Utah Drug Addiction

Info on Utah Drug Addiction

Utah Drug Addiction

Utah Drug addiction is a serious problem. Maybe not as much as some states but evidence of it can be found in many forms. A person can be addicted to prescription drugs, inhalants, or other street drugs (cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines, etc.). Understanding the reasons people are initially attracted to drug use can help stop future users from becoming addicts. Experimentation and curiosity are the first factors that draw many to even try drugs. They want to feel that “high,” the sense of euphoria that comes with drug use. While this may lead to recreational use of drugs (using only in certain situations), it rarely leads to actual addiction unless other factors are present. However, some drugs (like heroin) have are more likely to cause addiction than others, resulting in an addiction from simple experimentation alone.

Prescription drugs can turn people into addicts because they have conditions in which they need to take drugs in order to get relief. A person becomes hooked on prescription drugs when they take more than the recommended dosage, take it more frequently than recommended, and continue using the drug after their initial medical condition clears up. Others turn to drug use to escape or cope with problems in their real lives. Whether it is past abuse (physical or sexual), school problems, work problems, or relationship issues, drug use can help a person temporarily escape the realities of his/her life.

Association with addicts or drugs can also lead to drug addiction. If a family member or close friend uses or is addicted to drugs, it becomes acceptable for other members to engage in similar behavior. It becomes a tolerated activity. Peer pressure is also a factor in turning people into drug addicts. Contrary to popular belief, peer pressure can happen at any age. Adults fall prey to peer pressure to fit into new social classes, new workplaces, and new neighborhoods. Teenagers fight peer pressure on everything from looks to alcohol to sex to drugs. In fact, crystal meth is becoming a way for many teenage girls to fight the pressure that comes with needing to be thin and attractive. Teenagers can also fall prey to the rebellious attitude that they need to do anything their parents or those in authority say is bad.

Easy accessibility to drugs and new, lower prices are other causes of drug addiction. Drugs can be found anywhere if a person simply asks. Street corners and alleyways are no longer the only place to find drugs. Schools, workplaces, and even the family next door might be new places to find drugs. With more drugs being produced, the price has also been driven down.

Another one of the causes of drug addiction is using drugs to mask other mental problems. Schizophrenics find that some street drugs can control their hallucinations. Denial and hiding the problem just lead to more problems in the long run.

Cycle of Drug Use

Once a person becomes a drug abuser, they very easily can become addicted. The positive reinforcements of using drugs are often getting “high,” escaping pain, and feeling good. But, once a person becomes a habitual abuser, the negative aspects come out when a person is not using. Physical withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, pain, and shaking may occur. Psychological symptoms such as depression and the inability to experience pleasure can also develop. People become addicted not to continue the positive reinforcements but because they cannot overcome the negative ones. Drug addiction recovery is possible for an addict who truly desires to change his/her life. Whether a personal loss has helped you realize the extent of your problem or an intervention has convinced you to seek treatment, admitting your addiction is the first step in the recovery process. There are many different types of drug rehab treatment programs like those offered through Steps Recovery Center.

Physical Signs of Addiction:

• Loss of appetite, increase in appetite, any changes in eating habits, unexplained weight loss or gain.
• Slowed or staggering walk.
• Poor physical coordination.
• Inability to sleep, awake at unusual times, unusual laziness.
• Red, watery eyes; pupils larger or smaller than usual; blank stare.
• Cold, sweaty palms; shaking hands.
• Puffy face, blushing or paleness.
• Smell of substance on breath, body or clothes.
• Extreme hyperactivity; excessive talkativeness.
• Runny nose; hacking cough.
• Needle marks on lower arm, leg or bottom of feet.
• Nausea, vomiting or excessive sweating.
• Tremors or shakes of hands, feet or head.
• Irregular heartbeat.

Behavioral Signs:

• Change in overall attitude/personality with no other identifiable cause.
• Changes in friends; new hang-outs; sudden avoidance of old crowd; doesn’t want to talk about new friends; friends are known drug users.
• Change in activities or hobbies.
• Drop in grades at school or performance at work; skips school or is late for school.
• Change in habits at home; loss of interest in family and family activities.
• Difficulty in paying attention; forgetfulness.
• General lack of motivation, energy, self-esteem.
• Sudden oversensitivity or resentful behavior.
• Moodiness, irritability, or nervousness.
• Silliness or giddiness.
• Paranoia.
• Excessive need for privacy; unreachable.
• Secretive or suspicious behavior.
• Car accidents.
• Chronic dishonesty.
• Unexplained need for money, stealing money or items.
• Change in personal grooming habits.
• Possession of drug paraphernalia.

Utah Drug Addiction Symptoms:

Marijuana: Glassy, red eyes; loud talking and inappropriate laughter followed by sleepiness; a sweet burnt scent; loss of interest, motivation; weight gain or loss.

Alcohol: Clumsiness; difficulty walking; slurred speech; sleepiness; poor judgment; dilated pupils; possession of a false ID card.

Depressants: (including barbiturates and tranquilizers) Seems drunk as if from alcohol but without the associated odor of alcohol; difficulty concentrating; clumsiness; poor judgment; slurred speech; sleepiness; and contracted pupils.

Stimulants: Hyperactivity; euphoria; irritability; anxiety; excessive talking followed by depression or excessive sleeping at odd times; may go long periods of time without eating or sleeping; dilated pupils; weight loss; dry mouth and nose.

Inhalants: (Glues, aerosols, and vapors ) Watery eyes; impaired vision, memory and thought; secretions from the nose or rashes around the nose and mouth; headaches and nausea; appearance of intoxication; drowsiness; poor muscle control; changes in appetite; anxiety; irritability; an unusual number of spray cans in the trash.

Hallucinogens: Dilated pupils; bizarre and irrational behavior including paranoia, aggression, hallucinations; mood swings; detachment from people; absorption with self or other objects, slurred speech; confusion.

Heroin: Needle marks; sleeping at unusual times; sweating; vomiting; coughing and sniffling; twitching; loss of appetite; contracted pupils; no response of pupils to light.

Please contact Steps Recovery center for help. We are the most affordable program in Utah. Utah drug addiction is a serious problem and we can help.

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