Drug Problem, Addiction and Substance Abuse Problem Collier County Counseling
Attention Naples, Collier County, and Lee County: Call us now for a "FREE" referal to an inpatient program or to set up an intervention. (239- 417-0181)
Throughout much of the last century, scientists studying drug abuse labored in the shadows of powerful myths and misconceptions about the nature of addiction. Today, thanks to science, our views and our responses to drug abuse have changed dramatically. Groundbreaking discoveries about the brain have revolutionized our understanding of drug addiction, enabling us to respond effectively to the problem. Read More
All agency representatives please call us at: (239)417-0181 or use the Form Here and our office will be in contact.
How Science Has Revolutionized the Understanding of Drug Addiction
Throughout much of the last century, scientists studying drug abuse labored in the shadows of powerful myths and misconceptions about the nature of addiction. When science began to study addictive behavior in the 1930s, people addicted to drugs were thought to be morally flawed and lacking in willpower. Those views shaped society's responses to drug abuse, treating it as a moral failing rather than a health problem, which led to an emphasis on punitive rather than preventative and therapeutic actions. Today, thanks to science, our views and our responses to drug abuse have changed dramatically. Groundbreaking discoveries about the brain have revolutionized our understanding of drug addiction, enabling us to respond effectively to the problem.
As a result of scientific research, we know that addiction is a disease that affects both brain and behavior. We have identified many of the biological and environmental factors and are beginning to search for the genetic variations that contribute to the development and progression of the disease. Scientists use this knowledge to develop effective prevention and treatment approaches that reduce the toll drug abuse takes on individuals, families, and communities.
Despite these advances, many people today do not understand why individuals become addicted to drugs or how drugs change the brain to foster compulsive drug abuse. This booklet aims to fill that knowledge gap by providing scientific information about the disease of drug addiction, including the many harmful consequences of drug abuse and the basic approaches that have been developed to prevent and treat the disease. At the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), we believe that increased understanding of the basics of addiction will empower people to make informed choices in their own lives, adopt science-based policies and programs that reduce drug abuse and addiction in their communities, and support scientific research that improves the Nation's well-being.
Nora D. Volkow, M.D.
Director
National Institute on Drug Abuse
Fees and Languages
Fees are based on a sliding scale. All counseling is offered in Spanish, French, and Creole.
Contact us with any questions. We will be happy to assist you.
You can call us at: 239-417-0181 or send us a fax at: 239-417-0930
We welcome your inquiries and hope to be of service to you in Collier and Lee Counties.
Services Available
- Alcohol and Substance Abuse Assesment and Treatment
- Low Cost, On-Site Drug Testing and Breathylyzer
- Domestic Violence Assesment and Counseling
- Anger Management Assessment and Programs
- Life Skills for Women
- Parenting Programs
- Court Ordered Psychological Evaluations
- Family Relationships Counseling
- All Counseling Offered in Spanish, French, and Creole
People of all ages suffer the harmful consequences of drug abuse and addiction.
- Babies exposed to legal and illegal drugs in the womb may be born premature and underweight. This drug exposure can slow the child's intellectual development and affect behavior later in life.
- Adolescents who abuse drugs often act out, do poorly academically, and drop out of school. They are at risk of unplanned pregnancies, violence, and infectious diseases.
- Adults who abuse drugs often have problems thinking clearly, remembering, and paying attention. They often develop poor social behaviors as a result of their drug abuse, and their work performance and personal relationships suffer.
- Parents' drug abuse often means chaotic, stress-filled homes and child abuse and neglect. Such conditions harm the well-being and development of children in the home and may set the stage for drug abuse in the next generation.
