The circuits that drive these powerful urges are linked to survival and are no different than our urges to eat or drink water. These overwhelming urges can explain the behavior that we see in which someone continues to use, despite the turmoil it causes them or others around them. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, you’ve probably found a lot of information and resources. But finding the right treatment program takes some research. A recognized leader in addiction medicine, Gateway Foundation’s programs are based on medical and psychological research but tailored to meet each patient’s unique needs and challenges. Offering residential, outpatient and day treatment options, Gateway is committed to helping you find a way forward.

Therefore, it’s always best to seek help with treatment to overcome addiction. Isolation itself can also lead to addiction and worsening symptoms. Those who seek help can indeed recover and go on to live long, fruitful lives. Support is available from inpatient and outpatient treatment centers and other recovery programs such as counseling and AA. However, since addiction is chronic by nature, some people relapse and begin using again after recovery. It’s important to understand that this is part of the process, and with effective treatment, relapse can be prevented.

Myth About Addiction: Changing your life through education, relocation, or a new job can fix addiction

Other people might not need to experience such drastic circumstances. Their wake-up call might come to them when they experience a breakup with their significant other or are no longer excelling at school or work. Many insurance plans cover at least a part of drug treatment. If you are below a certain income threshold, you may be eligible for public healthcare through Medicaid for certain treatment centers.

Recognizing early that an addiction is getting out of hand is crucial. An addiction doesn’t just simply taper off; it will continue to escalate until there is nothing left to lose. Keeping a secret is a huge psychological burden and takes quite the effort to maintain. Letting your friends and family see changes in you without any context is difficult on both ends. Letting them know what is going on opens the door to beneficial support. High-functioning addicts like this are masters at covering their tracks so that their addiction goes unnoticed.

Drug addiction is a choice. The user could just stop if they wanted to.

Furthermore, a functioning alcoholic or drug addicted individual is still at risk for the multitude of health problems linked to substance abuse. Substance abuse rewires the brain so that it sends similar messages to you about drugs and alcohol that it does food, water, connection with others, and other survival instincts. It can feel nearly impossible to resist triggers when you’re getting such strong signals to use substances. Obtaining and using drugs begins to take priority over everything else when you’ve become dependent on drugs and alcohol. Invest your new-found energy and time in practices and people that are life-giving and enjoyable.

In the progression of addiction, pleasure gives way to relief as substance use becomes a repetitive act that treats physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms. Post-traumatic growth theory has been validated in studies of substance and alcohol abuse. For many people, detox interrupts the trauma of substance abuse and spurs personal growth and rehabilitation. There’s a reason most addiction recovery methods are group-based. It’s been found that overcoming addictive behaviors is more manageable when surrounded by people who understand what you’re going through. Additionally, overcoming addiction alone can be dangerous and even fatal because withdrawal symptoms can lead to death in certain situations.

Trusted & Approved Addiction Treatment Center

This doesn’t mean previous treatments failed, because the person with addiction still made progress overall in getting well. A recurrence may be a sign that the treatment approach or other supports need to change, or that other treatment methods are needed. A single component can’t predict a person’s likelihood of becoming addicted to drugs. Peer pressure, physical and sexual abuse, early drug exposure, stress, and parental supervision may significantly impact a person’s propensity to use drugs. Don’t get discouraged if the person you care about ends up succumbing to triggers in the real world. They will need someone they trust to turn to if they relapse.

Addiction is a chronic disease with similar relapse rates as other chronic conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes. It’s not uncommon to relapse at least once on your recovery journey. Relapses https://ecosoberhouse.com/ are opportunities to learn more about yourself, your triggers, and what is critical to maintaining sobriety. Many people come out of relapses stronger and more dedicated to their recovery.

Myth #5 Rehab doesn’t work.

These brain changes make it extremely difficult to quit by sheer force of will. According to the CDC, in 2020, there were 16,000 deaths involving prescription opioids which translates to 45 deaths a day. 46 million people in America struggle with addiction and it’s the third largest cause of death, but many don’t get the help they need.

If you believe that you or your loved one are struggling with substance abuse or relapse, please know that this is not the end or how it will always have to be. Knowing the truth about addiction treatment options can help you or someone you love take the first step towards recovery. According to a recent study, people who successfully recover have less than half the risk of developing a second SUD. Some believe addictions can last a lifetime, or most of it. If you’re one of these people, you might think that people who have been sober for a while are still at risk of relapsing.

Myths About Addiction Recovery

Always purchase prescription pills from your medical provider. If you tried treatment before but were not able to maintain sobriety, that doesn’t myths about addiction and recovery mean that treatment doesn’t work. It simply means you are experiencing what is typical of someone along the journey of addiction recovery.

Author: Wando Colmenares