Completing substance abuse treatment is the best way to improve your chances of making a full recovery. Benefiting from individualized care is possible during treatment, as substance abuse programs focus on creating unique treatment plans that address your specific needs. If you struggle with a substance abuse disorder, addiction, or alcoholism, you’re far from alone. 1 out of every 7 Americans will develop a substance abuse disorder in their lifetime and nearly half of all Americans have a family member or close friend struggling with an addiction. Addiction is a disease, not a lifestyle choice or a condition caused by weak will power. Addiction causes complex and significant changes to your brain chemistry, which impacts your thoughts, feelings, judgment, cognition, and behavior. Substance abuse disorders can also affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, race, or religion, as addiction doesn’t discriminate.
Addiction as a Disease
Addiction occurs when you compulsively abuse your substance of choice despite increasingly negative consequences and having a strong desire to quit using. Addiction starts with your first use, as your brain connects the substance you use with pleasure because drugs and alcohol are powerful neurotransmitter inhibitors. Neurotransmitters are responsible for creating positive emotions and thoughts. Unfortunately, psychoactive substances force your brain to release more neurotransmitters than it should, causing an imbalance. When intoxication ends, you suddenly experience depleted moods because you have a shortage of neurotransmitters. Your brain, having already connected the substance you used with a positive experience, then craves more. Triggers, which are people, places, and things that remind you of your substance of choice, create intense cravings. The longer you abuse your substance of choice, the more likely you are to develop a psychological and/or physical dependency. Substances that cause psychological dependency include:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- LSD
- Ketamine
Substances that can cause physical dependency can include:
- Alcohol
- Opiates
- Methamphetamine
- Amphetamines
- Benzodiazepines
Physical dependencies cause withdrawal symptoms, like chills, aches and pains, and tremors. Psychological dependencies can cause cravings and mood changes when you quit using but don’t cause severe physical symptoms.
Benefiting from Individualized Care During Treatment
Benefiting from individualized care is a common goal during substance abuse treatment. Because everyone has unique symptoms and triggers, residential treatment programs, and outpatient treatment programs focus on creating individualized recovery plans. Outlining your specific goals and needs is an important way to connect with your treatment team and work towards recovery. Since benefiting from individualized care requires your addiction treatment team to understand your barriers and obstacles to recovery, it’s essential to be open and honest. During treatment, you can have the option of including loved ones and family members in your recovery, which is a great way to begin rebuilding trust with those you’re closest to. Another way benefiting from individualized care can help you reach your recovery goals is by creating an effective relapse prevention plan. Learning what coping mechanisms work best for you is an important way to prepare for a life of sobriety. While many people in recovery share similar triggers, substance abuse treatment ensures that you can create a safe and healthy way to combat your unique triggers. Understanding that cravings and triggers are a common part of recovery can help you prepare for stressors. Another way treatment can improve your ability to manage your recovery is by creating a safe and supportive environment to share troubling or overwhelming thoughts and feelings.
Finding a Substance Abuse Treatment Program Today
When you’re ready to regain control of your life and recover from addiction, reaching out for help is the first, and most important, step in your journey. Treatment programs make benefiting from individualized care second-nature, as rehabs create unique plans tailored to your specific needs and goals. If you’re ready to begin your recovery journey, reach out to us today at 844.875.5609 to find out more about our substance abuse treatment programs and how we can help you achieve lasting sobriety.