Someone you know probably is an addict of some sort according to startling recent finding by United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. It is estimated that 1 in 20 adults, or a quarter of a billion people aged 15-64 years, used at least one drug in 2014. Although trends in drug use vary across regions, as does updated reporting on data, the extent of drug use among the world population has remained stable over the past four years. Almost 12 per cent of the total number of people who use drugs, or over 29 million people, are estimated to suffer from drug use disorders.
Pot, Weed or "Cannabis" remains the world’s most widely used drug, with an estimated 183 million people having used the drug in 2014, and amphetamines remain the second most widely used drug. With an estimated 33 million users, the use of opiates and prescription opioids may not be as widespread as the use of cannabis, but opioids remain major drugs of potential harm and health consequences. Where updated data is available, as an overall trend, global use of cannabis has remained stable over the past three years, although in some sub regions, particularly North America and Western and Central Europe, cannabis use has increased.
In the absence of recent survey data on drug use in Africa, experts in the region also perceive an increase in cannabis use. Moreover, the global trend in cocaine use, which was stable after 2010, has shown a recent trend, mainly as a result of an increase in cocaine use in South America. The global trend in the use of amphetamines is stable, although this may underplay the situation in regions where recent information on the extent of drug use is unavailable. This is particularly the case in Asia, where expert perceptions of trends and treatment admission reports suggest an increase in the use of amphetamines in the region, specifically in East and South-East Asia.
The global picture of drug use is compounded by the fact that many people who use drugs, both occasionally and regularly, tend to be "polydrug" users, meaning that they use more than one substance concurrently or sequentially, usually with the intention of enhancing, potentiating or counteracting the effects of another drug.The non-medical use of prescription drugs, synthetic stimulants and new psychoactive substances in lieu of, or in combination with, conventional drugs gives a picture that blurs he distinction between users of a particular drug, presenting an interlinked or cyclical epidemic of drug use and related health consequences in recent years. Additionally, such a pattern of drug use presents challenges to health professionals responding to emergencies related to drug use, as well as to those treating people with disorders related to the use of multiple drugs.
What is disappointing is the study by United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime is also still not classifying process addictions such as addictions related to smart phone use and various devices, as a clear addiction. The data is out there kids as young as 7; as well as teenagers and adults are hooked on the phones, laptops and tablets. The effects on your brain are the same. If you do the study there is plenty of data to support it.
So with all this being said from working with many addicts of all walks of life. I would recommend to anyone looking into this, to work with a specialist whom specializes in Integrative Therapy. Best situation would be a Psychologist whom understands Integrative Body/Mind Healing along with proven addiction/recovery protocols. All addictions are a medical disorder and one should not feel any shame or guilt from it. Can Traditional Chinese Medicine help it? Absolutely supplement in concert with medical professionals whom treat these problems.
Past cases I have worked with using Acupuncture Therapy, herbal prescriptions and bodywork, and teaching clients how to practice the self balancing methods during the withdrawal stages helps them deal with the onslaught of emotions, physical sickness and spiritual healing. In this way it gives them tools to deal with all that is going on. Truly many of them would not have healed and had a fighting chance without it.
People suffering from addictions are in many ways dealing with a Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde persona, they want to quit but need much help, but the mind constantly is toying with them. They must surrender to the process and trust the therapist team to help their best interest. Working with people suffering from addictions is not easy, but can be done if the daily work is done and the person is monitored carefully with full family support and positive caring attitudes are around them.
GWA