According to a local news report in September 2012, Palm Springs is not immune to the effects of drug abuse and addiction. CBSLA, the CBS affiliate in Los Angeles, reported that a deputy sheriff with Riverside County was arrested for possession of an illegal drug while off duty. While we think of police officers as upstanding and above the influence of drugs and alcohol, the FBI has stated that the stress involved in police work can lead to destructive behaviors in order to cope with the difficulties of the job, and these destructive behaviors can include drug abuse and addiction.

Police officers are just like the rest of the community in and around Palm Springs. Daily life can bring on challenges that we didn’t expect. Many times, without the right kind of help, we find it challenging to deal with the adversities in our lives.

Why Do Some People Become Addicted to Drugs?

Simply using drugs does not mean that the individual has developed an addiction. Unfortunately, there is no way to know which person will develop the disease and which one will not. The National Institute on Drug Abuse has conducted research for many years, trying to answer questions about how drugs of abuse work, why they are addictive, and how the problem is best treated. According to their studies, several factors play a role in whether an individual is likely to become addicted.

Environment plays a part in addiction development. The NIDA’s research shows that children who come from a chaotic home, who suffer abuse, whose parents are habitual drug abusers, and who are influenced by peers who use drugs are more likely to become addicted. Another factor is simple biology. If an individual has a relative who suffers from addiction, he is more like to develop an addiction should he choose to engage in drug use. Finally, the age at which drug use begins plays an important role. The younger a person is when they are exposed to drug abuse, the more likely they are to become addicted, possibly because of the early developmental stages in the brain during adolescence.

Help Is Available if You Know Where to Look

Regardless of who you are, what job you have or at what age you began using drugs, addiction is treatable. Like many other conditions, with the right treatment plan, including the possibility of medications such as methadone, drug addiction can be kept under control. When an individual enters recovery, there is always a possibility of relapse, according to the Mayo Clinic. In order to help you prevent relapses as much as possible, we employ several methods of treatment here at Axis, including evidence-based treatments, such as:

• Group and individual therapy
• Complementary and alternative therapies
• Spiritual counseling
• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• 12-step recovery programs

Getting help means that you are making a decision to change your life for the better in Palm Springs. If you have a family member who is struggling with addiction, please keep in mind that you do not have to wait for them to come to you for help. You can help them see the road that lies ahead by intervening early enough to help them make a real change. To find out more about how Axis can help you and your Palm Springs family make this all-important change, please call us today.