People who build up a tolerance to a drug develop drug dependence. They face the difficulty of going through withdrawal symptoms when abruptly stopping use of the drug. Drug dependence can result from abuse of illicit drugs or prescription medication. Overcoming drug dependence starts with people admitting they have a drug problem. They can successfully end their dependence by quitting use of the drug with medical help and the support of friends and family to stay drug-free.
Identification
Some people are drawn into quitting drugs by accident after overdosing and undergoing emergency treatment, which might include respiratory aid with a machine or other medical assistance, according to MedlinePlus, a medical information resource established by the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Others may begin a long process of overcoming drug dependence when an intervention takes place. Friends or family members gather to let a person know that his drug use has gotten out of control, destroying the life of the drug addict and the lives of loved ones. Some people realize they have a problem on their own and seek help.
Types
Commonly abused drugs include cocaine, amphetamines, methamphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, alcohol and marijuana, according to MedlinePlus. Other abused drugs include morphine and heroin. Addiction to nicotine also causes dependence. Smokers can go through a similar withdrawal process as other drug-dependent people to overcome the nicotine addiction.
Detoxification
Overcoming drug dependence requires people go through a detoxification process as the first step. When the body no longer receives a substance it depends on, cravings for the drug begin. Withdrawal symptoms develop and differ among the particular drug or how long the person has been addicted. For many drug addictions, doctors recommend the detoxification take place in a facility, either inpatient or outpatient, that has professional help. Medical staff can provide medication to relieve the withdrawal symptoms.
Withdrawal Effects
Addiction to barbiturates and other depressants can cause restlessness, sleep problems, anxiety, tremors, hallucinations, increased heart rate or seizures, depending on the severity of the addiction, according to MayoClinic.com. Withdrawal symptoms from cocaine, amphetamines and methamphetamines include depression, anxiety, cravings and fatigue. Some addicts experience suicidal thoughts. Dependency on heroin, morphine and oxycodone may include sweating, anxiety, cravings, sleeplessness, depression, high blood pressure, tremors and other symptoms. Symptoms can last for days or weeks.
Support
Following detoxification, people benefit from individual or group counseling. Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps patients understand the reasons for their dependency and how to deal with situations that cause them to become addicted, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Family therapy also helps people improve the functioning of their families and overcome the possibility of relapse. People undergo counseling on an inpatient or outpatient basis, depending on each individual. Self-help groups are often included in the counseling program and play a major role in a person continuing to remain drug-free following treatment and therapy.
