Dealing with addiction

19 Oct, 2018 - 07:10 0 Views
Dealing with addiction

The ManicaPost

Dr Mazvita Machinga

Mental Health

Noticing what is happening in our society these days, I think of reminding the public of the dangers of addiction. In the next three weeks, I will talk about the process of staying sober and why it is important for our nation and our people. These days, it’s impossible to ignore the toll that addiction is taking on ordinary people and their families. Everyday we have individuals ruining their lives or the lives of their families because of their alcohol drinking or illicit drug use.

As the economic situation in Zimbabwe has been rough to many people, the use of psychoactive drugs has been increasing. (Any substance that changes your mood, thinking, or behaviour is considered psychoactive). The threat touches every demographic group — rural and urban, young and old, men or women, educated or uneducated,rich and poor. Moving in and around town or in the townships, you see groups of individuals holding alcoholic bottles or getting engaged in illicit drug use.

Night clubs are filled with scores of people drinking alcohol as indicated by the cars parked outside the clubs every day.  The sad thing is that addictive behaviours can be quite costly both to the individuals and to their families. Some people can’t stop using or taking alcohol because over time these people become hooked and will not have any power to stop on their own.

Lives can be cut and fatalities from drug use is disturbing among young generations. I have seen that among the commonly used psychoactive substances, nicotine (smoking cigarette) and alcohol drinking account for more addiction problems than any other in our society and has more fatalities. The question is, what is it that can be done to assist addicts. Is there any hope for the better, what shall we do when see ourselves caught up in this problem of addiction?

Yes, indeed there is glimmers of hope. While the risks to life and health are real for addicts, there is hope if people seek help in time and get treatment. A better understanding of the causes of addiction has led to more effective therapies and we encourage more people to seek treatment, visit their medical doctors or psychotherapist for help. It is possible for individuals to learn to modify their own behaviour without entering formal rehabilitation programs. People can participate in individual psychotherapy and small group counselling processes. There are also medications that can that can help break an addiction. Small group processes have been helpful since these involve people who have successfully managed to beat addiction and can be great mentors for those who are trying to quit.

Quitting takes multiple tries and layered approaches that combine different techniques, but recovery is possible. You just need to be determined and wanting to quit. Yes, we have services available in Mutare for those who want to stay sober and families who are concerned about their loved one’s drinking.

You need help if you have any of the following:

Ongoing desire to quit using or drinking alcohol but cannot stop

Attempting to cut down or quit, without success

Loss of control over quantity or involvement

Using greater amounts, or using over a longer period than intended

Greater focus on the substance or alcohol

Spending time thinking about using and making plans to use or drink alcohol

Craving — having a strong desire for the substance or alcohol such that you no longer listen to anyone

Repeated substance use despite inability to function effectively at work, school, or home

Social issues — continuing to use despite having persistent social or interpersonal problems caused by such use e.g. violence or fights with others

Giving up or reducing activities, changing life priorities or recreational activities because of substance use

Recurrent dangerous use — using the substance in physically hazardous situations

Health issues — continuing to use despite knowing that such use is causing a persistent physical or psychological problem, recently have been told to stop by medical people or have been hospitalised because of use of drinking

Withdrawal symptoms — experiencing certain physical symptoms when use of the substance is stopped or cut back, such as anxiety, sweating, trembling, sleep problems, nausea, or vomiting. You have any of the above, get help, do no wait at all. Help is available.

Remember it begins from experimentation to addiction.

Many people engage in casual use or experimentation with drugs and then move on to abuse, using excessive amounts of drugs or alcohol, dependence and then addiction. Addiction takes over your life.

Dr Mazvita Machinga MSc Psychology, MA, Ph.D. is a qualified psychotherapist, based in Mutare, for more help on staying sober call 0771 754 519, or 0778838410, email [email protected]

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