Nowadays, we are familiar with the extremely addictive characteristics of methamphetamine, cocaine and other drugs, and on top, alcohol and cigarettes. We have learned that in addition to substance abuse, some activities, for example gambling and sex, can develop into addictions for a few individuals who find these activities are starting to rule their lives. The problem with addictions to illicit drugs however, is a combination of the stigma attached, and the very serious and often
immediate health implications.

Drug addiction is a widespread problem in today's culture. Some studies have uncovered that over 20% of the US population fights with several forms of drug addiction at some point. Addiction to drugs bring only devastation, grief, and pain. It influences not only the addict, but also indirectly the people around them. Hurting family, friends and acquaintances,addiction to drugs also filter through different settings. Workers with addiction problems create frustration and impair businesses and perhaps endanger the work environment.

Various myths on the foundations of drug addiction still prevail. Many try to isolate the demographic groups mainly affected.Others try to portray an addiction to drugs as a moral deficiency or an illness. These falsehoods are responsible for lasting confusion and shame. Drug addiction does not emerge in any particular subset of humanity. It affects each society, gender and socio economic class.

There are no grounds to label drug addicts with fallacious stereotypes, and there is no cause to frighten and alienate them.At several points every person struggles to overcome obstacles in their lives and requires the assistance of others. Drug addicts are not dissimilar in this regard. No one aspires to be in this predicament; but rather they are trapped by drug addiction.

Another significant point to be aware of is that the drug use can lead to very dangerous behaviour in individuals and the one consuming drugs recreationally is ultimately gambling with his life. The consequences of these poisons on the nervous system and brain can be devastating, with Drug Abuse Warning Network statistics revealing that there were over 2 million Emergency Department visits in the US from drug abuse in 2009 alone. Addictions need to be dealt with by restraining access to the drug in an appropriate way. The user will need to make a decision as to the lifestyle changes they will have to implement in order to escape their habit and gradually begin afresh. It may well be necessary to seek the advice of a local addiction clinic or medical practitioner to ensure you are on the right path to recovery.

Author's Bio: 

Addiction to drugs is an issue commonly dealt with by 'Fighting Father' Dave Smith - Parish Priest, community worker, professional boxer, martial arts master. He has spent many years working with people caught up in various harmful addictions, and is best known for his work with at-risk teenagers - work for which he has twice been named 'Citizen of the Year' (and twice nominated for Australian of the Year).For more information login to http://www.addictiontodrugs.org/