Addiction

Taken from  https://rainn.org/get-information/effects-of-sexual-assault/substance-abuse

"Victims of rape or sexual assault may turn to alcohol or other substances in an attempt to relieve their emotional suffering. In the U.S., victims of sexual assault report higher levels of psychological distress and the consumption of alcohol than non-victims, in part, to self-medicate. Some victims use substances to cope with the reality of what happened to them or to cope with the symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, a common reaction to an extreme situation like sexual assault. However, it is not a healthy way to deal with the trauma of sexual assault and can cause additional problems, such as addiction or dependence, that hinder the healing process.

Survivors of sexual assault or sexual abuse in childhood may abuse drugs to help them “numb out” and push away the painful memories of sexual violence. Victims may also turn to drugs instead of true recovery resources, such as counseling; they may not think that friends or family will understand them, they may not know where to access recovery resources, or they may be embarrassed to talk about what happened.
Friends and family of sexual assault victims may be among the first to recognize the signs of substance abuse. Early recognition increases chances for successful treatment. 

Warning signs include:

• Giving up past activities or hobbies
• Spending time with new friends who may be a negative influence
• Declining grades or performance at work
• Aggressiveness, irritability
• Forgetfulness
• Disappearing money or valuables from family and friends
• Lying
• Depression or hopelessness
• Avoiding friends and family
• Drinking and driving or getting in trouble with the law
• Suspension from school or work
• When compared to non-victims, rape survivors are 3.4 times more likely to use marijuana, 6 times more likely to use cocaine, and 10 times more likely to use other major drugs.

Finding Treatment

Most substance abusers believe they can stop using drugs on their own, but many who try do not succeed. Research shows that long-term drug use alters brain function and strengthens compulsions to use drugs. This craving continues even after the drug use stops. Because of these ongoing cravings, the most important component of treatment is preventing relapse.

It may be helpful for a survivor to share their experiences and concerns with a qualified service provider (i.e. counselor or psychologist). A general physician can suggest community resources as well as prescribe medications to control cravings and withdrawal symptoms while the user seeks further help.

If you feel you are suffering from substance abuse:

• Reach out to a trusted friend or family member and ask for help.
• Contact the free Substance Abuse Treatment Referral Helpline. 1.800.662.HELP(4357)
• Contact your doctor.
• Call 911 or go to a hospital’s emergency department immediately if you are suffering from severe abdominal pain, chest pain, rapid heartbeat, severe tremors, numbness, or suicidal thoughts.

If you know or suspect someone you love is suffering from substance abuse:

• Contact the free Substance Abuse Treatment Referral Helpline for support and advice on helping your loved one.   1.800.662.HELP (4357)
• Do not “cover up” for your loved one. It is important that he or she get the help that they deserve.
• Choose a time to speak with your loved one when he or she is sober, when both of you are fairly calm, and when you have a chance to talk in private. It is also best to speak to your loved one shortly after a substance-related problem has occurred (like a serious family argument or accident).
• Gather information in advance about treatment options in your community. If the person is willing to get help, call right away for an appointment, and offer to go with him or her for support."

Addictions don't necessarily have to always be to substances- though. There are other forms of addiction such as to food, to anger, to work, to pornography, or to sex. Elder Uchdtorf talked about addictions in April  2014 General Conference. He said, 

"Addictions often begin subtly. Addictions are thin threads of repeated action that weave themselves into thick bonds of habit. Negative habits have the potential to become consuming addictions.

These binding chains of addiction can have many forms, like pornography alcohol, sex, drugs, tobacco, gambling, food, work, the Internet, or virtual reality. Satan, our common enemy, has many favorite tools he uses to rob us of our divine potential to accomplish our mission in the Lord’s kingdom.

But what of those who find themselves in the grip of addiction?

Please know, first of all, that there is hope. Seek help from loved ones, Church leaders, and trained counselors.The Church provides addiction recovery help through local Church leaders, the Internet, and in some areas, LDS Family Services.

Always remember, with the Savior’s help, you can break free from addiction. It may be a long, difficult path, but the Lord will not give up on you. He loves you. Jesus Christ suffered the Atonement to help you change, to free you from the captivity of sin.The most important thing is to keep trying—sometimes it takes several attempts before people find success. So don’t give up. Don’t lose faith. Keep your heart close to the Lord, and He will give you the power of deliverance. He will make you free.

My dear brethren, always keep far away from habits that could lead to addiction. Those who do so will be able to devote their heart, might, mind, and strength to the service of God."  April 2014 Are You Sleeping through the Restoration?

For more information on the Addiction Recovery Program got to,  

http://addictionrecovery.lds.org/