This article is more of a question, not an answer. A conversation, not a one-sided view. And since we don’t have the answer, let’s consider it open-ended…
Question: How do people who are addicted to a substance get medical treatment if they don’t know they have a “problem”?
With the recent reports of celebrity deaths to overdosing on drugs, the issue of substance abuse has surfaced to the top of news and media reports. It’s not that substance abuse has not always been an issue, however, the death of high profile individuals brings to light a serious problem that normally hides in the dark alleys of every city in our country. Some might even say drugs are a silent killer, because who knows how many people’s deaths due to overdosing go unreported.
Today we simply want to pose the question of how do we get people who are addicted to drugs the care and treatment they so desperately need if they don’t seek it out? Is it even reasonable to expect that some how those lives could have been saved?
The Facts: Substance Abuse Goes Far Beyond Illicit Drugs
This infographic published by The Hill Center gives us a snap shot of the many different types of substances that are abused on a daily basis.
The Problem: How Do We Help People Who Don’t Ask For It?
Research proves a continuum of care that includes both medical and behavioral treatment can put people on the right track to living live a healthy life free of drugs. But how to do we get people treatment if they don’t come ask for it? Think about it, unless someone who is using drugs gets arrested for either selling drugs, using drugs or committing a different crime, how do they get help?
Possible Solutions? The Case For Intervention?
Is it possible that people don’t seek treatment for drug addictions for fear of being arrested? If so, then what is more important: adding another criminal or helping people get clean? Or perhaps the addiction is so great that the person abusing drugs doesn’t even see that there is a problem. What then? In many cases, intervention from a family member or friend has been the answer, yet in far too many, no one is there to intervene or help.
Substances like alcohol, over-the-counter drugs, prescription drugs and even common household cleaners can lead to abuse and addiction which can lead to death. This is why we believe the problem with drugs and substance abuse has become a problem that affects everyone. Sometimes you never know who is suffering from addiction until it’s too late.
Consider this an open discussion as we by no means have all the answers. As substance abuse counseling professionals, we invite you to participate in these conversations in hopes that we can make a difference. What do you think?