If you’re struggling with alcoholism, addiction, or a substance abuse disorder, you’re far from alone. A remarkable 23 million Americans meet the criteria for a substance use disorder annually, making addiction a common problem. Addiction is a cunning and baffling disease because it doesn’t discriminate, meaning anyone who uses a psychoactive substance can ultimately develop a substance abuse problem. Although addiction is chronic, treatment, whether it includes inpatient vs outpatient treatment programs, affords you the ability to recover successfully.
Since addiction is progressive, meaning the severity of the condition worsens over time, early treatment is essential for recovery. When you decide to reach out for help, you can consider a variety of inpatient vs. outpatient treatment options (including partial hospitalization programs), but which choice is best for you?
How Addiction Works
Addiction occurs when you compulsively abuse drugs or alcohol, even if you want to quit or experience damaging consequences related to your use. Having a strong desire to stop using is rarely enough to recover because addiction creates significant changes in your brain chemistry. When you use drugs and alcohol, your brain releases a surge of pleasurable neurotransmitters, which results in the positive effects associated with intoxication. Eventually, your brain can become completely dependent on your substance of choice in order to release neurotransmitters. When intoxication ends, you experience a sudden depletion of neurotransmitters, which causes cravings and emotional changes, such as anxiety and depression.
Drugs and alcohol can cause two types of addiction: psychological and physical. Both behaviors and substances can lead to psychological dependency, while specific substances can create physical dependencies. Regardless of what type of addiction you develop, treatment is the best way to recover because it takes time for your body and mind to heal from the damage addiction causes. Substance abuse disorders, alcoholism, and addiction can cause problems in your physical, social, and emotional health, such as:
- Organ damage
- Neurological and cognitive problems
- Financial problems
- Unemployment
- Damaged relationships
- Mental health disorders
Symptoms of Drug and Alcohol Addiction
Drug and alcohol addiction can have a range of physical and psychological symptoms. There are some common signs that you need to look out for.
Physical Signs
- A sudden weight loss or gain
- Frequent sickness
- Bloodshot eyes
- Changes in sleeping patterns
- The appearance of needle marks on the body
Psychological Signs
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Isolation from friends and family
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering details
- Sudden changes in behavior or personality
- An inability to control cravings
If you see any of these signs in yourself or someone close to you, it is important to realize that this is a dangerous situation and that professional help is necessary. Drug and alcohol addiction are serious conditions that need to be assessed and treated by qualified health professionals. With the right help and support, recovery from addiction is possible.
What is the Difference Between Inpatient vs. Outpatient Treatment?
With addiction, the earlier you receive treatment, the more favorable your recovery chances are. When deciding between inpatient vs. outpatient treatment, it’s important to understand which is a better fit for your personal needs. The main difference between inpatient vs outpatient treatment is that inpatient programs are residential.
By contrast, outpatient programs allow you to return home at night and are less of a time commitment. Whether you choose inpatient vs. outpatient treatment, it’s important to be honest about the severity of your addiction. The more severe your addiction is, the more likely it is that you need inpatient care. Inpatient programs are beneficial, as it can take time for your body to adjust to sobriety.
Find Treatment Today With Promises Behavioral Health
When struggling with addiction, you may be wondering if inpatient vs outpatient treatment is right for you. Treatment helps you better understand how to prepare for a life free from drugs and alcohol. If you’re ready to start your recovery journey, reach out to us today at 844.875.5609 to find out more about your treatment options.