Drug Addiction and Treatment
There are different types of addiction, but alcohol or drug addiction involves physical, psychological, and behavioral aspects that are governed by powerful compulsions to use. According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, more than half of people age 12 and older in the U.S. have used an illegal drug at least once. More than 20 million Americans suffer from substance use disorders and about one-third of these also have a dual diagnosis, which involves a mental health condition such as depression or bipolar disorder.
Many people who can benefit by enrolling in drug and alcohol rehab Los Angeles are unaware of exactly how drug and alcohol addiction affect the body and why substance use disorders require treatment. The Detox Center of Los Angeles specializes in residential treatment programs and outpatient rehab for addiction, medically supervised detox treatment, and dual diagnosis treatment. If you’re suffering from a crystal meth or opioid addiction or another type of substance abuse disorder, you can depend on our Los Angeles detox center and alcohol and drug rehab for help.
The Definition of Addiction
Drug or alcohol addiction is a complex condition that involves uncontrolled use of a substance in spite of its harmful consequences–consequences that affect their mental and physical health and may affect their job, schooling, family or other relationships, and legal and financial well-being. A substance abuse disorder is governed by strong feelings of compulsion to use the addictive substance. A person addicted to a drug like heroin or crystal meth, for instance, will experience physical, mental, and behavioral dependencies, which is why alcohol detox or drug detox can never achieve addiction recovery alone; treatments that target each aspect of the condition are required.
Signs and Symptoms of Drug Addiction
Individual addictive substances may cause certain signs and symptoms, but generally speaking, the most common signs and symptoms of an alcohol and drug addiction include:
- Feeling the need to use the drug often–even daily
- Requiring more of the substance to achieve the same effect as before
- Using more of the drug than you intended
- Neglected appearance
- Financial difficulties related to the drug use (spending more on it than you can afford)
- Obtaining the drug illegally
- Engaging in high-risk behaviors like needle sharing
- Trying to stop using but failing
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you don’t use the drug
Continuing to use the drug even though it’s causing problems in your life such as affecting your health or relationships with loved ones is another indication of addiction. Detox programs and addiction treatment programs can help individuals who experience these signs and symptoms.
Drug Addiction Withdrawal Symptoms
Again, specific drugs often cause specific withdrawal symptoms to occur. Withdrawal occurs when the individual doesn’t use the substance they’re addicted to in a certain period of time. Withdrawal symptoms can be extremely discomforting and even trigger medical emergencies, in some cases, when left untreated. The following are common drugs and alcohol withdrawal symptoms:
- Tremors
- Chills
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Muscle ache
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Mood swings
- Depression
- Anxiety
Detox centers are the best places to undergo detox because clinicians can provide medication assisted treatment and reduce the symptoms of withdrawal. Our treatment center in Los Angeles, California offers a complete continuum of care that includes alcohol and drug detox, inpatient treatment, and outpatient treatment models.
How Drug Addiction Affects the Brain
Addiction affects the brain by changing its chemistry. It causes psychological dependence that also manifests in behavioral dependence. In some cases, chronic drug abuse or the acute use of a drug can cause a mental health disorder. Many people addicted to drugs also have cooccurring disorders and require mental health treatment at the same time they need behavioral therapy for their addiction. In some cases, mental health symptoms dissipate once the individual manages their substance abuse condition. Sometimes the mental health disorders are permanent and require ongoing management.
Drug Addiction Treatment
If you have an addiction to drugs or alcohol, you need an addiction treatment program such as inpatient rehab, partial hospitalization, or an intensive outpatient program. The Detox Center of Los Angeles features a positive recovery community known for our great success rates. We offer various types of addiction treatments, including evidence based behavioral health therapies, medication-assisted treatment, and other holistic treatments. Featuring all levels of care from detox to outpatient rehab, our treatment center in Los Angeles can help you achieve your addiction recovery goals.
