Despite years of drug awareness programs and childhood education initiatives, millions of Americans still find themselves struggling with their own addictions or those of people they love. To stop substance abuse from destroying your relationships, career, health, and ultimately, your life, you must face it head-on. While doing so, always remember you don’t have to fight the battle alone. Seeking treatment for drug addiction and rehab is the first step to conquering addiction. 

What is Drug Addiction?

While initial drug use may start as a voluntary decision, repeated use over time can permanently alter brain chemistry. Over-time, the person’s ability to voluntarily engage in the use of drugs becomes diminished. Rather, the behavior becomes compulsive and the person is unable to control their drug use. 

Warning Signs of Drug Addiction

Determining whether or not a loved one is struggling with drug addiction can be tricky. Here are the most common physical, behavioral, and psychological signs of drug addiction.  

Physical Signs of Drug Addiction

• Abnormal pupil size
• Substantial weight loss
• Substantial weight gain
• Failing to care for personal appearance
• Abnormal sleep patterns
• Impairment
• Changes in appetite

Behavioral and Psychological Signs of Drug Addiction

• Sudden mood swings
• Changes in personality
• Anxiousness
• Secretive behavior
• Sudden legal trouble 
• Getting in physical fights with others
• Paranoia
• Distancing themselves from family and friends
• No longer participating in activities they once found enjoyable

It is important to understand that a person struggling with drug addiction may not show every symptom. It is even possible that as the illness progresses, the symptoms change or worsen to the point that the person is no longer able to hide them. 

What is Drug Rehabilitation?

There are many different kinds of drug rehab facilities that are designed to help addicts recover from drug abuse. Depending on the severity of you or your loved one’s situation, there are either outpatient programs or inpatient programs. Outpatient is where you still live at home and come in for regularly scheduled treatment and support programs. Those who participate in inpatient rehab treatment live in the facility for the duration of the program. 

What Does Drug Rehab Have to Offer?

• Detox – Detoxing is the process by which drugs are cleared from the system. 
• Manage Withdrawal – Depending on the severity of your addiction, therapy, counseling, and medications are used to help you get through the withdrawal phase. 
• Recovery -After the withdrawal phase is complete, it is time to focus on your recovery through the use of therapy and support groups.

It is important to understand that drug rehabilitation is not a one-size-fits-all program. After an initial evaluation, a treatment plan will be devised according to your individual needs.  

Different Levels of Treatment

As with eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia, there are five different levels of treatment. The type of treatment appropriate depends on the severity of the addiction and the current health status of you or your loved one. 

• Level one (outpatient) – This level consists of the least severe cases of addiction. Patients are generally healthy and need little outside motivation in order to become sober. 
• Level two (intensive outpatient) – Those in this category do not need round the clock supervision but they do need a little extra guidance than those classified as level one. Patients are defined as medically stable and self-sufficient.
• Level three (partial hospitalization) – Although patients are medically stable, they are in need of full-time outpatient care. Those in this category have compulsive tendencies to use.  
• Level four (residential treatment) – Patients are medically stable for the most part, but they need constant supervision to ensure they stay clean. Those in this category typically lack a solid support system.
• Level five (inpatient treatment) – These are the most severe cases. Patients in this category have medical issues as a result of their drug addiction. Without supervision, they are a risk to themselves and to others.

How to Help You or a Loved One Get on the Road to Recovery from Drug Addiction 

Unfortunately, drug addiction is heavily stigmatized in our society. Sufferers are often dismissed as weak individuals with poor moral character. However, addiction is not a failure. It’s a chronic illness that affects the brain, pushing a person to continuously and compulsively abuse drugs, even if they’re well aware of the harmful consequences.

Whether it is you or a loved one, seeking help and regaining quality of life is important. The good news is you don’t have to go it alone. The professionals at Fairwinds Treatment Center understands drug addiction doesn’t define a person. Their understanding and compassionate team will assess you or your loved one’s current situation and map out a treatment plan that is right for you. Contact Fair Winds today to schedule your initial assessment and start your journey towards a sober life.