Addiction, also known as substance use disorder (SUD), is listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) as a chronic, relapsing brain disorder. It is characterized by compulsively engaging in rewarding stimuli (e.g., abusing drugs and/ or alcohol) without regard for consequence. Addiction can wreak havoc in all areas of an individual’s life. Because the disease compels an individual to prioritize satisfying his or her substance cravings above all else, an individual can experience a plethora of adverse effects, including physical complications, relationship fractures, financial strain, legal challenges, employment issues, and more. Data from 2022 presented by the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, indicate that addiction affects over 20 million Americans aged 12 and older. Addiction can be framed as a repeating cycle with different stages. These recurring stages are called a cycle because they generally progress in a repetitive pattern until some form of treatment takes place to intervene and alleviate the addiction. According to the U.S. News & World Report you may benefit from investing in addiction treatment if:
- You are preoccupied by drugs and/ or alcohol, and spend a significant amount of your time and energy thinking of ways to procure more of your substance of choice, other ways you can use it, etc.
- You lack impulse control and are unable to to delay gratification or avoid abusing drugs and/ or alcohol despite potential consequences.
- You neglect important personal or professional responsibilities.
- You use substances to cope with stress or anxiety.
- Your physical and mental health is declining.
- You are noticing distinct and frequent mood changes.
- You are isolating from family and friends.
- You are dishonest about your substance use.
- You are unable to stop abusing drugs and/ or alcohol, despite serious attempts to give up your addiction.
- You experience withdrawal symptoms when your body lacks drugs and/ or alcohol. Withdrawal is defined as “a negative reaction to the cessation of a substance, thing, or behavior an individual has become dependent upon.” Based on a variety of factors withdrawal symptoms will differ in severity and duration.
Fortunately, treatment for individuals struggling with substance abuse and/ or addiction continues to improve, and nowadays there is a wide array of treatment options available, each with varying specialties, foci, and durations.
For Information and Support
If you are concerned for yourself or a loved one regarding substance abuse and/ or addiction, we recommend reaching out for help as soon as possible. If left untreated, substance abuse can result in long lasting and potentially life-threatening consequences. Keep in mind: you are not alone! There is an entire network of professionals that are available to help and support you and your loved one throughout the recovery process. The earlier you seek support, the sooner your loved one can return to a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life.
Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions regarding our specific program at Haven House Addiction Treatment and/ or general substance abuse and/ or addiction treatment related information. Our highly trained staff is readily available to discuss how we might best be able to help you and your loved one. We can be reached by phone at 424-258-6792. You are also welcomed to contact anytime us via email at admissions@hhtxc.com
