For many people, the abuse of alcohol, substances, and illegal drugs can be fuelled by a variety of life events. Financial problems, relationship problems, and work related issues are all common factors that can lead to a person reaching breaking point and turning to substances or alcohol. This is the beginning of a serious downward spiral for some people, taking them to a dark world from which it can be difficult to emerge - the world of addiction.
Over the past few years, the economic and financial crisis that has affected towns, cities, and households all across the world has really taken its toll on individuals. Many have experienced problems in terms of employment and finding work. Household finances have been hit hard, leaving many struggling to make ends meet each month. This, of course, has also had a knock on effect on personal relationships, causing friction and animosity amongst couples and families.
Recent reports have indicated that a rising number of individuals have been seeking assistance for addiction problems. This includes addiction to alcohol, drugs, and even gambling. With the heightened pressures that most have had to face over the past few years in terms of money and home life, some people are now linking the state of the economy and the challenging financial climate to a rise in addiction problems.
A number of clinics in the United States have reported an increase of nearly 100 percent in the number of people seeking addiction treatment year on year. The National Treatment Agency in Britain has also reported that there are now record numbers of people recovering from drug addiction in England. Of course, there are also those who may have become addicted and have not sought help, which means that potentially the increase in addiction problems may be higher than some experts have realized.
For those who do fall victim to addiction, the problems that led to the substance abuse can become even worse. Their financial situations continues to worsen, relationships are put under even greater strain, and work ethics go out of the window altogether. For some of these addicts, the only way out is to consider residential rehabilitation at a specialist treatment centre. Providers such as The Residential Treatment Center are available to help addicts to find a suitable treatment facility to assist them in overcoming addiction. However, many experts now believe that governments should be doing more to help those with addiction problems given the increasingly difficult climate that most people are now living in.
A recent report in the NY Times highlighted the fact that there are over 23 million adults and teens now addicted to drugs or alcohol, yet only 10 percent were receiving treatment. Moreover, the report claimed that the treatment provided often failed to do the job, as many addicts relapsed following treatment. Current non-residential treatments have been described as outdated, ineffective, and unproven - qualities that are not ideal in a world where increasing life pressures may be leading to a sharp rise in addiction problems.