Drug Education

Why is drug education important?

Drug addiction, also known as substance abuse or substance use disorder, affects millions of men and women in the United States. In 2017, 19.7 million American adults struggled with a substance use disorder, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. 

In recent decades, scientific research has made important discoveries about how the brain responds to substance use and how brain activity changes as a result of addiction. 

Research has also shown that educating people about the science of addiction improves their ability to avoid, stop, or seek help for substance abuse.

Who needs drug education?

For individuals recovering from addiction, drug education is an essential part of substance abuse treatment. 

Substance abuse education teaches you how your brain works and why you experience cravings for drugs. It also teaches you about steps to take to adjust your brain’s response to situations that trigger your need for drugs to help you avoid relapse.

Families of people who are recovering from a substance use disorder can also benefit from drug education. It helps family members understand that addiction is a disease and provides tools that families can use to help their loved one manage situations that can trigger drug use.

Children, teenagers, and adults who receive drug education have a better chance of avoiding substance abuse than those who aren’t educated about addiction science. 

Schools, businesses, and community organizations frequently provide drug education programs to prevent substance abuse and encourage those who do use drugs to seek treatment.

What is involved in substance abuse education?

Substance abuse education programs at Hope Recovery Services range from one-day workshops to ongoing weekly sessions; all programs are customized to meet the needs of the participants. Drug education generally covers the following topics:

• Brain function basics
• Effects of drugs on brain function
• Health consequences of drug addiction
• Effects of addiction on other people
• Science of recovery
• Relapse prevention

The caring and experienced team of mental health providers at Hope Recovery Services offers individual, group, and family drug education programs.

To learn more about drug education programs for you or your family, call Hope Recovery Services today, or make an appointment online.