Drug Addiction
UKP Team
Drug Addiction
Although we like to have fun and a laugh and joke on the channel, we take the issue of addiction seriously. All of our products are sold with the intention to enjoy, not destroy. If you or a loved one are concerned about addiction we hope to provide some information and resources on this page that may help. Remember, the first step to recovery is admitting a problem exists.
Avoiding Addiction
Some people are more susceptible to addiction than others. Whether you have an addictive personality or not, the tips below can help you avoid developing a problem:
📌 Educate yourself: Learn about the risks and potential consequences of whatever substance you intend to use. Understand how addiction develops and the factors that contribute to that particular substance.
📌 Set limits: Establish clear boundaries for your drug use. Determine how often and how much you are willing to use, and stick to those limits. Avoid increasing your frequency or dosage over time.
📌 Use in safe environments: Choose safe and familiar settings when using drugs. Surround yourself with trusted friends who can support responsible drug use and discourage excessive or risky behaviour. Be wary of friends that encourage excessive use.
📌 Avoid high-risk substances: Some drugs are more likely to lead to addiction than others. Stay away from highly addictive substances, such as opioids or methamphetamine. Stick to drugs that are considered less addictive, but still be cautious.
📌 Practice moderation: Use drugs in moderation and avoid binge or heavy use. Frequent or excessive drug use can increase the risk of addiction and other negative consequences.
📌 Take breaks: Periodically take breaks from drug use. This allows your body and mind to recover and helps prevent tolerance and dependence from developing.
📌 Seek alternative activities: Explore and engage in alternative activities and hobbies that provide enjoyment and fulfillment. This can help reduce the desire to rely solely on drugs for recreation.
📌 Address underlying issues: Sometimes, drug use is a way of escapism for underlying emotional or psychological issues. If you find yourself turning to drugs as a means of escape or self-medication, consider seeking professional help to address those underlying issues.
📌 Know the signs of addiction: Educate yourself about the signs and symptoms of addiction. More on this below.
Am I Addicted?
Drug addiction can be subtle to start off with and only become obvious when the situation deteriorates. There are some signs that could be red flags that you or someone you love might be becoming, or already are, addicted:
📌 Loss of control: Do you (or someone you know) find it difficult to control or stop their drug usem? You/they may have unsuccessful attempts to quit or cut down on their drug intake.
📌 Cravings: You/they may experience intense and frequent cravings for the drug, leading to an overwhelming desire to use it.
📌 Tolerance: You/they may develop a tolerance to the drug, requiring larger doses to achieve the desired effects. This can be a sign that their body has adapted to the drug's presence. This is a sign of physical addiction rather than psychological.
📌 Withdrawal symptoms: When the drug wears off or is stopped abruptly, you/they may experience physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can vary depending on the drug but may include anxiety, irritability, insomnia, nausea, sweating, or tremors.
📌 Neglecting responsibilities: Drug addiction can lead to a neglect of important obligations at work, school, or home. You/they may struggle to meet their responsibilities and may prioritise drug use over other aspects of your/their life.
📌 Relationship problems: Drug addiction can strain relationships with family, friends, and partners. You/they may become more isolated, withdraw from social activities, or experience conflicts related to their drug use.
📌 Financial difficulties: Drug addiction can be expensive, and individuals may struggle to maintain their financial stability. You/they may borrow money, sell personal belongings, or engage in illegal activities to fund your/their drug habit.
📌 Health problems: Prolonged drug use can lead to various physical and mental health issues. These may include deteriorating physical appearance, changes in weight, chronic fatigue, mood swings, and increased vulnerability to illnesses.
📌 Loss of interest: A person with drug addiction may lose interest in activities they once enjoyed. Hobbies, social engagements, and personal goals may take a backseat to drug use.
📌 Continued use despite negative consequences: Despite experiencing negative consequences such as legal issues, relationship problems, or health complications, the person continues to use drugs. This disregard for the negative impact of drug use is a common sign of addiction.
We have found an online quiz that might help you decide whether you or a friend/loved one is addicted. You can access this by clicking here.
Addiction Support
So you've read the above and decided that you or a friend or relative has, or may have, a problem. This can be extremely concerning but there are extensive accessible resources available to those who want help. It's important to know that these resources are only useful to people that want to quit. Firstly, we would always advise that you speak to your GP. Sometimes if you have a physical dependency on drugs it can be dangerous to stop, and a taper may be more suitable. Therefore always take advice from professionals where available. Also don't be too embarrassed or discouraged to try group therapy. Listening to others with relatable problems can be of huge comfort and support.
We also have gathered some online resources and links to support pages and charities. We encourage you to make use of any help available, overcoming addiction is not a walk in the park. In the event of an emergency always call 999.
📌 Mind Charity - this is a great resource with links to numerous charities and support groups. Highly recommended.
Mind have also handily made a pdf containing the above information. You can download that directly by clicking here.
The information on this page is strictly harm reduction information and we do not encourage, endorse or condone the purchase or consumption of illicit substances.
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