Drug Addiction
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.
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.
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.
Opioid Addiction
Methamphetamine Addiction
Marijuana Addiction
Hydrocodone Addiction
Heroin Addiction
Hallucinogen Addiction
Fentanyl Addiction
Crack/Cocaine Addiction
Cocaine Addiction
Alcohol Addiction
Adderall Addiction
Oxycodone
Xanax Addiction
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.
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.
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.
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Treatment Programs at Arista
Detoxification
Quit abusing drugs & alcohol at our safe & effective detox center that utilizes modern therapies.
Residential Inpatient
Our groundbreaking residential inpatient program was designed for individual treatment.
Dual-Diagnosis
It isn't uncommon for people recovering from alcohol and drug use substance to have a mental health diagnosis.
Family Programs
Arista Recovery offers a family program to help the loved ones of our guests on the road to recovery.
Medication-Assisted
MAT is the use of medication in combination with evidence based addiction therapy.
Outpatient
Our intensive outpatient and outpatient programs offer affordable, flexible options.
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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.
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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.
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
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