Drug Addiction
It takes a combination genetics, environmental contributing factors, and the substances used for an individual to become susceptible to Substance Use Disorder.
While, substances alone may not be the sole cause of Substance Use Disorder, there are certain types of drugs that can strongly activate the addiction center of the brain, making them habit-forming and therefore more addictive. These drugs can include alcohol, benzodiazepines, substances with hypnotic agents, opioids, sedatives, and stimulants.
Here are some of the drugs within these categories:
- Adderall
- Alcohol
- Ambien
- Anxiolytics
- Cocaine
- Codeine
- Crack
- D-lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD)
- Dilaudid
- DMT
- Ecstasy
- Fentanyl
- Fioricet
- Flunitrazepam
- Gasses
- GHB
- Heroin
- Hydrocodone
- Hypnotics
- Ketamine
- Kratom
- Lortab
- Lunesta
- Marijuana
- Meth
- Morphine
- Nicotine
- Nitrites (Poppers)
- Norco
- Oxymorphone
- Percocet
- Percodan
- Peyote (Mescaline)
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
- Ritalin
- Sedatives
- Solvents
- Steroids (Anabolic)
- Suboxone
- Subutex
- Synthetic Cannabinoids
- Synthetic Cathinones
- Tramadol
- Ultram
- Valium
- Various Cold Medicines
- Zanax
If you, or your loved one, are ready to start your recovery journey today, please call 213-583-2622 or email us at admissions@westvalleydetox.com.
When an individual uses a substance continually over time, their brain can become desensitized to the initial effect it once produced, and a larger quantity is needed to produce the same effect.
Treatment for Substance Use Disorder is often sought when an individual’s consumption and dependency on substances have taken over their lives, socially, professionally, and emotionally.
If you or your loved one’s struggle with Substance Use Disorder, West Valley Detox & Treatment Services is ready to help you on your recovery journey back to self.
Call 213-583-2622 or email us at admissions@westvalleydetox.com.
While there is no single criteria to predict whether an individual will develop Substance Use Disorder, there is a combination of traits and factors recognized that can make one individual more susceptible to Substance Use Disorder than another.
- Genetics: ethnicity, gender, and mental health issues
- Environment: stress, peer pressure, trauma, physical or sexual abuse, and exposure to drugs at an early age can increase the risk.
- Age: particularly those in their teens who start taking drugs as the parts of the brain that control judgment, decisions, and self-control are not fully developed.
Many individuals with Substance Use Disorder also struggle with other mental health conditions. Often, when reviewing an individual’s medical history, we can identify contributing mental health ailments before the onset of substance use disorder. Long-term recovery is greater when treating both conditions simultaneously.
If you or your loved one is struggling with Substance Use Disorder call 213-583-2622 or email us at admissions@westvalleydetox.com.
Underlying mental health issues, peer pressure, and the desire to feel intoxicated or numb unpleasant feelings are just some of the reasons people may begin misusing substances. However, Substance Use Disorder can also develop from medicines prescribed by their doctor. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) states that Substance Use Disorder is a “treatable mental disorder that affects a person’s brain and behavior, leading to their inability to control their use of substances like legal or illegal drugs, alcohol, or medications.”
If you or your loved one is struggling with Substance Use Disorder, call 213-583-2622 or email us at admissions@westvalleydetox.com.
Some of the typical symptoms of Substance Use Disorder may include:
- Changes in appetite and sleep patterns.
- Changes in physical appearance, such as having a poor complexion or looking ungroomed, bloodshot eyes
- Craving drugs
- Difficulty completing tasks at home, work, or school
- Engaging in risky behaviors, despite knowing the negative consequences
- Financial unmanageability
- Inability to reduce or control drug use
- Weight loss
If you, or your loved one, are ready to start your recovery journey today, please call 213-583-2622 or email us at admissions@westvalleydetox.com.
Substance Use Disorder is a treatable mental health condition that can be diagnosed by completing a clinical assessment with a trusted healthcare provider. The provider will then suggest a treatment plan that may include the following:
- Detoxification: allows the body to rid itself of the drugs and generally needs healthcare supervision to be administered safely.
- Medication-Assisted Treatment: are typically used before and after detoxification to help control cravings and relieve any uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.
- Behavioral Therapies: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS), and other psychotherapies are utilized to help individuals deal with the causes and effects of Substance Use Disorder, build self-esteem, avoid triggers, learn healthy coping mechanisms, and harness tools to help prevent relapse.
- Therapeutic Communities: Sober houses that are tightly controlled, drug-free environments to aid in the recovery journey while also providing peer support.
- Self-Help Groups: Alcoholics Anonymous, Wellbriety, SMART Recovery, etc.
Several treatment options exist for substance use disorder, even for severe cases. Some of the treatment modules include:
- Detoxification allows the body to be rid of the drugs and generally needs healthcare supervision to administer safely.
- Medication-assisted therapies, especially during detox to help control cravings and relieve any uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.
- Behavioral therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy or other psychotherapy that help deal with the causes of the addiction, build self-esteem, avoid triggers and learn healthy coping mechanisms.
- Therapeutic communities or sober houses that are tightly controlled, drug-free environments to aid in recovery.
- Self-help groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous can help the person suffering from addiction as well as family members, including Al-Anon and Nar-Anon Family Groups.
If you or your loved one is struggling with Substance Use Disorder, call 213-583-2622 or email us at admissions@westvalleydetox.com.
FAQs About Alcohol Use Disorder and Treatment
There is currently no proven “cure” for Substance Use Disorder, but there are many effective treatments that will help individuals struggling find long-term recovery and go on to live rich and fulfilling lives.
The brain structures and functions can change within long-term misuse of drugs and as a result, may alter the following:
- Behavior.
- Dealing with stress.
- Learning.
- Making judgments and decisions.
- Retaining memories.
Rest assured, during your treatment, many of these symptoms can be improved or eliminated.
Many people diagnosed with Substance Use Disorder can benefit from undergoing the detox process as they begin their recovery journey. Detox requirements depend on the quantity and types of substances misused. The detox process is supervised by a medical professional, ensuring the safe and comfortable removal of substances from the body.
While detox can often be a vital part of the initial recovery process, addiction is centered in our brain and thought patterns. Residential treatment provides our clients with the time needed to implement new and effective tools required for long-term recovery in a comfortable and controlled environment.
Outpatient treatment may be recommended by your trusted healthcare provider if you require an intensive or rigorous form of therapy outside of a residential treatment setting. This treatment option suits people with families and careers who cannot take time away from their responsibilities, or for those who have already had residential treatment and are continuing their recovery journey from Substance Use Disorder.
There are many support groups and organizations that offer ongoing help, such as 12-Step programs, SMART Recovery, Wellbriety, and non-secular peer groups (both online and in-person). At West Valley Detox & Treatment Services, we offer our own Weekly Alumni meeting to ensure you have support long after leaving our facility.
Treatment for Substance Use Disorders is often covered by insurance; however, the type of coverage greatly depends on your insurance plan and if the treatment facility accepts it.
Medicare covers individuals aged 65 and over who have Substance Use Disorder, provided that the individual is covered under both Medicare Part A and Part B. The individual must also be a permanent resident of the United States.
To determine if your health insurance covers treatment at West Valley Detox & Treatment Services, call 213-583-2622 or email us at admissions@westvalleydetox.com.
One of the most important things you can do when selecting a treatment center is to make sure it is accredited by an accreditation body that has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
These include:
- Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO)
- CARF International
West Valley Detox & Treatment Services is a JCAHO accredited treatment facility offering detox services, residential treatment, and alumni continuing care. We are ready to help you or your loved one seek recovery. Call 213-583-2622 or email us at admissions@westvalleydetox.com.