Warning Signs of Misuse and/or Dependence
Usually someone who is addicted to a substance will have a strong
craving to
use their drink or drug of choice. Sometimes something will happen that
will
'trigger' the person to want to use. Triggers that cause someone to crave
a
drug are different for each person. A trigger causes chemical
changes in the
brain, and can be psychological in origin. For some, it is an emotional
feeling,
a certain smell, seeing a specific object or person, or being in a
certain setting
or environment.
You will no longer have control over your use and will need
more of the
substance to get any effect. You may use more and for a
longer period of time than you had planned.
If you are
dependent, you will also find that you cannot cannot abstain from
using. Each attempt to cut back is unsuccessful.
Your life is centered around using and your thoughts are consumed
with how you plan to obtain your drink or drug of
choice. Most daily plans involve using or hiding your use. Other
activities that you once enjoyed will have lost their
appeal, and using becomes your primary activity. Your use will continue
despite the consequences that you have experienced. If you are struggling with addiction you will find yourself
rationalizing and making up excuses as to why you have to continue to use.
Take the CRAFFT quiz. If you find you have answered 'yes' to two or more questions, you should consider making an appointment for a drug and alcohol assessment to be further evaluated.
What Now?
Treatment is available to you and congratulations on taking the first
step to reach out. We know that it is a big deal.
We would recommend that you contact a local outpatient chemical dependency
treatment agency and schedule what
is called, a 'drug and alcohol assessment'. Whether you have private
medical insurance, or you have medical coupons through the State, or no insurance at all, the need for treatment
must be established before you can receive treatment.
To see a list of places to get a drug and alcohol assessment, please
click here.
Treatment Options
A certified chemical dependency
professional will sit down with you and ask a variety of questions regarding all
aspects of your life. They do this in order to obtain a clear picture as
to where you are at with your alcohol/drug use. Based on all of this information and using
the American Society of Addiction Medicine's
criteria, a counselor will make a determination regarding the severity of your
need for treatment and will then make a recommendation as to what type
of treatment you would benefit from. These
options are listed below:
ADIS (Alcohol Drug Information School) - This is an early intervention
method.
It is an 8-hour class that discusses the pharmacology of drugs and alcohol and
the short and long term effects of their use. Some outpatient programs may
spread these hours out over several weeks. It is important to ask the
agency
how their ADIS class is structured.
Outpatient Treatment - Usually held in the afternoon once a week, this
type of
program works best for youth who have minimal problems with drugs and alcohol but could benefit from learning the physiological effects of substance abuse, as
well as communication skills, life and refusal skills, and ways to enjoy life
clean and sober. Random urine analysis tests
are also part of this level of treatment and if substances are detected, a
higher level of treatment might be recommended. For a list of youth
outpatient providers in King County,
click here.
Intensive Outpatient Treatment - Usually held in the afternoons, this
program may be broken down into multiple phases
that begin with attendance three times a week. IOP is usually recommended
for youth who are chemically addicted to
drugs and /or alcohol and need a more structured intensive program. Random urine
analysis tests are also part of this level
of treatment and if substances are detected, a higher level of treatment may be
necessary and recommended.
Inpatient Treatment - This is the most intensive type of treatment in Washington
State and is structured with group and individual
counseling, support group attendance, lectures and assignments that are shared
in group, and recreation time. Some school
credit may also be given for the assignments and activities that are completed.
The length of stay varies depending on the
level of treatment. Level 1 Basic Residential treatment is typically around 28
days and designed for youth who are dealing
primarily with substance dependence. Level II Secure Residential treatment can
very anywhere between 30-120 days and is
designed to treat youth who are not only dealing with substance addiction, but
who may be dealing with mental health and/or
behavioral issues as well. There are no 'lock down' inpatient treatment
facilities in Washington State. Most level II facilities
have secure doors/windows that help to deter patients from leaving against
medical advice. Staff are well trained to intervene
and will do everything they clinically can to keep a youth in treatment.
Resources for Youth
