When someone first use a drug, they may feel what seem to be positive or beneficial effects. They also may believe they can control their drug use. But drug addiction can quickly take over a person’s life. Over time, if drug use continues, other pleasurable activities become less pleasurable, and the person has to take drugs just to feel “normal.”
Drug Addiction – why do people take drugs?
When someone first use a drug, they may feel what seem to be positive or beneficial effects. They also may believe they can control their drug use. But drug addiction can quickly take over a person’s life. Over time, if drug use continues, other pleasurable activities become less pleasurable, and the person has to take drugs just to feel “normal.”
They can have a hard time controlling their need to take drugs even though they know the risks, and it starts to cause many problems and stress for themselves and their loved ones, and may start to affect their health, ability to work, relationship or finances.
Some people may start to feel the need to take more of a drug, or take it more frequently, even in the early stages of their drug use – these are the signs of an addiction.
How does drug addiction begin?
No one plans to be a drug addict.
The initial decision to take drugs is typically voluntary. But with continued use, a person’s ability to exert self-control can become seriously impaired.
Below are the stages that can lead to addiction:
Experimentation
The first stage of drug addiction is experimentation. It is where an individual chooses to use mood-altering drugs. Some people decide, or through peer pressure, to try a drug just to see what the fuss is all about, or to be part of the “cool kids”. Most people can do this and never use again. However, for some people, this can be habit forming.
Risky or Problem Use
Problem use begins when the person starts to be negatively affected by their use of a particular substance. If the individual’s use of a substance is causing harm to their health, work, relationship or their social functioning, it is considered problem use. At this point, the user may be bingeing on drugs every weekend but is not yet physically dependent on them.
Regular or Social Use
Continuing to use mood-altering substances for social reasons may not cause immediate harm but it can lead to an increased tolerance and a physical dependence. Over time, an increased tolerance occurs, the individual will no longer experience the same effects as when they first took the drug, and many will be tempted to increase the amount of drugs they are taking in order to maintain the initial “high” they felt when they first took the drug.
Physical Dependence or Addiction
Continued abuse of mood-altering drugs can lead to addiction for many people. What started out as “fun” turns into a physical dependence on substances. Addiction is classed as a pattern of behavior that results in negative consequences for the affected individual. When the person is unable to stop taking drugs, they said to be addicted. Addiction can be either physical or psychological in nature. A physical addiction will result in various symptoms when the person tries to stop, or is in need of the drug.
Signs that you may have a drug addiction
Signs of drug addiction include frequent intoxication, hangover or illness, and paraphernalia related to substance abuse. Behavioral changes may also indicate drug or alcohol addiction, and these include:
- Problems at work or school, including poor performance, lateness or absenteeism, and social dysfunction
- Loss of energy or motivation
- Neglecting one’s appearance
- Spending excessive amounts of money on the substance
- Obsessing about the next dose, ensuring a consistent supply of the substance, and worrying about the next source of the substance
- Performing risky behaviors while intoxicated
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when unable to take the drug
- Developing tolerance, so it’s necessary to take more to feel the original euphoria
- Stealing to get the drug
- Lying about consumption habits, or getting defensive or aggressive when questioned about consumption
- Compulsively taking the drug or being unable to stop taking it
Drug addictions we treat
At Jintara, we have experience in treating most drug addictions, including:
- Alcohol Addiction
- Marijuana Addiction
- Meth Addiction – methamphetamine – including Meth, Yaba, Ice, Shabu Shabu
- Cocaine Addiction
- GHB
- Benzodiazepines
- Heroin Addiction
- Fentanyl
- Stimulant prescription drugs such as Ritalin and Aderall
- Ecstasy
- Ketamine
- Opioids
How DRUG Addiction is treated at Jintara Rehab
Treatment for Drug Addiction starts long before you arrive at Jintara Rehab. We conduct detailed phone/Zoom assessments with one of our International Therapy Team to understand your unique needs, so we can make sure that you get the proper treatment and care from the moment you arrive.
We assess your immediate condition and if you need medication for detox and to help with withdrawal management, safety and comfort. This assessment is done at our Partner hospitals and always under medical supervision and prescription. The actual detox process is done on site at Jintara and managed by our 24-hour Nursing team, who will check on you regularly.
Soon after your arrival, we will take you to one of our Partner Hospitals for a detailed medical checkup. This includes full blood-work, liver function test, kidney function test and EKG at a minimum. Jintara is the only Thai rehab to include these detailed tests as part of the standard fees, and gives both you and us peace of mind that you are in good physical shape, and if not, we can address it during your stay with us.
Counseling and therapy for groups and individuals help you better understand your problem with alcohol and support recovery from the psychological aspects of alcohol use. At Jintara you will receive approximately 70-hours of clinician face time per month. We are unique at Jintara in that we treat the causes of addiction and not just the symptoms. We call this dual diagnosis and you can read more about that here.
This process usually involves alcohol treatment specialists. It may include goal setting, behavior change techniques, use of self-help manuals, counseling and follow-up care.
Aftercare is optional (but highly recommended) and you can continue working with your Focal Counselor after you leave Jintara.
Why Jintara might be the best treatment option for you.
Jintara Rehab is a small boutique rehab that specializes in support for alcohol addiction, accepting only 10 private clients in a beautiful boutique rehab setting – so you wont be overlooked or overwhelmed. Our focus is on providing the best client experience we can – from our highly experienced and credentialed International Therapy Team, attentive and caring Thai staff, wonderful resort-like facilities and amazing holistic, fitness and nutritional options at a reasonable price.
But if you are still not sure on which rehab is best for you, contact us for a no obligation chat about you or someone you care about.
We are here to help.
Jintara Rehab – Escape to Recovery.
