Addiction Treatment

Addiction refers to a psychological and physical dependence on a substance or behavior that can lead to harmful consequences. There are many types of addictions, including:

1. Substance addiction: This includes addiction to drugs, alcohol, and tobacco.
2. Behavioral addiction: This includes addiction to activities such as gambling, shopping, internet use, and gaming.
3. Food addiction: This includes addiction to certain foods or eating behaviors, such as binge eating.
4. Sex addiction: This includes addiction to sexual behavior, which can include compulsive masturbation, pornography consumption, and other sexual activities.
5. Exercise addiction: This includes addiction to exercise, which can lead to physical and mental health problems if taken to extremes.

Here are some addiction statistics that provide insight into the prevalence and impact of addiction:

1. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, in 2020, 20.3 million adults (aged 18 or older) had a substance use disorder in the United States.
2. The same survey also found that 14.5 million adults had an alcohol use disorder in 2020.
3. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that in 2019, there were 70,630 drug overdose deaths in the United States.
4. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the misuse of prescription opioids resulted in 49,860 overdose deaths in 2019.
5. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic led to an increase in drug overdose deaths in the United States. The CDC reported that from September 2019 to August 2020, there were 83,544 drug overdose deaths, a 29.4% increase from the previous year.
6. Behavioral addictions, such as internet addiction, affect an estimated 6% of the global population.
7. Gambling addiction affects an estimated 1-2% of the global population.

These statistics highlight the widespread impact of addiction and the need for effective prevention and treatment programs.

Addictions can have serious consequences for both the individual and those around them. They can lead to health problems, financial difficulties, relationship issues, and legal problems. Treatment for addiction often involves a combination of therapy, medication, and support from friends and family.

As a physician, I have seen a fair number of patients with various kinds of addictions including alcohol, smoking, cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, opioid prescription drugs, and more. The common theme I found in all these patients is that often there is a major stressful event or chronic relentless stress that pushes them to seek addictive substances as an escape. Initially, it starts as a recreation and soon they become slaves to these substances. Once a strong habit is formed, it's hard to break them...but it's not impossible with proper support and right strategies.

I have also seen many patients who have gone to rehab and came out clean but then again fall back into old habits. When I ask them of the reason for the relapse, they almost always remark "It's too much stress in life and I didn't know what to do!" That's unfortunate, because these are good people and sometimes are very well educated. It's because no one has taught them the right coping mechanisms, they have fallen to wrong coping mechanisms.

So, the key to prevent and solve the addiction problem is helping people learn right strategies for stress management and that is what we do. Dr. Calm can help you if you have fallen prey to addictions. More importantly, if you are really stressed, come see Dr. Calm so that we can help you prevent addictions in the first place. It's just not about drug addiction. It could be food addiction, porn addiction, or some other addiction. We are here to help. Click here!