The Dangers of Polysubstance Abuse
Using a mixture of drugs on a regular basis is a recipe for disaster. Known as polysubstance abuse, people may be seeking that “perfect” high to alleviate depression, a personality disorder or chronic pain. Depending on the underlying problem, this cocktail of drugs often brings relief from reality and a way to cope with the daily pressure of life.
How Polysubstance Abuse Begins
No one sets out to become addicted to multiple drugs. An alcoholic drink and a little bit of weed is often the beginning of a needed escape from a bad day at work or feeling the need to fit in with others. The problem is that the initial feeling of euphoria soon dissipates causing the person to seek other drugs. No one particular drug seems sufficient. However, it is possible to achieve a satisfying high by combining antidepressant prescription drugs, illegal hallucinogens and cocaine. The combination of drugs is different for everyone but once discovered, they become a regular craving.
Demographics
There’s no specific area of the country where polysubstance abuse is more rampant, but according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, males ages 18–24 are at higher risk. Moderate to severe pressures dictate the amount and frequency of polysubstance abuse that leads to chronic use.
Why Prognosis is Difficult
Many addiction facilities are familiar with helping individuals with one drug of choice. When someone uses multiple drugs, the disorder and prognosis is difficult to address and treat. Withdrawal from multiple drugs and the underlying problem of mental disorder has to be taken into account. Treatment centers that offer dual diagnosis treatment are usually equipped to properly evaluate and work with these situations. Stepping Stone Center For Recovery, a private, accredited addiction treatment center in Jacksonville, Florida, offers in-house treatment for polysubstance addiction on different levels. These levels include inpatient drug and alcohol detox, inpatient drug and alcohol rehab and a flexible intensive outpatient program. In addition to superb medical and psychiatric care, Stepping Stone brings in the overlooked and important treatment component of spirituality. Some of the drugs that cause impairment or distress include alcohol, nicotine, marijuana, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, hallucinogens such as mushrooms, or inhalants such as paint thinner. Prescribed medicines, such as opioids for pain or benzodiazepines for anxiety, are also commonly abused. Sifting through the long list of illicit drugs and creating a plan of action for physical and mental withdrawal requires the expertise of trained professionals. Don’t wait until a loved one succumbs to an overdose of multiple drugs. Get to the core of the problem before it’s too late. Seek intervention today by calling Stepping Stone Center For Recovery today at 866-957-4960. An individualized treatment program will be started that includes an all-inclusive 24-hour medical detox program and followed by group and family therapy. It’s time to put polysubstance abuse in the past.
