Addiction

40 million Americans over the age of 12 have issues with substances – that’s 12 percent of the population. Since the War on Drugs during the Nixon administration, the stigma surrounding substance use has prevented millions of individuals from seeking proper treatment. Substance use can range from social engagement to full-blown addiction and dependence. No matter the severity, if the behavior is negatively impacting your life and you want a change, therapy can help. 

Substances can be categorized as uppers, downers, and all arounders. Below are some examples.

source: The Freedom Center

  • Uppers include legal and illegal drugs. These are stimulants that work to improve mood, increase energy and alertness, and heighten feelings of self-confidence. Some legal stimulants, like coffee and ADHD medication, can support concentration and focus. When abused, stimulants can lead to health and social problems as well as addiction. Some examples of stimulants include:

    • Adderall/Ritalin

    • Cocaine

    • Meth

    • Ecstasy

    • Nicotine

  • These drugs have the opposite effect of uppers. Depressants act as a sedative and make the user feel relaxed and drowsy and may reduce feelings of pain. Legal use of these drugs can help manage anxiety, epilepsy, and insomnia. When used inappropriately, they can lead to addiction and overdose. Some examples of depressants are:

    • Alcohol

    • Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Klonopin)

    • Heroin

    • Fentanyl

    • Prescription painkillers

  • All arounders affect the body in a variety of ways. They can act like both uppers and downers. Psychedelic drugs distort reality and can produce hallucinations. They affect perception, mental processes, and emotions. Some examples include:

    • LSD

    • Psilocybin (magic mushrooms)

    • Marijuana

    • Peyote

    • PCP

 
Contact Me