Drug Addiction
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An Introduction to Drug Addiction
Drug abuse is an enormous and challenging problem in America. Drug addiction is a disease; it’s not a choice. Unfortunately, it’s also widespread in our nation. Opioids, other prescription pills, heroin, and meth are common among users. These drugs are easily abused and highly addictive.
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Causes of Addiction
While using substances is a choice, becoming addicted is not. That’s why drug addiction is not as easy as quitting cold turkey. There is generally a mixture of contributing factors as to why and how an individual has become addicted.
Common factors of addiction include:
- Past trauma (sexual, physical, emotional, neglect)
- Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
- Family history
- Biology
- Genetics
- Age of onset (introduction to substance)
- Personality
- Environment
- Mental health
- Physical Health
Starting at birth, each person has their own set of life experiences. Pair this data with biological and psychological factors, and some of us may be vulnerable to addiction.
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We treat a number of addictions & co-ocurring disoders at ARISTA RECOVERY.
While many substances can become addictive, several drugs are most commonly used in the United States and are more addictive than others. Cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines, benzodiazepines, and opioids are the big five substances most commonly abused.
Signs & Symptoms of Drug Addiction
The signs that one individual might show generally vary, depending on factors such as amount and frequency of drug use, family and friend support, location, and other societal factors.
Some people may notice the following signs in themself if they have become addicted to drugs: withdrawing from friends, family, or interests, a feeling of lost control, obsessive thoughts or actions, insomnia, irritability, anxiety, depression, urges and cravings, and much more. Those who will do almost anything to get access to their substance of choice are possibly addicted.
Warning signs to be aware of if you feel someone close to you may be addicted include rapid weight loss, a change in habits and routines, quick to overreact or get irritable, sneakiness and lying, looking unkempt, not caring about things they used to, stealing items or money, obsessing over substances, etc.
Being knowledgeable and aware of the signs of drug addiction can help family and friends identify early troubles and hopefully, seek intervention and treatment.
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The Effects of Substance Abuse
Drug abuse—even general use—can have short and long-term devastating effects on a person’s health.
The effects of drug abuse differ depending upon the substance that is being used.
Short and long-term effects are a weakened immune system, vein and blood vessel infections, heart conditions, seizure, stroke, lung disease, memory and attention problems, liver and kidney failure, brain damage, skin problems, hair loss, dental issues, weight loss, tremors, respiratory issues—and much more.
Obviously, dependency and death are effects of drug abuse as well.
And these are simply the physical effects. The psychological effects of addiction are just as dangerous, such as anxiety, depression, and suicide ideation.
Getting help for a drug abuse problem ASAP is a must to lessen the severity of long-term effects.
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Diagnosing & Treating Substance Abuse
Diagnosis
In order to be diagnosed with a drug abuse disorder, the individual in question must seek out medical advice. By seeing a physician or starting treatment at a center like Arista Recovery, medical professionals can start the process of assessing the patient.
Assessing typically involves answering questionnaires, getting blood work and other labs done, undergoing a physical exam, and even completing a psychological evaluation. Questions related to family history and the onset of alcohol or drug use will be asked.
To officially diagnose someone with an addiction, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association, is often used by professionals.
Treatment
There are numerous addiction recovery centers all over the United States. Arista Recovery is the perfect example of a drug addiction treatment center. Each one will have pros and cons, may cost differently, and may utilize different methods of treatment compared to others.
Patients should take time to find the drug addiction rehab center that is most appropriate for their needs. Some centers might specialize in a certain type of substance, and some may focus on dual diagnoses, such as other mental health disorders combined with addiction.
Generally, though, treatments range from inpatient treatment, partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient (IOP), outpatient treatment, and aftercare services. There are more specific types of therapies that are included within each of those such as family therapy, group therapy, animal therapy, medically-assisted therapy, and also holistic therapies as well.
A treatment team will work with each patient on an individual basis to determine what their recovery needs are.
OUR APPROACH
Our Unique Therapies
Explore our innovative approach to addiction treatment in Kansas at Arista Recovery. From evidence-based therapies to holistic and experiential methods, we offer an immersive experience that works to treat the root causes of substance abuse our our full continuum treatment programs.
Why Choose ARISTA ?
Going to Arista Recovery was the best decision I’ve ever made. The counselors helped me grow in my recovery journey, from someone who was shy and uncomfortable sharing my feelings to a leader in meetings who now understands the reasons for my struggles and how to move past them.
Kristen W.
Arista’s newest location is a true pillar of the Paola community. The workers care deeply about their patients and are providing so many people with new beginnings. It's amazing to see the progress in people’s recovery journeys.
Lois B.
A few people in my AA group went to Arista Recovery and they only had nice things to say about it. When I went through a short relapse I followed their advice and went there to get my head straight, and I’m so glad I did. Getting help at Arista is what stopped my mistake from defining my life again.
Kathryn A.
My journey towards sobriety has definitely been a complex one full of ups and downs, but Arista Recovery helped me change the pattern and now it’s mostly ups! I’m at my personal sobriety record and I honestly can’t see myself taking a drink anytime soon. It’s hard work but I am so grateful I have the chance to do it with the tools that were given to me by Arista Recovery.
Jeff P.
Arista Recovery definitely has one of the best outpatient programs in the Midwest. If you’re in Overland Park, or honestly just around the area, it’s worth the travel time to get help here! Arista changed my life and I’m sure they can help you do the same.
Barbara E.
I know how hard it can be to find a good treatment center, as my daughter has been to quite a few while dealing with her alcoholism. But the biggest change I’ve seen by far has been thanks to Arista Recovery! After her treatment here, she seems so full of life again and I’m so glad that I have my little girl back.
Lee J.
Arista Recovery is an incredibly special treatment center that has a real passion for helping everyone who walks through their doors. They use a holistic approach to help you find balance in your life and relationships and give you the strength to overcome any obstacle.
Erma R.
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The Importance of Treating Co-Occurring Disorders
Psychiatrists and medical doctors must be cautious when delivering prescriptions to those with alcohol and drug addictions. Not only can the wrong concoction of things go downhill, but depending on the person, replacing a substance for another isn’t wise. It is important to note that doctors do not prescribe addicts any addictive substances.
Those users in the detox process might benefit from a medical detox in which they receive certain medications from their physician to relieve withdrawal symptoms and make detoxing safer.
LIFELONG RECOVERY IS POSSIBLE
Life After Treatment
Drug addiction recovery is possible.
Once an individual has successfully gone through their treatment program, for however long is deemed appropriate by the treatment team, it is recommended that s/he develop an aftercare plan.
An aftercare plan is something created by a patient and treatment team that will best support them back out “in the real world.” This is an important step of the treatment process that should not be overlooked.
For example, a patient might identify coping skills to combat urges, how to stay away from substances, specific people to turn to in a time of need, new sober hobbies they can try out, places to stay away from, AA/NA meetings to join, etc.
Creating an aftercare plan is a proactive way of planning for a drug-free future outside of a center’s walls.
Hopefully, by going through the recommended drug addiction types of treatment, individuals will be more successful when they re-enter life.
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Commonly Asked Questions
Yes, drug addiction is clinically referred to as having a substance abuse disorder and is a disease that involves both the brain and the body.
Addiction is defined as a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking, continued use despite harmful consequences, and long-lasting changes in the brain. It is considered both a complex brain disorder and a mental illness (DrugAbuse.gov).
Loved ones can help a drug addict by setting boundaries, refusing to enable the addict, find the most effective ways to support them, and offer to help them find treatment.
Supporting instead of enabling is key when helping someone with drug addiction.
Yes, just like drug addiction is a disease, it is also a mental illness; the DSM-5 lists criteria for substance abuse disorders and dependencies.
While choosing to use a drug is a choice, drug addiction is not a choice; it occurs when a mixture of biological and environmental factors combine to trigger the onset of an addiction.
Being kind, patient, and listening intently are appropriate ways to talk to a drug addict.
A complex combination of biological and genetic factors mixed with environmental factors contribute to the onset of drug addiction; drugs physically changes the chemical system of the brain.
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