Drug Abuse Treatment

Drug abuse and addiction impact individuals and their families far too often.

Millions of Americans struggle with the impulses and cravings that addiction creates but only a fraction of them end up getting the help they need.

Over time, drug addiction and abuse can start taking over all aspects of someone’s life leading to negative consequences such as losing a job, financial trouble, poor relationships, a downward turn in health, and even death.

Is Drug Abuse the Same as Addiction?

It’s common for drug abuse and addiction to be referred to together or even used in one another’s place. The truth is that these terms have different implications in addiction recovery, despite being so closely related. Abusing a substance means taking it for recreational purposes rather than medicinal ones. Drug abuse is a choice unlike drug addiction.

When someone becomes addicted to drugs, they lose the option to abstain from drugs without extra assistance; substance addiction is governed by powerful compulsions to use and even involves a change in brain chemistry. Drug addiction is a lifelong disease that can be seen in those who are unable to stop using drugs despite the act’s negative repercussions. For many addicted individuals, physical dependence on drugs creates a dangerous situation where detox comes with withdrawal symptoms that range from mild discomfort to full-body seizures. Noticing addiction early on is the best option to avoid a painful detox period.

How Do You Spot Drug Addiction?

Knowing when someone is abusing drugs or suffering from addiction is easier said than done. For some, addiction has become part of their life and they’re seen as high-functioning adults from the outside. Unfortunately the addiction inside them is still wreaking havoc on their mind and body. No matter how hard they try, there are certain signs of addiction that can’t be covered up with good acting or lying. These include:

These include:

  • Financial hardship
  • Changes in personality
  • Physical changes such as bloody noses or needle marks
  • Withdrawal from social circles
  • Trouble concentrating or recalling memories
  • Poor performance at work or school

These changes are just a few signs to look for. Any huge change in lifestyle or personality could be driven by drug abuse or addiction so take some time to speak with the individual and express your concerns over the changes. Don’t immediately point to drug use as the cause; simply be there for them to talk through what they’re currently experiencing.

How Do You Treat Drug Addiction?

Since addiction causes both physical and mental health problems, it takes a specialized team to treat it. Most recovery stories start with medical detox where withdrawal symptoms can be managed by clinicians who administer medication to treat them. 24/7 supervision is leveraged to instantly react to new symptoms and avoid any that may escalate to a dangerous level.

Once detox is completed, patients enter an individualized treatment program that requires multiple therapy and recovery sessions a week. Inpatient programs allow guests to reside at the rehab campus during treatment, an ideal solution for those living around others who abuse drugs. Aftercare specialists assist with relapse prevention and together with the rest of treatment, guide the individual to lifelong sobriety.

Interested in learning more or starting treatment? Reach out to Phoenix Rehab Campuses today to start your own story of recovery.