Drug Addiction Treatment

Addiction and substance use disorders affect an estimated 21.5 million people in the U.S. Knowing more about what causes addiction and what signs to look out for can bring you one step closer to finding drug rehab treatment for yourself or a loved one.

When left untreated, drug addiction and abuse can lead to a range of serious problems, including financial distress, loss of relationships, mental illness, and death.

 

What’s the Difference Between Drug Addiction and Drug Abuse?

The terms “drug addiction” and “drug abuse” are often used interchangeably, but both terms have completely different meanings. Drug abuse is when people use substances for non-therapeutic reasons, such as using prescription drugs to get high. Drug abuse is also when the use of drugs and alcohol causes problems in your life, but you still have the ability to control your use.

Drug addiction is a chronic mental illness characterized by compulsive drug-seeking behavior despite negative consequences. People who struggle with drug and alcohol addiction are unable to stop using substances even though it causes problems related to their work, health, education, relationships, and overall livelihood. Many people who are addicted to drugs and alcohol are also dependent on these substances and experience a range of physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit.

What Causes Drug and Alcohol Addiction?

There is no one single cause of addiction. However, the more risk factors a person has for addiction, the more likely they’ll become addicted when using drugs and alcohol.

Common risk factors for addiction include genetics, your home environment, peers in school, exposure to drugs and alcohol at an early age, and mental illness. For instance, growing up around family members who abused alcohol can make you more susceptible to alcohol abuse and addiction. Having a mental illness like depression can increase your risk for addiction in that you may start using drugs and alcohol to numb your symptoms and feel better.

Drug Abuse Detox and Inpatient Programs

Speak to a treatment consultant today about our specialized drug abuse detox and inpatient programs.

America's Rehab Campuses is Accredited by the Joint Commission

What Are the Signs of Drug Addiction?

People who suffer from addiction will modify their thoughts and behaviors in ways that prioritize drug seeking and drug use. You may notice they start missing work more frequently so they can stay home to recover from the effects of alcohol. They may also start defaulting on rent, mortgage, and other important bills so they can buy more drugs.

Here are other common signs of addiction:

  • Sleep deprivation or sleeping for longer periods of time;
  • Constricted or dilated pupils;
  • Slurred speech;
  • Loss of balance and coordination;
  • Skin problems such as acne, bruises, lesions, and needle marks;
  • Uncharacteristic lying;
  • Spending time with new friends at new hangouts;
  • Loss of interest in favorite activities;
  • Withdrawing from friends, family, and social activities;
  • Decline in performance at work or school;
  • Unexplained mood swings; and
  • Financial hardship.

How Long Does It Take to Become Drug Dependent?

The amount of time it takes to become dependent on drugs and alcohol is based on factors such as the drug being used, the amount being used, and the method of use. The state of your current physical and psychological health also plays a role in how quickly you become dependent on drugs. It can take a person anywhere between several days and months to become drug dependent based on these factors.

People who use drugs regularly will gradually develop a tolerance, meaning they’ll need higher amounts of drugs just to feel the effects. Using higher amounts of drugs can cause the body and brain to become dependent on those drugs. Heroin, painkillers, benzodiazepines, cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin are known to cause drug dependence more quickly than other substances. Drug dependence can be safely treated at a drug or alcohol detox center.

Which Treatments Are Used for Addiction?

Addiction treatment involves a range of therapies that complement each other to help you experience a successful, long-term recovery. These therapies are included in inpatient, outpatient, and partial-hospitalization programs that can be customized for each individual patient based on their recovery needs.

Drug detox is often the first stage of addiction treatment and is used to help you overcome drug and alcohol dependence. Medications may be used to help relieve and reduce withdrawal symptoms.

Individual and group therapies are used to help you identify triggers and help you change negative thoughts and behaviors as they relate to drug use and addiction. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, 12-step support groups, and family therapy are just some therapies used to help you recover from addiction. Some drug and alcohol rehab centers even offer fun therapeutic activities, like wilderness therapy, art therapy, and horse therapy, which have proven effective at treating addiction.

America’s Rehab Campuses offers fully integrated drug rehab programs for people who need help recovering from drug addiction and abuse. Our treatment programs have been thoughtfully designed to individualize treatment for each patient and begin with a biopsychosocial and medical evaluation by a medical doctor and psychologist.

Fill out our insurance verification form today or call 833-272-7342 to learn more about your benefits and deductibles for addiction treatment.