top of page
Sandy Beach

Addiction

The Virtue Center - provides counseling for individuals and families struggling with substance abuse, compulsive gambling, and related mental health issues including trauma. Services and plans are tailored to the needs of each individual and there is no cost to get started.

​

SAMHSA National Helpline 1-800-662-4357

Confidential free help to find substance use treatment and information.

​

Order a free supply of Naloxon (overdose rescue medication) in Oklahoma to have on hand.

​

Jesus House- faith-based nonprofit organization in OKC offering a no-cost residential, addiction-recovery program

​

The Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center of OKC- (405) 236-3677

​

Online Treatment Locator

​

Visit SAMHSA's website to learn more. 

The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) defines addiction as a chronic disease that affects the brain’s reward, motivation, and memory functions. Someone with an addiction will crave a substance or other behavioral habits. They’ll often ignore other areas of life to fulfill or support their desires.

​

Substance addiction is dependence on any one or more of the following:

  • nicotine, or tobacco

  • alcohol

  • inhalants, often household items like oven cleaners, spray paints, or other aerosol products

  • drugs, illicit or non-illicit

  • medication

​

Behavioral addictions are as serious as substance addictions and can involve:

  • gambling

  • working

  • sex

  • shopping

  • video games

  • using the Internet or media

​

Anchor 1
Plastic Sheet Floating

Signs of Addiction

Early Signs:

  • experimentation

  • family history of addiction

  • being particularly drawn to an activity or substance

  • seeking out situations where the substance or activity is present

  • episodes of binging or loss of control with little to no feelings of remorse after

​

Changes in Personality

  • a lack of interest in hobbies or activities that used to be important

  • neglecting relationships or reacting negatively to those closest to them

  • missing important obligations like work

  • risk taking tendencies, especially to get drugs or continue certain behaviors

  • ignoring the negative consequences of their actions

  • distinct change in sleeping patterns that result in chronic fatigue

  • increased secrecy, like lying about the amount of substance used or time spent

​

Changes in Health:

  • bloodshot or glazed eyes

  • constant illness

  • unexplained injuries

  • abrupt change in weight

  • bad skin, hair, teeth, and nails (especially when substance abuse involves illicit drugs like methamphetamines or cocaine)

  • increased tolerance to drugs

  • physical withdrawal symptoms like sweating, trembling, or vomiting

  • memory loss or problems with recall

  • change in speech like slurred words or rapid rambling

  • sudden changes in mood

  • aggressive behavior

  • irritability

  • depression

  • apathy

  • suicidal thoughts

Anchor 2

  • Almost 21 million Americans have at least 1 addiction, yet only 10% of them receive treatment.

  • Drug overdose deaths have more than tripled since 1990.

  • Alcohol and drug addiction cost the US economy over $600 billion every year.

  • About 20% of Americans who have depression or an anxiety disorder also have a substance use disorder.

  • More than 90% of people who have an addiction started to drink alcohol or use drugs before they were 18 years old.

  • Americans between the ages of 18 and 25 are most likely to use addictive drugs.

​

Statistics On Alcohol Addiction And Abuse

Alcohol is the most widely-abused substance in the US, yet alcoholism is often left untreated. An addiction to alcohol can be detrimental to a person’s physical, mental, and social wellbeing.

​

  • Every year, worldwide, alcohol is the cause of 5.3% of deaths (or 1 in every 20).

  • About 300 million people throughout the world have an alcohol use disorder.

  • On average, 30 Americans die every day in an alcohol-related car accident, and 6 Americans die every day from alcohol poisoning.

  • About 88,000 people die as a result of alcohol every year in the United States.

  • About 6% of American adults (about 15 million people) have an alcohol use disorder; only about 7% of those people ever get treatment.

  • Men between the ages of 18 and 25 are most likely to binge drink and become alcoholics.

Statistics

Blue Water
Anchor 3

Treatment

Addiction is a disease. It can be very difficult to go through it alone and it requires treatment. Please seek help if you or a friend are struggling with addiction.

Treatment options include:

  • medications, for mental disorders such as depression or schizophrenia

  • psychotherapy, including behavioral, talk, and group therapies

  • medical services, to help treat serious complications of addiction, like withdrawal during detox

  • addiction case manager, to help coordinate and check ongoing treatment

  • inpatient addiction treatment

  • self-help and support groups

Anchor 4
Seashells

How to Approach a Friend

Trying to help someone with an addiction can be a long, challenging, and painful process. A person with an addiction might not recognize the true danger of their illness or understand the risks of not treating it.

It’s important to remember that they are ultimately responsible for their own recovery.

​

  • Start by speaking to the person 1 on 1 about what they are experiencing and any warning signs you have noticed.

  • Try to use non-blaming language and avoid raising your voice. Try to communicate from a place of compassionate concern.

  • Talk about specific behaviors or incidents related to their addiction that have directly affected you.

  • If they’re receptive to hearing your thoughts and concerns, ask if they would be willing to seek professional help. 

  • If they are not receptive, don't push it. Instead, talk to other close family and friends about how to help this person. If they are willing, take them to a rehabilitation facility on the spot.

  • It may help to talk to a substance abuse counselor, social worker, or other trusted health expert before speaking to a friend.

  • Offer the person information and resources about different programs or treatment centers where they can start their recovery process.

  • If they refuse to seek help or they begin using again, let them know what boundaries you will set on your relationship as long as they continue to use.

​

Throughout it all, don’t lose sight of your own needs. Loving someone with an addiction can be a difficult experience. The best thing you can do is let them know you care about them, while still maintaining appropriate boundaries and protecting your well-being.

Help a Friend in Treatment

​

  • Learn more about the substance or behavior dependency and the treatment.

  • Stay involved, like offering to go to meetings with them.

  • Provide a sober and trigger-free setting.

  • Speak up and express concern when there is a relapse.

bottom of page