Also, illicit drug users are about 16 times more likely than nonusers to be arrested for theft, nine times more likely to be arrested for assault. A survey of inmates in state prisons in 1991 found that 30 percent of those convicted of burglary and 31 percent of those convicted of theft reported that they committed their crimes to get money for drugs.
“It’s not that every drug user also commits crimes,” said Derry Hallmark, Director of Admissions and Certified Chemical Dependency Counselor at Narconon Arrowhead. Narconon Arrowhead is one of the country’s leading drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers, located in Canadian, Oklahoma. “However it is very common that a person who has become addicted to drugs will do and say things that he or she never would have done if they were not addicted. Families will see this when their addicted son, daughter, spouse, parent or other family member makes it to a holiday event, their first visit home in a long time. The guilt and depression felt by addicts can generate conflicts and arguments between the addict and his or her family.”
Guilt and depression along with cravings are the major barriers that must be overcome to reclaim a productive, enjoyable life after addiction. To succeed, rehabilitation must address these barriers that keep addicts trapped in the addiction.
“We have found that families play such a large role in an addict’s recovery,” added Mr. Hallmark. “We encourage families to take action this holiday season by openly addressing the situation, telling the addicted person how much they care and that they want to help him or her through recovery. No one wants to be addicted, no matter what they say.”
Narconon Arrowhead can help a family locate the help they are looking for. Not only do they provide drug and alcohol rehabilitation and education, they also do free assessments and referrals for families all over the country. There will never be a better time to save yourself or someone you care about from substance abuse.
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
