Drug addiction is a complex and deeply personal struggle, but you’re not alone, and recovery is possible. At West Valley Detox, we offer compassionate, evidence-based drug addiction treatment in Los Angeles designed to meet you where you are and guide you toward lasting healing. Whether you’re just beginning to seek help or continuing your recovery journey, our experienced team provides the support, tools, and clinical care you need to reclaim your life.
Why Do People Start Taking Drugs?
There are many reasons individuals may begin using substances, often leading to substance abuse and the need for drug addiction treatment. Underlying mental health issues, peer pressure, or the desire to numb unpleasant feelings are common reasons people start misusing drugs or alcohol. In some cases, substance use disorder develops from medications initially prescribed by a doctor, which can spiral into dependency and addiction.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), 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.” This highlights the importance of comprehensive addiction treatment that addresses both the addiction and any underlying mental health disorders.
If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse or addiction, West Valley Detox & Treatment Services offers specialized drug addiction treatment, including inpatient drug rehab and medication-assisted treatment to support recovery.
What Are the Typical Drugs That Lead to Addiction?
Drug addiction treatment often addresses a wide variety of substances that can lead to dependency. Addiction is influenced by a combination of genetics, environmental factors, and the specific substances used, contributing to the development of a Substance Use Disorder (SUD). While substances alone may not be the sole cause of addiction, certain drugs have a stronger tendency to activate the brain’s addiction center, making them habit-forming and increasing the likelihood of addiction.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 110,000 people in the United States died from drug-related overdoses in 2022, with opioids accounting for a significant portion of these deaths. This highlights the importance of identifying and treating addiction to these substances early.
These substances often fall into categories such as alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids, sedatives, stimulants, and more. Understanding which substances can lead to drug addiction is crucial when seeking addiction treatment in a rehab center.
Here are some of the common drugs that can lead to addiction:
- Adderall
- Alcohol
- Ambien
- Anxiolytics
- Cocaine
- Codeine
- Crack
- D-lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD)
- Dilaudid
- DMT
- Ecstasy
- Fentanyl
- Fioricet
- Flunitrazepam
- GHB
- Heroin
- Hydrocodone
- Ketamine
- Kratom
- Lortab
- Lunesta
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamine
- Morphine
- Nicotine
- Nitrites (Poppers)
- Norco
- Oxymorphone
- Percocet
- Percodan
- Peyote (Mescaline)
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
- Ritalin
- Sedatives
- Solvents
- Steroids (Anabolic)
- Suboxone
- Synthetic Cannabinoids
- Synthetic Cathinones
- Tramadol
- Ultram
- Valium
- Xanax
If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse and seeking effective drug addiction treatment in Los Angeles, our rehab center offers comprehensive care. Whether it’s medication-assisted treatment, inpatient drug rehab, or a tailored addiction recovery program, we are here to help.
What Makes a Person With SUD Need Increasingly More Drugs Over Time?
When an individual continually uses a substance, their brain often becomes desensitized to the effects the drug once produced, leading to a higher tolerance. As tolerance increases, larger quantities of the substance are required to achieve the same effect, which can accelerate the development of a Substance Use Disorder (SUD). This is a key reason why individuals struggling with drug addiction or substance abuse may feel the need to use more drugs over time. Nearly 50% of people with a substance use disorder also have a co-occurring mental health disorder, which can further complicate addiction and increase the need for higher doses of substances to achieve the same effect.
At this stage, seeking drug addiction treatment becomes crucial. Treatment for SUD often involves addressing not only the physical aspects of addiction but also the emotional, social, and psychological toll it takes. Effective addiction treatment can provide a path toward recovery, offering both inpatient drug rehab and medication-assisted treatment options to help individuals regain control over their lives.
If you or a loved one is battling substance abuse and feel trapped in a cycle of increasing drug use, West Valley Detox & Treatment Services is here to help. Our rehab center in Los Angeles provides comprehensive addiction recovery solutions to support you every step of the way.
Who Are the People at Risk for Substance Use Disorder?
While there is no single factor that can predict whether an individual will develop a Substance Use Disorder (SUD), certain traits and circumstances can increase a person’s vulnerability to addiction. Understanding these risks is vital when seeking drug addiction treatment.
- Genetics: Factors such as ethnicity, gender, and a family history of mental health issues can increase the likelihood of developing substance abuse problems.
- Environment: Exposure to stress, peer pressure, trauma, physical or sexual abuse, and early exposure to drugs can raise the risk of developing an SUD. For many individuals, these environmental influences play a significant role in addiction.
- Age: Adolescents and young adults are particularly at risk, as the parts of the brain that control judgment, decision-making, and self-control are still developing. Early drug use can interfere with these critical functions, leading to a higher likelihood of addiction later in life.
- Youth who begin drinking before age 15 have four to six times the rate of lifetime alcohol dependence than those who remain abstinent from alcohol use until age 21.
It is also common for individuals with SUD to have co-occurring mental health disorders. Often, when assessing someone’s medical history, underlying mental health conditions can be identified as contributing factors to their substance use. Dual diagnosis treatment, which addresses both the addiction and the mental health issues simultaneously, is crucial for long-term recovery success.
The Symptoms of Drug Addiction
Drug addiction can manifest through various physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms. Recognizing the signs early is essential to seeking effective drug addiction treatment in Los Angeles. Some common symptoms of Substance Use Disorder include:
- Changes in appetite and sleep patterns
- Noticeable changes in physical appearance, such as poor hygiene, ungroomed appearance, or bloodshot eyes
- Intense cravings for drugs
- Difficulty completing tasks at home, work, or school
- Engaging in risky behaviors despite knowing the negative consequences
- Financial instability due to the prioritization of drug use
- Inability to reduce or control drug use, even with the desire to stop
- Significant weight loss
How Is Drug Addiction Diagnosed and What Are the Treatment Options?
Substance Use Disorder is a treatable mental health disorder that can be diagnosed through a clinical assessment with a trusted healthcare provider. This evaluation helps determine the severity of the addiction and informs the creation of a personalized treatment plan. Some of the most effective treatment options for drug addiction include:
- Detoxification: A crucial first step, detox allows the body to rid itself of harmful substances. This process generally requires healthcare supervision to ensure safety and comfort, especially for those undergoing a medical detox at an inpatient rehab center.
- Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): MAT is used both during and after detoxification to help control cravings and alleviate uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. This approach is often essential in managing addiction and preventing relapse.
- Behavioral Therapies: Therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) are designed to address the root causes of addiction. These therapies help individuals develop coping mechanisms, build self-esteem, and avoid triggers to support long-term recovery. Many treatment programs also incorporate family therapy as part of the healing process.
- Therapeutic Communities: Structured environments like sober houses or rehab centers provide a drug-free setting where individuals can recover with peer support. These communities help reinforce sobriety while offering accountability and structure.
- Self-Help Groups: Organizations such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous offer valuable peer support during recovery. Additionally, groups like Al-Anon and Nar-Anon provide support for family members of individuals struggling with addiction.
There are numerous treatment options available for even severe cases of addiction. Whether it’s a comprehensive inpatient treatment program, medication-assisted treatment, or behavioral therapies, recovery is possible with the right plan in place.
Why Choose West Valley Detox for Drug Addiction Treatment?
At West Valley Detox, we provide comprehensive drug addiction treatment, tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual. What sets us apart is our focus on holistic, compassionate care in a structured and supportive environment.
Our treatment options include:
- Inpatient Rehab: Offering a safe, comfortable environment to focus on recovery, our inpatient treatment program is designed to remove distractions and provide the best chance for healing.
- Medication-Assisted Detox: Safely manage withdrawal symptoms and prepare for the next steps in recovery.
- Dual Diagnosis Treatment: Addressing co-occurring mental health disorders and addiction simultaneously to provide a comprehensive path to recovery.
- Family Therapy: Incorporating family support in the recovery process fosters healing for the individual and their loved ones.
To ensure care is accessible, we partner with most major insurance providers. Our goal is to reduce barriers to high-quality drug addiction treatment, so you or your loved one can focus fully on recovery.
FAQs About Alcohol Use Disorder and Treatment
Is There a Cure for Substance Use Disorder?
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.
What are the Long-Term Effects of Substance Use Disorder?
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.
Is detox necessary?
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.
Is Residential Treatment Effective?
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.
What is Outpatient Treatment?
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.
Is There Ongoing Support After Treatment Available?
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.
Does Insurance or Medicare Cover Treatment?
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 213-861-4445 or email us at admissions@westvalleydetox.com.
What Accreditations Should I Look for When Considering Treatment?
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 213-861-4445 or email us at admissions@westvalleydetox.com.
