Brookhaven Retreat Provides Signs of Substance Abuse in Recognition of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

Brookhaven Retreat® LLC, a unique residential treatment facility exclusively for women with emotional and mental health challenges, and/or substance abuse issues, recognizes International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 26th by creating a list of 10 signs of substance abuse.

According to the Foundation for a Drug-free World, an average of more than 900,000 youth (between the ages of 12 – 17) per year abuse a prescription pain reliever for the first time in the United States alone. That is over 2,500 young people per day being indoctrinated into the drug abuse culture through medication that is prescribed by a physician. The number more than doubles when all initial prescription drug abuse across multiple age groups is accounted, up to a shocking 2.6 million people. Drug abuse has become one of the leading accident killers in the U.S. with prescription drug overdoses making up 45% of those deaths (www.drufgreeworld.org).

Brookhaven Retreat recognizes that drug abuse is a growing problem that is, in itself, often a symptom of a larger illness. Women may use prescription drugs as part of a larger, self-destructive coping strategy to manage stress, anxiety, depression or a mental health disorder. Jacqueline Dawes, founder of Brookhaven Retreat, attributes the surge in prescription drug dependency on the traditional perceptions that women need to put the care of others before the care of themselves. “ Women may seek to numb themselves from emotional pain or feelings of self-loathing through drug use but this only causes further mental and physical complications. When faced with care and compassion, we can discover and heal these ailments,” she adds. “As a co-occurring diagnoses treatment center, our clinical and medical staff can address the addiction as well as the underlying causes that lead women to feeling empty and alone. We believe that healing comes from loving one’s self and therefore provide a loving and non-punitive environment.” Brookhaven Retreat actively participates in drug abuse preventative measures by treating women with substance abuse issues and helping them to heal fully. The program offered at Brookhaven Retreat aims to give women the confidence and skills necessary to live an independent, drug free life.

In addition to offering detoxification programs, Brookhaven Retreat encourages early detection and treatment of substance abuse issues. To aid in early detection, Brookhaven Retreat has compiled the following list of 10 substance abuse symptoms

1. Extreme changes in mood or attitudes
2. Changes in sleeping habits
3. Possession of drug paraphernalia or large quantities of prescription bottles
4. Lack or reduction of personal grooming
5. Marked loss of appetite
6. Low energy
7. Missing work, school, or other important events
8. Slurred speech
9. Unexplained weight changes
10. Unusual emotional outbursts

If you or a loved one are displaying the symptoms associated with substance abuse, Brookhaven Retreat suggests that you seek help immediately as early detection improves the chances for long-term recovery. A primary care physician or mental health provider who specializes in addiction medicine or addiction psychiatry can provide appropriate treatment guidelines. Help lines or hotlines are available to provide generalized referral services for finding service providers in your area. Contact information for those organizations can be found online or in a local phone directory.