Addiction is a brain disease that alters behavior due to damage to multiple parts of the brain. Long-term exposure to substances can lead to issues related to judgment, self-control, decision making, cognitive abilities, and memory loss.
However, casual drinking and such should not be mistaken for addiction. Occasional consumption can lead to addiction, but it is not the same.
Addiction can cloud someone’s judgment due to the physical need to consume drugs or alcohol. The brain becomes used to, and consequently needs, that constant supply of the substance. With time, the need becomes more intense.
Signs of
Alcohol Addiction
For alcohol, there are some red flags regarding the amount of drinking. For men, 4 drinks on the same day or up to 14 weekly drinks shouldn’t be a cause for concern. As for women, 3 drinks a day, and 7 drinks a week are the limit.
Drinking more often than that is considered binge drinking, putting them at high-risk alcohol consumption. People who are drinking more than that can develop or might have already developed alcoholism.
Signs of
Prescription Drug Addiction
Those who take prescription medication on a daily basis should also be on the lookout for any signs. They can be safe when taken according to medical instructions, and for a limited period.
If the person isn’t able to quit, takes more than required, or is double-dipping in prescriptions, they could be in trouble. This can apply to opioids, benzodiazepines, and medication like Adderall.
There are some general signs to look for besides those that could be red flags. A person might be addicted if they are experiencing some of the following:
- Constant cognitive and memory issues
- Changes in eating or sleeping habits (too much or too little of either)
- Withdrawal symptoms triggered after a few days or hours since the last dose
- Manipulative behavior, to the point of lying about drug or alcohol consumption
- Reacting defensively or even aggressively when questioned about substance consumption or abuse
- Diminished appearance and lack of personal hygiene
- Financial, legal, or work trouble because of drug-related issues
- Not attending classes or missing work, having poorer performance in either of them
- Drastic changes in social habits, hanging out with different people at different places where substance abuse is recurrent
- Hiding stashes in unusual places, taking more drugs, or drinking more than usual
What to Expect
During Addiction Treatment
Treatment centers in Orange County all have programs made up of three stages: detox, substance abuse treatment, and aftercare. They are all equally important for a full recovery and to avoid relapse altogether.
Addiction affects the body physically, emotionally, and mentally. This means that it is not enough to just stop taking drugs and drinking in order to truly overcome addiction. There are underlying causes and triggers that need to be understood. This way, triggers can be addressed and avoided properly. Getting clean is just one of the required steps.
The first step is to start detoxification, and medically-assisted detox is a safer, less painful choice than quitting cold turkey. Throughout the detoxification period, patients experience withdrawal symptoms at their full force. This could either be anywhere from mild to severe symptoms and depends on the substance and quantity abused.
The symptoms triggered by the detox vary depending on the substance. Some of the most common ones are related to the digestive and nervous systems. Symptoms like headaches, nausea, diarrhea, jitteriness, and insomnia are some of the most commonly reported.
However, in some severe cases, people might experience hallucinations and even seizures. Trying to quit on your own can put your life at risk.
With 24/7 supervision, patients will have pain management medication safely prescribed to help with symptoms without worsening them. Any emergency procedures required can also be done right away, quickly, and effectively.
Once withdrawal symptoms have been treated and managed, patients need to start substance abuse treatment. This portion of the program will address the psychological aspect of addiction through sessions of therapy and therapeutic activities. Patients will partake in both individual and group sessions of treatment throughout their program.
Individual therapy is of the utmost importance for treatment. It gives patients the privacy they need to talk about what they don’t want to discuss in group settings. Each case is different, so it requires special attention for personalized solutions and insight into their addiction. Additionally, it’s an opportunity for the therapist to learn more about the patient and to notice what they wouldn’t in group therapy.
Group therapy, on the other hand, works on issues that individualized therapy wouldn’t. Social skills, interpersonal and relationship difficulties, and trust issues would be some of them. Group sessions can help patients see that they are not alone in their struggle and learn from others’ experiences. This is also important to help avoid self-isolation dynamics, which can lead to relapse in the long run.
The way sessions will work depends on what the licensed professionals believe is best for the patient. They will take multiple factors into consideration, like addiction level and history, symptoms, previous relapses, comorbid disorders, family history, and more. Programs will usually fall under two categories: inpatient and outpatient.
Inpatient programs will require 24/7 stay at the facility until the end of the program. Patients stay with their doctors and peers, though they get visitation days and hours as well. They will only leave in case of therapeutic activities, which are guided by a professional.
This service setting is mostly recommended for severe cases, especially in the case of a previous relapse. They tend to be shorter, as they are more in-depth and intensive.
As for outpatient treatment, patients only need to come to the detox and treatment center for their sessions. However, this service setting is only recommended for mild to moderate cases and can be riskier.
Patients in this program need to have a safe environment to come home to and reliable transportation. The number of weekly visits can go anywhere from 2 to 5 or 6 sessions, which can last from 3 to even 6 hours.
As you can see, there are several treatment center options in Orange County.
California Addiction Treatment Can Help You in Huntington Beach
Finding the right addiction treatment program can feel daunting, but that does not have to be the case. At California Addiction Treatment we will work with you to find the customized addiction treatment plan that fits your needs.
Addiction is a unique disease that affects us all differently. Your treatment approach should be unique as well. Don’t settle for a cookie-cutter facility that uses the same plans for multiple people. Give your recovery the opportunity it deserves and reach out to our team of addiction treatment specialists today!
Addiction and Mental Health
Resources in Huntington Beach
We understand how challenging an addiction and mental health disorder can be. We provide the necessary resources to help you get to the root of your problem so you can heal and recover. Addiction is a brain disease that alters the brain. You don’t have to be controlled by an addiction or mental health disorder. We can help you overcome.
Dr. Deena Manion LCSW #20628, a Doctor of Psychology and Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 1993, is the Co-Founder of California Addiction Treatment Center. She brings extensive experience in addiction and mental health from her previous roles at prominent recovery centers and her private practice in Los Angeles and Agoura Hills, CA. Dr. Deena has also appeared as an expert on Dr. Phil’s show and podcast, as well as various other TV programs and documentaries, sharing her expertise in mental health and addiction. Her goal is to leverage her clinical skills in the entertainment industry to reach a wider audience, making her a valuable asset in the field.
