Addiction is a chronic and relapsing disease, which is characterized by drug-seeking behaviors. These compulsive behaviors continue to persist despite dangerous consequences. Furthermore, addiction leads to permanent changes within the brain. Addiction, or substance use disorder (SUD), is a mental illness and a multifaceted brain disorder.
Substance Use Disorders Impact Everyone
SUDs may be mild, moderate, or severe dependencies upon drugs or alcohol. They occur due to the continuous use of a drug, prescription drug, or alcohol, which leads to an inability to function in normal life and succeed in responsibilities at school, work, or home. SUDs may occur in anyone, including all ages, sexes, and social groups. There are varying types of SUDs, including, but not limited to:
- Tobacco Use Disorder
- Cannabis Use Disorder
- Stimulant Use Disorder
- Hallucinogen Use Disorder
- Opioid Use Disorder
- Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)
Studying Drug Use and SUDs Is Imperative
In 2016, overdoses due to drugs killed over 63,000 people while 88,000 people died from excessive alcohol use in America. Furthermore, tobacco use leads to almost 500,000 deaths every year. In relation to crime, healthcare, and productivity losses, drug use and SUDs cost the United States billions of dollars per year (well over $600 billion).
Treating Addiction
Although addiction, or SUD, is a chronic disorder, it is treatable and controllable. Treatment approaches to SUDs must be specific and adapted to each individual’s needs. Treatment involves addressing patterns of drug use, medical issues, environmental factors, social problems, and psychiatric troubles.
Relapse Does Not Equal Failure
Since the nature of substance use disorder (SUD) is chronic, relapse is unfortunately very common. Relapse is the return to substance use after an attempt to quit and may occur days, months, or years after abstaining from the substance. The rates of relapse in SUDs are equal to those of other chronic medical conditions, such as asthma and hypertension, also known as high blood pressure. Both of these chronic issues have physical and behavioral components, just like SUDs. Relapses merely indicate a need to reevaluate and adjust the current treatment plan.
Looking for Help?
Everyone has a unique story, and therefore, a unique addiction or SUD to drugs or alcohol. No particular treatment works for everyone. Just as the development of the SUD is personal and different, so is the road to recovery.
At Alta Loma Transformational Living, you will meet knowledgeable, compassionate professionals that understand addiction in all its forms. Alta Loma uses an integrative and holistic approach to treat addiction and mental health issues. No treatment is one-size-fits-all, where you will have a team of experts prepared to create your customized treatment plan. We offer care for your mind, body, and spirit, so that you can heal from the inside out and look forward to a lifetime of sobriety and wellness. If you are ready to take the first step in your recovery, please call us at 866-457-3843.
