Drug Addiction and Treatment

Drug Addiction and Treatment

There are a lot of options for the treatment of substance abuse and drug or alcohol addiction. Sadly additional addiction recovery resources have had to be added across the country due to issues brought on by the opioid epidemic and the associated rise in drug overdoses. Treatment approaches vary, and finding the right care provider that fits your needs is important. People struggle with substance abuse for a variety of reasons, peer pressure, abuse of prescription medications used for pain management, stress, and many other factors. 

If you or one of your loved ones is struggling with any sort of drug use disorder, including prescription drug abuse, use of club drugs, or the abuse of any illicit drugs, call us today at Resurgence to request an appointment.  Addiction to drugs can affect a person’s life in many ways and we can help deal with all of the issues that may have caused your drug or alcohol abuse. We offer many different abuse and addiction treatment options. 

The Definition of Addiction

According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine, “Addiction is a treatable, chronic medical disease involving complex interactions among brain circuits, genetics, the environment, and an individual’s life experiences. People with addiction use substances or engage in behaviors that become compulsive and often continue despite harmful consequences.”

The type of drug a person has been abusing, along with how long they have struggled with drug or alcohol addiction, often dictates the type of treatment for drug addiction that will work for them.  Often drug use disorder treatment must be coupled with treatment for a mental disorder.  This is because substance abuse and mental health disorders often occur together, resulting in a dual diagnosis. 

Signs and Symptoms of Drug Addiction

When someone’s life is impacted by drug abuse or addiction, there are signs and symptoms you will notice. Sometimes you will need to look carefully, but the signs and symptoms are there. If you think someone you know needs treatment for drug abuse, it is very important to take action, as drug overdoses can occur even when people are careful about the drugs and alcohol they use.  Illegal drugs are often cut or mixed with other substances and dosages can vary widely and cause ill effects.  Here are some of the signs and symptoms someone is struggling with drug abuse and addiction: 

Physical Signs

• Bloodshot eyes
• Sudden weight loss
• Interrupted sleep patterns
• Change in complexion
• Poor personal hygiene

Behavioral Signs:

• Secretive behavior
• Ignoring responsibilities
• Financial distress

Drug Addiction Withdrawal Symptoms

From opioid painkillers to club drugs to alcohol abuse, withdrawal symptoms from different substances can vary.  However, there are a good number of withdrawal side effects that are common across many types of drugs associated with substance use disorders.  Here are some of the most common drug abuse and addiction withdrawal symptoms regardless of the exact type of drug: 

• Trembling and tremors
• Muscle pain or aches
• Hunger or loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Sweating
• Irritability and agitation
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Confusion
• Insomnia
• Paranoia
• Seizures
• Dilated pupils

How Drug Addiction Affects the Brain

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “Drugs interfere with the way neurons send, receive, and process signals via neurotransmitters.”  How this happens differs depending on the type of drug a person is abusing or addicted to and sometimes it changes depending on how long someone has abused drugs.  For instance, marijuana and heroin can activate neurons because their chemical structure mimics that of a natural neurotransmitter in the body. In other cases, like with addiction to drugs including amphetamines and cocaine, neurons are released in abnormally large amounts or prevent the normal recycling of these brain chemicals by interfering with transporters. 

Drug Addiction Treatment

If you are struggling with alcohol abuse, drug abuse or addiction, please contact Resurgence at our addiction center and request an appointment to come in and speak to one of our drug use and addiction counselors about our addiction treatments. Substance use disorders can do major damage to a person’s life and the lives of their loved ones and we are here to help you find a path forward in addiction recovery. Call us today to talk about how to manage withdrawal symptoms, specialized treatment plans for the type of drug you are abusing, or any other treatment for drug addiction or mental illness information you would like.  We’re here to help. 

Our drug addiction treatment center provides comprehensive dual diagnosis addiction treatment through a multitude of addiction treatment programs and addiction therapy services. Upon your admission into a addiction treatment center, our addiction treatment professionals will determine the unique underlying mental health conditions that cause your addiction to a drug. Our addiction therapy services and addiction treatment programs in California include:

• Medication Assisted Treatment
• Dual Diagnosis Treatment
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
• Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy
• 12 Step Recovery Program
• Smart recovery
• Virtual Therapy