Addiction isn’t just about drugs or alcohol – it’s a complex brain disorder that affects millions. In fact, over 20 million Americans struggle with substance use disorders each year. Whether it’s you or someone you care about, addiction touches all of us in some way.
Call Evoke Wellness at Miramar today (833) 819-6066 or reach out online.
What is addiction?
The Relentless Grip
Addiction is a relentless beast that sinks its claws deep, hijacking your brain and holding you hostage. At its core, it’s a chronic brain disease that fuels compulsive substance abuse despite devastating consequences. The vicious cycle starts with that initial high – a burst of euphoria courtesy of drugs flooding your brain’s reward system with dopamine. But soon, the brain adapts, building tolerance and dependence, leaving you chasing that elusive high while everything else crumbles.
A Vicious Cycle
As addiction tightens its grip, your ability to resist cravings dwindles. Drugs rewire neural pathways, undermining your self-control and decision-making skills. Seeking and using becomes an obsessive compulsion, overriding responsibilities, relationships – your entire life revolves around that next fix. The worst part is that when you’re cognizant of the wreckage, breaking free feels impossible.
Shattering the Chains
But there’s hope. Comprehensive treatment programs can shatter addiction’s chains by addressing the root causes – be it trauma, mental illness or environmental factors. Through evidence-based therapies, support groups and lifestyle changes, you’ll develop the tools to counter addiction’s disruption and rebuild a healthy, fulfilling life. It’s an arduous journey, but the alternative of abusing substances like Ativan or opioids like Percocet is a path to self-destruction. With the right help, you can overcome this chronic illness and reclaim your freedom.
What causes addictions?
The root causes
When it comes to understanding what drives addictions, there’s no one-size-fits-all explanation. It’s a complex issue with various underlying factors at play. But at the core, addictions often stem from an attempt to cope with difficult emotions, mental health struggles, or traumatic experiences. People may start self-medicating with drugs or alcohol to get relief from an underlying mental health disorder that they are unaware of, setting the stage for addiction down the line.
Brain chemistry and genetics
On a biological level, abusing substances like heroin or prescription opioids alters the brain’s reward pathways. Your brain gets used to the artificial dopamine hits from the drugs, making you crave them when facing stress or triggers. Genetics also plays a role – those with a family history of addiction are at higher risk of developing substance use disorders themselves.
Mental health and loneliness
Addiction doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Loneliness and conditions like depression or anxiety are huge risk factors, as people often turn to substances as a way to self-medicate and cope with the emotional pain. In fact, around 50% of those with substance use disorders also struggle with co-occurring mental health issues, highlighting the need for dual diagnosis treatment.
Environmental influences
Apart from internal factors, external circumstances like easy access to addictive substances, socioeconomic status, or exposure to trauma and high-stress environments can also make someone more vulnerable to developing an addiction. Stressful life events, isolation, and overconfidence in recovery are other common triggers that increase relapse risk.
The path to addiction is multi-faceted and deeply personal. But by understanding these root causes and getting the right support through comprehensive treatment, it’s possible to break free from the chains of substance abuse and reclaim your life.
A toll on your health
Substance abuse and other addictive behaviors can take a severe toll on your physical health. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, addiction is a chronic brain disease that causes compulsive drug seeking and use despite harmful consequences. From respiratory issues and liver damage to increased risk of heart disease and stroke, the effects can be devastating.
Similarly, behavioral addictions like gambling or compulsive gaming can lead to a sedentary lifestyle, poor nutrition, and neglect of personal hygiene – all of which can contribute to various health problems.
Emotional turmoil
Addictions can wreak havoc on your emotional and mental well-being. The constant pursuit of the next “high” or the inability to control cravings can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and low self-esteem. According to a study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, individuals with substance use disorders are at an increased risk of developing mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and personality disorders.
Strained relationships
Addictions can strain even the strongest of relationships. Trust may be broken, communication may deteriorate, and conflicts may arise due to the prioritization of the addiction over personal responsibilities and commitments. As reported by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, substance abuse and addiction can lead to domestic violence, child abuse, and neglect, further exacerbating the emotional toll on loved ones.
Financial burdens
Feeding an addiction can be an expensive endeavor, often leading to financial instability and even bankruptcy. The costs associated with obtaining substances or engaging in addictive behaviors can quickly spiral out of control, leaving individuals struggling to keep up with bills, rent, or mortgage payments.
Overcoming an addiction is a challenging journey, but recognizing its far-reaching consequences is the first step toward reclaiming control over your life. Seeking professional help and support can provide the guidance and resources necessary to overcome addiction and its damaging effects.
Getting help for addictions
You’ve made the courageous first step to seek help for addiction. Overcoming dependence on substances or behaviors is challenging, but absolutely possible with the right support.
Assess your situation
- Take an honest look at how addiction has impacted your life and relationships. Make a list of the negative consequences.
- Identify your triggers – situations, emotions or people that increase cravings. Understand what leads you to use.
- Explore your motivations for change. Sustainable recovery requires an inner drive to get healthy.
Explore treatment options
- Inpatient rehab provides intensive, immersive treatment away from everyday stresses and triggers. Highly structured programs include counseling, groups and holistic therapies.
- Outpatient rehab allows you to live at home while attending regular therapy sessions. Best for those with a strong support system.
- Support groups like AA/NA offer free peer support, mentoring and accountability. Attend local meetings or try online groups.
Find an LGBTQ+ affirming program
LGBTQ+ individuals face unique stressors that can contribute to substance abuse. An LGBTQ+ friendly rehab provides a safe, understanding environment to address these nuanced needs.
Consider specialized programs
Many rehabs offer specialized tracks tailored to certain groups:
- Veterans programsaddress trauma, PTSD and military cultural factors
- Gender-specific programs allow focusing on gender-related issues
- Dual diagnosis treatmentaddresses co-occurring mental health conditions
No matter which path you choose, be prepared to fully commit to your recovery journey. Overcoming addiction takes hard work, but regaining your life makes it all worthwhile.
Addiction treatment programs at Evoke Wellness at Miramar
At Evoke Wellness at Miramar, we understand the complex nature of addiction. Our comprehensive treatment programs are designed to address the unique needs of each individual, providing a safe and supportive environment for healing and recovery.
Tailored Treatment Plans
We recognize that no two people’s journeys with addiction are exactly the same. That’s why our team of experienced professionals works closely with each client to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to their specific needs and circumstances.
From evidence-based therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to holistic approaches like mindfulness and yoga, our programs incorporate a range of modalities to promote lasting recovery.
Specialized Programs
In addition to our general addiction treatment programs, we offer specialized tracks to better serve the diverse needs of our clients:
- LGBTQ+ Friendly Rehab: Creating a safe and inclusive space for members of the LGBTQ+ community to heal and thrive.
- Veterans Program: Providing targeted support for veterans and active-duty military personnel facing addiction and co-occurring mental health challenges.
- Men’s Rehab Program: Addressing the unique needs and experiences of men in recovery through gender-specific programming.
- Women’s Rehab Program: Offering a nurturing environment for women to explore the underlying factors contributing to their addiction and develop healthy coping strategies.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Many individuals struggling with addiction also grapple with co-occurring mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, or trauma-related conditions. Our dual diagnosis treatment approach recognizes the interconnectedness of these issues and provides integrated care to address both substance abuse and mental health concerns simultaneously.
At Evoke Wellness at Miramar, we are committed to walking alongside you on your journey to recovery. Our compassionate team will support and empower you every step of the way, helping you build a foundation for lasting sobriety and overall well-being.
What does addiction mean? FAQ
Defining Addiction
Let’s start with the basics – what exactly is addiction? Put simply, addiction is a chronic brain disease characterized by compulsive substance use or behavior despite harmful consequences. It’s when you can’t resist the urge to use drugs or alcohol, even when it negatively impacts your life. The brain changes caused by repeated substance abuse make it extremely difficult to just “quit” without help.
Common Addiction Signs
Wondering if you or a loved one might be addicted? Some common signs include:
- Taking a substance in larger amounts or for longer than intended
- Unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control use
- Excessive time spent obtaining, using, and recovering from effects
- Cravings or strong urges to use the substance
- Continuing use despite negative consequences on relationships, work, or health
- Development of tolerance (needing more to achieve the same effect)
Addiction’s Impact on the Brain
Drug abuse can cause serious, long-lasting changes in the brain. Addiction impairs areas controlling judgment, decision-making, learning, memory, and behavior control. Over time, a person’s ability to resist cravings diminishes as substance abuse alters the brain’s natural reward circuitry. But the good news? Effective treatment can help reverse some of these brain changes.
Getting Help for Addiction
No one plans to become addicted, but the disease of addiction is powerful. If you or someone you care about is struggling, know that help is available. Comprehensive addiction treatment programs provide medical detox, therapy, counseling, support groups, and more to support long-term recovery. Making that first call is the hardest step, but a whole new life is waiting.
Conclusion
Whether you’re battling substance abuse, behavioral addictions, or both, help is out there. From LGBTQ-friendly services to programs for veterans, men, and women, treatment options abound. Remember, addiction doesn’t discriminate – it can affect anyone. But you’re not alone in this fight. With the right support and a willingness to change, recovery is possible. Don’t let addiction define you. Take that first step towards a healthier, happier you.
Begin Your Journey with Evoke Wellness at Miramar
If you or a loved one is considering treatment, Evoke Wellness at Miramar invites you to contact us. Our compassionate team is ready to answer your questions, discuss your needs, and help you take the first steps toward recovery. In Miramar, you’ll find more than just a treatment program – you’ll discover a community dedicated to your wellness and success. Together, let’s embrace the journey to recovery and the promise of a new beginning. Call us at (833) 819-6066 today or reach out online.
