Drug addiction can affect people from all walks of life, but research and history have shown that some groups of people are more likely to suffer from drug addiction than others. Knowing which particular groups of people are more at risk is a great help when organizing drug prevention programs. But what groups of people are reported to be more at risk of drug addiction than others?
· Personal factors which may make a person more at risk of drug addiction include sensation seeking, problems with conduct, low self esteem, alienation, academic failure, rebelliousness, low school commitments, and other related behavior.
· Some young adults are at risk of drug addiction due to peer pressure factors. People who associate with those who are drug users and strike up friendships with children who are at risk due to personal factors are, in turn, more at risk of suffering from drug addiction problems themselves.
· Some children or young adults are more at risk of drug addiction problems due to family problems - alcoholic parents, parents with a permissive attitude towards alcohol and drug use, dysfunctional families due to divorce or death, inconsistent guidance from parents and lack of an extended family circle.
· Other at risk groups include those who come from areas with a high crime rate and lack of youth opportunities, as well as those living in areas of general physical deterioration.
Drug Addiction Prevention for those At-Risk
Many drug addiction prevention programs are prone to target individuals solely based on demographic factors - race and ethnicity being some of the most common factors. The problem? There are many different factors which can increase the chances of a child or young adult suffering from drug addiction, so it really is difficult to single out one specific group of people. One particular community may find that the largest risk factor for drug abuse is simply living within an at-risk community with high rates of crime and substance abuse problems - it may have nothing to do with race, ethnicity, age, unemployment or level of education.
Prevention policies for those deemed to be at-risk of drug addiction must target both the at-risk individual, the family, the peer group, the community, and the school - historically these prevention programs have focused on one specific area. A broader approach is now recognized as the way forward in helping those in the at-risk groups.
One huge step forward in helping children who are deemed to be at-risk of drug addiction is the indication that personality traits and temperament are incredibly important. These personality traits include optimism, insight, empathy, self-esteem, perseverance, and determination. Children and young adults are, therefore, less likely to suffer from drug addiction problems if they have, or are taught certain life skills including social skills, emotional management, reflective skills, planning skills, and job and academic skills, in addition to problem solving skills.
Help for Drug Addiction and Types of Drug Treatment Programs
For those addicted individuals who seek help, the first stage of treatment usually involves detoxification - a period of managed medical withdrawal in which the body is cleared of the drugs. This may begin the physical process of treatment for drug addiction problems, but does not even touch upon the social, psychological, or behavioral problems associated with addiction, especially for those identified as more at-risk of developing substance abuse problems. In order for someone suffering from addiction to live a healthy, productive life in recovery, there are many other topics which must be addressed.
Residential treatment, or inpatient treatment, is the most intensive of the drug addiction programs. For treatment, the patient is completely removed from the temptations of their previous lives and they are cocooned in a sober, drug free, supported environment. This is one of the most successful types of drug addiction programs, although it is not suitable for every addict.
Outpatient treatment for drug addiction can be a less intensive alternative for those who cannot enroll in a residential treatment program for their drug addiction. Inpatient treatment programs are, naturally, a more expensive option than outpatient treatment. Other people who can benefit from an outpatient treatment program for their drug addiction problems include those who are unable to leave the outside world for any length of time due to family, work, or other commitments.
Drug addiction treatment programs are continuing to diversify as they evolve and the medical community better understands the holistic problems involved with drug addiction and, therefore, drug addiction treatment.
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