Did you know?
- • 13 is the average age when children first experiment with drugs.
- • Alcohol is the most abused substance.
- • The most abused prescription drugs are pain killers, tranquilizers and stimulants.
- • The most abused illicit drugs are marijuana, cocaine and hallucinogens.
- • Over 50% of all suicides and over 50% of all violent crimes are influenced by alcohol and/or drugs.
- • 35 of 36 alcoholics have never received treatment.
Drug and alcohol addiction, or a substance use disorder, is a disease that affects a person’s behavior and brain and leads to an inability to control the use of a legal or illegal drug or medication.
For some, addiction can start with socially with experimental use that gradually becomes more frequent. For others, particularly with opioids, drug addiction begins with exposure to prescribed medications, or receiving medications from a friend or relative who has been prescribed the medication.
The risk of addiction and how fast you become addicted varies by the substance. As time passes, you may need larger doses of the substance to get the same effects. Soon you may need it just to feel good. As your drug use increases, you may find that it is increasingly difficult to go without it. Attempts to stop using the substance may cause intense cravings and cause you to feel physically ill and experience withdrawal symptoms.
If you are currently struggling with drug or alcohol addiction or know someone who is, now is the time for you to do something about it. You may need help from your doctor, family, friends, support groups or an organized treatment program to overcome your addiction and stay substance-free.
Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute’s Advancement in Recovery (AIR) Program offers a comprehensive Medication Assisted Treatment Program for individuals struggling with Opioid Use Disorder. The AIR team consists of medical doctors and clinicians, all of whom have expertise in dealing with opioid use disorders and the transition to Buprenorphine, Methadone, and Vivitrol. The team provides support for patients throughout all phases of treatment.
If you would like to speak to someone about better managing your stress and anxiety, or to make an appointment, please call (717) 782-6493 for more information.
One week each year, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) observes National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week ® (NDAFW). A health observance week for teens that aims to SHATTER THE MYTHS ® about drug and alcohol use. It links students with scientists and other experts to counteract the myths about drugs and alcohol that teens get from the internet, social media, TV, movies, music, or from friends. Teens, scientists and other experts come together to discuss how drugs affect the brain, body, and behaviors, in community and school events all over America. This year, NDSFW will be held Monday, March 22 – Sunday, March 28. Chat Day for 2021 will be held Wednesday, March 24, 2021. Visit the NIDA website for more info.