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Winston Salem, NC: An Old Foe Rises Again
Winston-Salem, North Carolina--sometimes referred to as "Camel City" because of the its history as a hub for the tobacco industry (specifically for R.J. Reynolds Camel cigarettes) --offers suburban quality of life in close proximity to a downtown that is constantly being revitalized. A center for arts and culture in recent years, Winston-Salem continues to grow and develop with a focus on artistic patronage. But recently this wonderful, sleepy little city has become known for something else-a rising tide of methamphetamine usage.
Methamphetamine--a stimulant that rose to national infamy in the 1990s and early 2000s and then died down again--has been part of life for years in North Carolina. In recent times in Winston-Salem its actually opioids that have been the focus of law enforcement (as well as the heroin use that inevitably follows.) Opioids have dominated the drug abuse conversation and have long been seen as the most dangerous scourge facing the south. But lately, officials say that methamphetamine--the old foe that many thought was defeated forever--has reared its ugly head.
Methamphetamine can cause an entrancing sense of euphoria, and coupled with a powerful adrenaline rush, it can be incredibly addictive. When you combine this with the fact that meth can be made with relative ease at home, or in local cooking houses without any oversight, the ready availability of it poses an incredible risk. And sadly, when we look at the numbers in Winston Salem, methamphetamine usage is off the charts. In 2015, Winston-Salem Police seized less than 900 grams of methamphetamine, but in 2018—just three years later—that number had skyrocketed to 7,000 grams! Authorities attribute this meteoric rise to the fact that methamphetamine is now cheaper than heroin and is far more readily available. We can only hope that authorities will be able to get a handle on the escalating situation.
Alcohol and Drug Treatment Service Settings and Approaches
The large number of those who struggle with addiction in the Winston Salem area necessitate the presence of a variety of treatment facilities, where clients can get the resources they need in a convenient setting. These programs include the following: short term drug and alcohol rehabs, long term drug and alcohol rehab centers, inpatient drug rehab facilities, outpatient detox centers, outpatient individual counseling.
These treatment programs facilites provide many various modalities to addiction rehabilitation, enabling clients to find a method that gets results for them. Individuals looking for treatment can find any of the recovery methods available in Winston Salem including: vocational rehabilitation services, rational emotive behavioral therapy, individual psychotherapy, couple/family therapy, relapse prevention, trauma-related counseling.
Special Programs for Addiction Treatment
In order to achieve lasting sobriety, people struggling with drug and alcohol abuse occasionally need tailored programs designed for their specific circumstances. Winston Salem, NC. treatment programs offer many programs including: legal advocacy, child care for clients children, persons with post-traumatic stress disorder, residential beds for client's children, suicide prevention services, persons with eating disorders.
Patients can ask about a facility's services and approaches and receive guidance in finding the right treatment for their needs.
Recovery Payment Alternatives
Alcohol and drug rehab programs also customize their financing alternatives to suit the various financial needs of their patients. In general, clients have multiple payment choices for their treatment, including the following: private pay, private medical insurance, military insurance, medicare, medicaid, county or local government funds, state education funds.
People seeking rehab should not permit funds to be an obstacle. Treatment facilities can guide them through their payment plans and assist them in finding an affordable solution.
Thanks to Winston Salem's multiple alternatives for drug and alcohol rehab and financing, those looking for help can get a convenient, tailored, and affordable recovery program.
Commonly Asked Questions about Addiction and Treatment
How do addictive drugs influence behavior?
Addictive drugs influence behavior by interacting with the brain's reward system. This system is responsible for driving pleasurable feelings and motivating behaviors essential to human survival, such as eating and socializing. Addictive substances can hijack this system, leading to changes in behavior and brain function.
Here's a simplified explanation of how this works:
Alteration of Neurotransmitter Activity: Addictive substances often increase the levels of certain neurotransmitters, chemicals that transmit signals between nerve cells in the brain. One key neurotransmitter affected by many drugs is dopamine, which is closely associated with feelings of pleasure and reward.
Overstimulation of the Reward System: By increasing dopamine levels, addictive drugs overstimulate the reward system, often creating a sense of euphoria. This intense pleasure can lead individuals to repeat the drug use to recapture this feeling.
Development of Tolerance and Dependence: Over time, the brain adapts to the increased dopamine levels by producing less dopamine or reducing the number of receptors that can receive signals. As a result, the drug's effects are lessened, a phenomenon known as tolerance. This can lead users to take increasingly larger doses of the drug to achieve the same dopamine high. This cycle can lead to dependence, where the brain relies on the drug to function normally.
Withdrawal and Cravings: When the drug is not taken, withdrawal symptoms can occur as the brain attempts to rebalance itself. These can include negative emotions like anxiety and depression, physical symptoms like nausea or restlessness, and intense cravings for the drug.
Compulsive Drug-seeking Behavior: As the cycle of tolerance, dependence, withdrawal, and cravings continues, individuals may engage in compulsive drug-seeking behavior, even when faced with negative health, social, or legal consequences. This is a key characteristic of addiction.
Impairment in Decision-making and Self-control: Long-term drug use can also cause changes to other areas of the brain that impair decision-making, self-control, judgment, learning, and memory, further fueling the cycle of addiction.
When do you walk away from a loved one that is a drug addict?
Deciding to distance yourself from a loved one who is struggling with addiction is a deeply personal and difficult decision. There's no universal right or wrong answer, as it depends on the individual circumstances, the severity of the addiction, the impact on your wellbeing, and other factors. However, there are a few circumstances where walking away might be the appropriate course of action:
- Self-preservation: If the relationship with the loved one is causing significant harm to your mental, emotional, or physical health, it may be necessary to establish boundaries or distance yourself for your own wellbeing. Remember, you can't effectively support others if you're not taking care of yourself.
- Enabling Behavior: If your actions are enabling the individual's substance abuse rather than supporting their recovery, creating distance might be beneficial. Enabling can include covering up for their substance use, providing financial support for their habit, or repeatedly rescuing them from the consequences of their behavior.
- Lack of Respect for Boundaries: If your loved one consistently ignores or disrespects boundaries that you have established, it might be time to consider distancing yourself.
- Abuse or Violence: If your loved one becomes abusive or violent under the influence of drugs, prioritizing your safety is crucial. In such instances, it's critical to seek help from local authorities or a domestic violence hotline.
- Unwillingness to Seek Help: If your loved one consistently refuses to seek help, denies they have a problem, or repeatedly relapses without making an effort towards recovery, it might be necessary to consider distancing yourself.
How do I confront someone about their drug addiction?
Confronting someone about their drug addiction is a delicate task, requiring a compassionate, non-judgmental approach. It's crucial to express your concerns without inciting defensiveness. Here are some steps to guide you through this process:
- Educate Yourself: First, understand that addiction is a chronic brain disease, not a moral failing or a choice. Learn about the specific drugs your loved one is using, the signs of addiction, and potential treatment options. This knowledge will help you approach the conversation with empathy and provide credible information.
- Plan the Conversation: Choose a calm, private, and neutral setting to discuss your concerns. Ensure the person is sober and in a clear state of mind. It might be helpful to have another concerned friend or family member present, but avoid making the person feel cornered.
- Use "I" Statements: Frame your concerns in a way that focuses on your feelings and observations rather than casting blame. For example, "I have noticed that you've been missing work frequently and I'm worried," instead of, "You're ruining your life."
- Be Honest and Specific: Explain your concerns and the behaviors you've observed. Use specific instances and concrete examples when possible, but avoid sounding accusatory.
- Express Love and Concern: Make it clear that your intention comes from a place of love and concern. The goal is not to attack or criticize them, but to show that you care about their well-being.
- Listen: Allow them to share their feelings and thoughts without interruption. This is not just about you expressing your concerns but also about understanding their perspective.
- Avoid Arguing: The person may react defensively or deny the problem. While this can be frustrating, try to avoid arguments. Keep your focus on expressing your concern and encouraging them to get help.
- Suggest Professional Help: Let them know there are professional resources available for addiction, such as therapists, counselors, and rehabilitation centers. Encourage them to seek professional help, emphasizing that there is no shame in doing so.
- Consult a Professional: If you're unsure about how to approach the situation or if previous attempts have been unsuccessful, consider consulting a professional interventionist.
