Helpful Addiction Resources Overcoming addiction is not only difficult for the one receiving treatment. It can also be a challenging time for loved ones. The health and well-being of the patient battling an addiction should be made top priority. However, many resources exist to support friends and family. Overdose Emergency Care Addiction puts people at risk of mental and physical harm. In some situations, those battling an addiction may find themselves in a state of immediate medical emergency. One example of medical emergency in regard to addiction is a drug or alcohol overdose. Overdoses are life-threatening. Call 911 immediately for a medical emergency. Addictions can quickly become fatal if a drug user experiences an overdose. Common symptoms of a drug overdose include: Seizures Paranoia Coma Chest pains Breathing issues Headaches Try to get the victim to respond if they are losing consciousness. If the victim is not responsive, turn them on their side to prevent choking. Follow the most current guidelines if CPR is required. Do not put your mouth on theirs as this could spread germs and make you sick. Timing is everything when you want to save a life. The sooner you call, the faster professionals can begin life-saving procedures. Addiction by Demographic The disease of addiction affects each person differently, but some groups are more susceptible to addiction. Learn more about groups with a higher risk of developing addictions. Veterans People who currently serve or have served in the Armed Forces have a greater likelihood of developing an addiction. Veterans often turn to drugs or alcohol to ease painful symptoms of depression and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or as they recover from combat injuries. Fortunately, a wide network of support exists for veterans. Specially designed rehab programs and support groups cater to the needs of veterans all across the nation. These programs allow veterans to recover alongside other brave men and women who served their country. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) also offers a number of programs to help veterans. These services include: Vocational rehab training PTSD and crisis management Various general health services Contact your local VA to learn more about the options available to you. Adolescents Young people are at a high risk for addiction. The pressure to try addictive substances heats up in high school and college. 70 percent of high schoolers will have tried alcohol and 50 percent will have tried an illegal drug before graduation. It is considered normal for young adults to experiment with substances despite the obvious dangers and potential for uncontrollable misuse. Binge drinking, illegal drug usage and smoking run rampant on college campuses. While these activities are not direct indicators of an addiction, they put adolescents at a higher risk of developing one later in life. Guidance by a parent or a trusted mentor can help adolescents recognize and curb dangerous drug habits. Most universities have on-site medical centers specifically for students where they can receive initial diagnoses and schedule appointments with specialists. Universities may also have licensed psychologists students can talk to about drug problems or mental health issues. My son has been completely off of Suboxone now since the beginning of May. We have watched him gain self-esteem and pride in himself and what all he has accomplished. If an adolescent is diagnosed with substance use disorder (SUD) treatment should begin as soon as possible. Treating addiction in adolescents allows them to recover without the collateral damage (loss of job or housing, marriage collapse) adults may face. Seniors The risk of developing a drug addiction increases as people grow older and experience more health problems. Recent studies indicate that substance use disorder is on the rise in older populations. Over 5 million people aged 65 or older will need treatment for a substance use disorder in 2020. Seniors process the effects of drugs and alcohol differently than typical adult populations due to the age of their bodies, and long-term substance use can turn into an addiction. Common reasons seniors abuse drugs include: Death of a loved one Divorce Loss of a job Chronic pain Additionally, incorrect dosages of medications for existing health problems may lead to a dependence or addiction. Seniors may have existing health issues or be isolated from their families. Therefore, it can be difficult for them to receive proper treatment. Seniors also are at a higher risk of developing complications or dying due to drug addictions. It is very important seniors get expert help during treatment so their issues can be addressed. Co-occurring disorders Those who struggle with mental health problems are at a higher risk of developing drug addictions. When mental disorders and drug addictions happen simultaneously they are called co-occurring disorders. These can be life-threatening without proper treatment. The 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported that over 7 million people suffered from co-occurring mental and substance use disorders. Veterans, inmates and people facing homelessness are more likely to have co-occurring disorders. Proper diagnosing and treating of co-occurring disorders is challenging because symptoms between addictions and mental disorders overlap. If a person’s mental health does not improve as they receive treatment for an addiction, or if they continuously relapse despite treatment, they may be dealing with a mental disorder on top of an addiction. Support for Loved Ones The demands that come with caring for an addict take a toll on your emotions and your body. Parents must go beyond the normal call of duty to help a child struggling with substance abuse disorder. Children whose parents are addicted to dangerous substances can feel confused or ashamed and may need to be cared for by others. Friends and coworkers may worry as a chemical dependency warps a peer’s personality for the worse. Dr. Hoffman helped my family understand what this horrible disease does and how to handle different stages of it with me. Caregivers for people with addiction invest large chunks of their time, money and energy for just a chance that their loved one will recover. Fortunately, support groups and counseling for family and friends affected by a loved one’s drug addiction are available. Group sessions, such as support groups, may involve members of other families impacted by addiction or the recovering addict talking directly to their family. One-on-one counseling allows individual family members to work through their concerns as they help their loved one recover. Central Florida Resources Many resources are available for people looking to overcome addiction in the Central Florida area. Licensed professionals, including doctors, nurses and mental health counselors are available for people battling all kinds of addictions. Rehabilitation programs can effectively treat addiction and other illnesses associated with them. Support groups help you connect with other recovering addicts, allowing you to work with each other to remain drug-free. Many churches offer faith-based treatment programs to help you grow your religious beliefs while you recover from addiction. Discover recovery resources in the Central Florida area. Stories of Hope & Testimonials You may struggle during your journey toward a drug-free life. You may feel like there’s no way out of your addiction or that you are worthless. Do not be discouraged if you experience setbacks. Dr. Hoffman’s SoberDoc treatment program has helped men and women just like you recover both physically and emotionally. Dr. Kent Hoffman’s SoberDoc Testimonials provide an inside look on how treatment has healed addicts, their families and their friends. Every single testimonial reveals the healing power of addiction treatment.