Getting Help For Substance Addictions
Getting Help For An Alcohol Addiction
Suppose you find yourself drinking more than the recommended guidelines or have concerns about your alcohol consumption. In that case, it is crucial to reach out to a general practitioner or your local drug and alcohol services. Seeking medical advice is essential to determine the most appropriate options for you and to manage alcohol withdrawal if necessary. You can also explore online resources and seek support from organizations like Alcoholics Anonymous. Additionally, addressing potential thiamine deficiency or other related medical issues may be necessary for your overall well-being.
Nicotine gum is chewed to release nicotine, which is then absorbed through the lining of the mouth. It provides a source of nicotine without inhaling smoke.
Nicotine patches are worn on the skin and release a steady, controlled dose of nicotine throughout the day.
These are small, dissolvable tablets that contain nicotine. They are placed in the mouth and dissolve slowly, releasing nicotine gradually.
Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products are designed to help individuals quit smoking or reduce their nicotine intake gradually. These products provide a controlled dose of nicotine without the harmful toxins found in tobacco smoke. NRT products can help manage nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms when a person is trying to quit smoking.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy
This spray delivers nicotine through the nasal membrane, providing rapid relief from cravings.
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Nicotrol NS (Nicotine Nasal Spray): Nicotrol NS is a well-known nicotine nasal spray that provides a rapid delivery of nicotine to help reduce cravings associated with smoking cessation.
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Nicorette QuickMist: While not a traditional nasal spray, Nicorette QuickMist is a nicotine mouth spray offering fast delivery through the oral mucosa. It provides quick relief from cravings.
Nicotine Nasal Spray
Nicotine inhalers resemble cigarettes and are used by inhaling vaporized nicotine through a mouthpiece. They mimic the hand-to-mouth action of smoking.
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Nicotrol Inhaler (Nicotine Inhaler): Nicotrol Inhaler is one of the well-known nicotine inhalers designed to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with smoking cessation.
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Nicorette Inhalator: Nicorette offers a nicotine inhaler that provides a similar hand-to-mouth action as smoking. It's designed to help individuals quit smoking by addressing cravings.
Nicotine Inhalers
These are thin strips that dissolve in the mouth, releasing nicotine gradually.
Nicotine Oral Strips
Prescribed quit-smoking medications are medications that are available by prescription from a healthcare provider to help individuals quit smoking. These medications are typically recommended for individuals who have a strong nicotine addiction and have not been successful with other methods of quitting, such as nicotine replacement therapy or behavioural interventions. In some cases, Wellbeing Practitioners may recommend a combination of medications to increase the chances of quitting successfully. For example, a combination of nicotine replacement therapy and prescription medication may be prescribed.
Varenicline (Chantix)
Bupropion (Zyban)
Nortriptyline
Clonidine
Naltrexone
Cytisine
Topiramate
Anxiolytics and Antidepressants
Prescribed Quit Smoking Medications
A range of herbal supplements are sometimes used as natural aids to quit smoking. Before using any herbal supplement to quit smoking, it is essential to consult with a Wellbeing Practitioner, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or are taking other medications. Some herbs can interact with medications or have side effects; individual responses may vary. Additionally, combining herbal supplements with other smoking cessation methods, such as counselling or nicotine replacement therapy, may increase the chances of success.
Lobelia (Indian Tobacco)
St. John's Wort
Valerian Root
Passionflower
Kava
Ginseng
Black Cohosh
Peppermint
Spearmint
Ginkgo Biloba
Chamomile
Cayenne Pepper
Ginger
Rhodiola Rosea
Lemon Balm
Liquorice Root
Avena Sativa (Oat Straw)
Gotu Kola
Hops
Cat's Claw
Milk Thistle
Over The Counter Quite Smoking Aids
Alcohol Anonymous (AA)
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is an international fellowship of men and women who have or have had a drinking problem. AA is a mutual support group that provides a supportive and non-judgmental environment for individuals seeking help to stop drinking and maintain sobriety.
AA meetings are held regularly in various locations (including churches, community centres, and online platforms and can take different forms, including open meetings (where anyone can attend) and closed meetings (for members only). AA meetings bring together individuals who share a common goal of achieving and maintaining sobriety with members supporting each other by sharing their experiences, challenges, and successes in dealing with alcohol addiction. AA meetings are confidential, and members are encouraged to maintain anonymity, providing a safe and non-judgmental space for individuals to openly discuss their struggles without fear of stigma or repercussions.
AA follows a program of recovery known as the 12 Steps. These steps are a set of principles and actions designed to help individuals overcome their addiction and improve their lives. The steps involve admitting powerlessness over alcohol, seeking a higher power, making amends, and helping others. Many AA members have sponsors—experienced members who provide guidance, support, and accountability to newcomers. Sponsors play a crucial role in helping individuals work through the 12 Steps. Alcoholics Anonymous has been instrumental in helping countless individuals achieve and maintain sobriety. It provides a sense of community, accountability, and hope for those struggling with alcohol addiction.
Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is an international fellowship of men and women who have or have had a drug addiction. Like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), NA provides a supportive and non-judgmental environment for individuals seeking recovery from drug addiction. NA offers literature that includes the "Basic Text" (Narcotics Anonymous), which explains the program and shares personal stories of recovery. Other publications provide additional information and guidance. Like AA, NA is not affiliated with any specific religion, and members are free to define their higher power.
Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
Trained peers who are in recovery themselves offer guidance, encouragement, and mentorship to individuals seeking help.
Peer Recovery Support Services
Outreach programs, harm reduction services, and needle exchange programs aim to reduce the negative consequences of substance abuse.
Community Based Services
A drug and alcohol counsellor, also known as a substance abuse counsellor or addiction counsellor, plays a crucial role in helping individuals who are struggling with drug or alcohol addiction. Their primary focus is to provide support, guidance, and treatment to clients seeking recovery from substance abuse.
Drug and Alcohol Counsellor
Evidence-based therapies like Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical-Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI) are commonly used to modify addictive behaviours and thought patterns.
Therapies
Once formal treatment ends, aftercare plans and ongoing support help individuals maintain their sobriety and prevent relapse
Aftercare
Drug and alcohol services, also known as substance abuse services or addiction treatment services, encompass a range of programs and resources designed to address issues related to drug and alcohol addiction. Drug and alcohol services are typically provided by a combination of healthcare professionals, counsellors, therapists, and peer support specialists.
Drug and Alcohol Services
Rehabilitation
A range of rehabilitation options may be available for someone with drug and alcohol problems. For individuals with severe physical dependence on drugs or alcohol, detoxification (detox) programs provide medical supervision and support during the withdrawal process to manage withdrawal symptoms safely. Alternatively, inpatient, or residential treatment may be an option, involving 24-hour care in a structured environment and suitable for those with severe addiction or facing home environment challenges that hinder recovery. Outpatient treatment is another choice, allowing clients to receive treatment while living at home, offering various care levels, including intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) and standard outpatient programs.
Accessing appropriate drug and alcohol services is a crucial step for individuals looking to overcome addiction and achieve lasting recovery. These services aim to address not only the physical aspects of addiction but also the emotional, social, and psychological factors that contribute to substance abuse.
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