drug treatment, psychotherapeutic interventions also positively affect the course of treatment. Factors such as the trust environment to be established between the therapist and the client during the psychotherapy process, the personality characteristics of the client, the presence of family and social support, and the duration of the treatment are important elements in the course of treatment.
Lastly in my article, I will talk a little more about the "approach" issue, which I think will help our parents. ist I do.
How should you be in your approach as parents?
You can try to talk to your child calmly and make him/her feel that you are listening to him/her, you can empathize by putting yourself in your child's shoes, you can show that you will be there for him/her in any difficult situation, you can try to be consistent in the decisions you make. You can make an effort, you can spend quality time together, you can get to know their circle of friends, you can help your children with your exemplary behavior without comparing them with anyone or humiliating them in their environment.
Yes, my dear readers, this week I tried to explain to you what you are wondering about substance addiction. Have a nice week with you. Stay in health and peace.
“The more you depend on something other than yourself, the less happy you will be. Happiness is being self-sufficient.”
Paulo Coelho
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