Drug and Alcohol Rehab Center Helps Stop the Abuse and Starts the Healing
Addiction, or chemical dependency, is a medically diagnosable brain and behavioral disease that is chronic, progressive and potentially fatal. But like many other diseases, drug and alcohol dependency can be successfully treated. There are three aspects of addiction:
- Biological – Addiction tends to run in families. If a parent or other close relative has struggled with chemical dependency, you are at greater risk because you may have inherited this family trait.
- Psychological – Depending on chemicals, such as alcohol and drugs to cope with problems and stress, contributes to addiction, as does having certain personality traits, such as impulsiveness, self-destructiveness, or the need for high levels of excitement.
- Social/Cultural – Easy access to alcohol and drugs, peer pressure, or relationships in which a friend or loved one uses alcohol or drugs can all contribute to addiction.
What are the Warning Signs?
An individual doesn’t have to experience all of these common signs or symptoms in order to have an alcohol or drug addiction:
- Uses alcohol or other drugs excessively or inappropriately
- Spends a lot of time getting or using substances
- Has trouble cutting down or stopping once he/she starts using
- Experiences withdrawal symptoms when he/she cuts down or stops using
- Uses alcohol or other drugs to avoid or stop withdrawal symptoms
- Uses substances even though they are causing problems in his/her life
- Gives up important activities or loses friendships because of substance use
- Stops using for a period of time (days, weeks or months), only to start up again
- Gets into trouble with the law because of use
- Has blackouts, or forgets conversations or actions while under the influence of chemicals
The Better Way to Get Better