12 Step Programs Taking On New Drugs and Addictions

Courtesy of Above It All Treatment

We now have a very different view on drugs and the war against them, than we had just several years ago. The recognition we have now made, is that simply criminalizing a drug -- and trying to keep people away from it -- is no longer the best option. What we must realize, is that there is a disconnect in the health and wellness of a majority of United States citizens. So many of our fellow peers get sucked into the plight of drugs and alcohol because they simply want, or need something, and drugs and alcohol are substances that we are using to fill this hole.

Drugs and alcohol don't have the ability to cure a health issue. Only the human body is able to cure itself of a disease. Granted, this cure can be stimulated by the presence of a drug in the body; it can even be stimulated by just thoughts, or the will to feel better.

Human beings that are ill, unhealthy, or have certain ailments, just want to feel better. Quite often, if a person is suffering for a very long time, and not receiving any help, they will take matters into their own hands and attempt to find ways to alleviate their pains through any possible means -- including drugs and alcohol. The drug policies in-place in the United States right now, state that a person -- no matter how mentally, physically, or emotionally sick they are -- has the right to possess, buy, or inquire about the purchase of drugs that they feel help them. Instead, they are simply called criminals. 

Calling someone with severe issues a criminal can be a bit harsh, especially when more tax dollars are spent every year punishing people for having drugs, than spent on helping these people who admittedly have problems! This is counter-productive, and the poor souls who are already suffering, are usually sentenced to more time suffering.

There is help for these individuals, though; help in the form of understanding and treatment. By offering 12 step recovery programs, drug rehab, counseling programs, and other pro-active and diversionary tactics, we can spend the same amounts of tax dollars getting these truly sick people the help they deserve, instead of locking them up with real criminals.

Painkillers: Beyond Epidemic

Newly released analyses from the Associated Press show that the epidemic of prescription drug abuse in the United States is now off the charts. From 2000 to 2010, the rates of prescription drug use and abuse have increased as high as sixteen-fold. While sales of prescription drugs rose only moderately in California, drug rehab facilities and drug rehab programs have seen a surprising trend of heroin, cocaine, and meth addicts switching over to prescription drugs because of their availability. Other states have seen dramatic increases in sales, with sales in New Mexico rising 500%; about the average gain seen in most states.

Originally, the increase in prescription drug abuse centered around the national borders and in and around the Appalachians.  Since 2010, the problem as grown outward from these two centers and have engulfed nearly the entire country. In Fact, 12 step treatment centers have seen such a large increase in those checking in for oxycodone and hydrocodone, that they are having to devote more resources to these specific types of addictions rather than traditional illicit drug addictions.

Do you, or someone you know, have a a problem with prescription drugs and/or painkillers? Above It All Treatment offers 12 step addiction recovery programs that effectively treat the chemical dependency of painkillers such as Oxycontin. Visit us online today, to find out more about treatment options.

www.aboveitalltreatment.com/