Illicit Drug Addiction – what is it?

Overview of Illicit Drug Addiction

Illicit drug addiction touches the lives of many Australians, whether by direct addiction or the addiction of a loved one. Associated with illicit drugs, many addictions can also be fuelled by prescription, over-the-counter medication or by alcohol use. 

Addictions and dependencies on illicit drugs can be treated – but the first step towards healing and recovery is recognising its reality. For many people who are in the midst of illicit drug addiction, this may become apparent as a result of physical and mental health problems, issues in their personal relationships, disruptions at work, problems with finances, or ongoing consequences from addictive patterns of behaviour.

This complex, chronic condition affects millions of individuals from all walks of life without discrimination. 

 

Types of Illicit Drugs we treat

At Hope In Health, our individualised drug treatment centre provides strategic treatment for all kinds of illicit drug addictions, including (but not limited to) heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana, synthetic drugs, ecstasy, ketamine and prescription drugs. 

While other drug rehabilitation providers in Australia are focused on program offerings that are the same from client to client, we work side by side with you to develop a personalised rehabilitation program that’s focused on your individual needs, circumstances and goals, providing support all the way from drug detox to genuine recovery. 

 

Common causes of Illicit Drug Addiction

No two stories are the same when it comes to illicit drug addiction. This substance reliance can develop from a wide range of causes, including genetic, environmental or behavioural factors (or any combination). It’s also common for individuals with a family history of substance abuse to be more vulnerable to developing an addiction.

Regardless of your background, impactful life events and trauma can also lead to an illicit drug addiction. For many people, their addiction begins as a means of finding relief from physical or emotional pain as a result of traumatic experiences. As time continues, this can lead to an unmanageable addiction.

 

The social impact of Illicit Drugs

If you’ve been struggling with an illicit drug addiction, you’ve likely already noticed its social impact on your life.

Individuals in the throes of illicit drug addictions will often isolate themselves from friends and family members, withdrawing in an attempt to hide the impact of their addiction. As addiction can also lead to a lower performance at work, social isolation and a sense of loneliness can become a major issue as addiction takes more and more of a hold. 

As illicit drug addiction can also result in health problems, financial instability, seemingly irrational or unreliable behaviour and reckless choices, you may find that your addiction quickly moves from ‘manageable’ to impacting every element of your social and daily life. 

 

Our approach to Illicit Drug Addiction Treatment

At Hope In Health, you won’t find any shame in our treatment approach.

Our compassionate clinical team provides the highest quality of integrated, holistic care to individuals from all walks of life and overcoming all kinds of addictions. Our comprehensive and evidence-based treatments have helped many of our clients achieve long-term and genuine recovery from illicit drug addiction.

Our wide range of treatments and drug detox pathways are designed to treat the whole person, identifying the root cause of the addiction and not just the symptoms of its impact. We work directly with our clients to keep them firmly in control of their rehabilitation experience, shaping individualised programs that build a foundation for sustainable long-term results. 

 

Symptoms and effects of Illicit Drug Addiction

Unsure if you’re experiencing an illicit drug addiction that requires treatment? Here are some common symptoms and effects that can help you assess your relationship to illicit substances.

Common signs of addiction include:

• Withdrawal symptoms if the individual tries to stop using substances
• Increasing tolerance to the substance, meaning higher doses of the drug are needed to achieve the same effect
• Ongoing use of illicit drugs even after experiencing negative personal or professional consequences
• Increased appetite for risk-taking behaviours, including driving while intoxicated or inappropriate sexual behaviours
• Changes to personality or behaviours
• Changes to appetite, weight loss, and issues with sleep

If you identify with any of these signs, know that help and healing is available to you. We’re here to support you at every step of the journey towards genuine recovery.

 

Let Hope In Health help you on the road to recovery

We’re committed to supporting our clients as they experience transformative, hope-filled treatment and move towards recovery. With an emphasis on recovery as a long-term process, there’s nothing standardised about the programs and treatments we offer. 

Find holistic support for every physical, mental and emotional need that arises as you overcome an illicit drug addiction and move towards the future you desire.