D. A. R. E. And MN Teen Challenge

Education is another great tool when it comes to drug prevention. School and Government programs such as D.A.R.E. and MN Teen Challenge, aid in teaching youth about the risks and dangers of drug use. The Drug Abuse Resistance Education Program, or D.A.R.E., focuses on the connection between drugs, violence and gang activities. The program highlights how the use of drugs can have lasting legal effects on participants. Programs like D.A.R.E. really showcase how drug use can lead to a life of pain, violence and legal troubles. The MN Teen Challenge focuses more on the addiction aspect of drug use through religious outlets and the Christian faith. However, the MN Teen Challenge does have a prevention program called the “Know the Truth

Spotting an addict is not always as easy as it appears to be. In most cases, addicts will go to great lengths to hide their addiction from friends and family. Drug addiction changes the way your brain works, this often causes the user to change emotionally, physically and mentally. Educating yourself on the symptoms of addiction is the best way to help loved ones receive the help they need. Sudden changes in behavior often indicate a person is suffering from addiction. Some things to look for are depression, involvement in criminal activity, increased aggression and irritability. Recognizing addiction in family members can be hard. Distinguishing normal mood swings from drug abuse symptoms can be a challenge, the most common indicators of drug abuse are; problems at work or school, physical health issues and change in physical appearance.

Identifying symptoms of addiction in loved ones the chance of them making a recovery is increased, early detection and involvement can be the difference between recovery and a life controlled by

The two main types of treatment are pharmacotherapies and behavioral therapy. Pharmacotherapies is the use of medications such as Methadone and Buprenorphine to help addicts recover from opioid addiction. These medications work by blocking the serotonin receptors in the brain, this causes the symptoms of withdrawal to be less severe and more manageable. Roughly 40 to 60% of patients respond well to pharmacotherapy. Individuals who use drug therapy to aid their recovery are often required to take the medications for the remainder of their lives. Data suggests symptoms of withdrawal will return to the patient if the medication is discontinued even years after successful drug therapy. 20% of patients who stopped taking their medications while they were successful will not respond to the same medication when restarted. Behavior therapy helps recovering addicts change their lifestyle, it provides incentives for them to remain drug-free while teaching them important life skills. The main objective of behavioral therapy is to teach former and recovering addicts how to handle stressful situations and environments that may increase the urge to use