Individuals who suffer from drug
addiction most likely have suffered or will develop some form of anxiety in
one form or another. Most stimulants, Methamphetamine, Cocaine,
Ritalin will cause anxiety due to the nature of the drug. Before we can
treat anxiety in these situations this addiction has to be addressed. The
most successful way to treat this is through Drug Rehabilitation at a
Drug Treatment Centre. When do you know it is time to seek treatment?
Ultimately you will have to decide. Some symptoms you may be experiencing are:
Thoughts of Suicide
Mood Swings or Depressed Mood
No Interest in activities that do not
revolve around drug use
No energy
Irritability
Poor concentration and Problem
Solving
Weight Loss, Poor Appetite
Constant Anxiety, Worry, Agitation
Pounding, Racing Heart
Diaphoresis (Sweating)
Somatic Complaints (Headache, Pain)
Hopelessness
Loss of friends, Family
This is just a small checklist and is not
limited to these signs. You will need to make the decision for treatment
yourself. You may need assistance from someone you trust. You can access your
family doctor for a referral to a Drug Treatment Centre or contact your local
Mental Health Clinic. You need to do this to get well, ask for help, you
don't not need to do this alone.
This article is going to talk about self medication with
street drugs. Let’s first take a look at the street drugs that people
commonly use, specifically pot and alcohol. Marijuana is commonly
used by itself or in combination with alcohol. Pot can give you a calming effect
after it is inhaled. Depending on the amount and strength it can also have the
opposite effect on your physical health. Increased respirations and heart rate
can be expected. Mentally, pot use can lead to psychological dependence,
paranoia, which in turn can lead to extreme levels of anxiety. The whole idea of
engaging in an illegal activity can increase your anxiety and keep it there as
long as you are involved in this activity. Getting caught with dope, getting
arrested and jailed can increase your anxiety. Does this all sound like common
sense? Well yes it is, you don’t need a PHD in psychology to figure this out.
Prolonged stress leads to anxiety and it is inevitable it will happen. Think
back to when you did something you said you would never do. Likely you had
feelings of guilt, worry and that physical rush (pounding heart, inability to
concentrate, increased breathing), to conclude this is another reason to stay
away from street drugs, it just a poor choice. See how long you can put your
body and mind through this and I can guarantee it won’t be long before you are
leading a tough battle fighting anxiety not to mention the physical damage you
are putting your body through. Sure we always hear about how safe pot is and
that it should be legalized, but for an anxiety sufferer or someone dealing with
mental health issues it’s a devastating choice.
