Drug Rehab in Union City, NJ
Overcoming addiction isn't easy, but experts in drug rehab in Union City can help to shoulder some of the burden and turn a struggle into success.
Drug addiction occurs when an individual is not only physiologically dependent on a substance (i.e. goes through withdrawal if he/she doesn't consume the drug), but when their craving for the substance makes it exceptionally difficult for them to stop using it. Drug addiction is a complex process that actually changes the brain and body. Fortunately, experts in drug rehab in Union City are trained in the latest science that combines medication, therapy, and psychological counseling to overcome addiction.
Types of Addiction
Addiction arises as a result of two factors. The first factor is physical dependence. The body becomes accustomed to the effects of a certain drug or alcohol and, after time, cannot function properly without that substance present. This is called physical dependence and how alcohol affects the body is not the same as how heroin or meth affects the body.
Physical dependence is partly a result of a drug producing a reward response in the brain. This reward response is what sets a person up for addiction. Interestingly, however, not everyone will develop an addiction even if they have a reward response. This is important because it is possible to abuse drugs and alcohol without being addicted to them. Addiction goes beyond simply "over indulgence" into the realm of compulsive behavior.
The second factor in addiction is behavioral. For people prone to addiction based on their genetics, the effects of the reward response are different from non-addiction. In this regard, addiction is quite similar to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Research in dual diagnosis in Union City shows that people suffering from OCD will continue to engage in a behavior long after a reward is withdrawn while others will simply stop the behavior. When asked why they do this, people suffering from OCD respond that they feel an "urge" to continue the behavior. This "urge" is the same thing that addicts experience.
Whether they are gaining reward from their drug or alcohol use is irrelevant, they feel compelled to continue. In fact, they have to continue using in order to reduce the compulsion they feel in the same what that someone with OCD washes his hands hundreds of times per day or checks the locks on the doors dozens of times before bed. They are compelled to do it, even if it is injurious.
Drug Addiction Signs and Symptoms
The symptoms of drug addiction can be broken down into two general categories, physical symptoms and behavioral symptoms. This should come as no surprise as it perfectly mirrors the physical/behavioral dichotomy described above.
The physical symptoms of addiction will differ based on the substance being used. A list of common symptoms includes
- Changes in activity levels (activity is increased with drugs like cocaine and decreased with drugs like alcohol)
- Odd speech patterns (e.g. slurred or slow speech)
- Dilated pupils (common with opiate (e.g. heroin, OxyContin) abuse
- Red eyes (this is generally due to lack of sleep and not to the effects of a drug)
- Excessive sniffing (e.g. methamphetamine, cocaine)
- Changes in weight (e.g. clothes don't fit)
- Changes in eating habits
- Headache
- Blackouts (e.g. alcohol)
- Memory loss
- Hallucinations
- Violent outbursts
- Shallow breathing
- Problems with coordination
- Paranoia
- Changes in sex drive
The behavioral signs of addiction tend to be the same regardless of the drug involved. Common symptoms include:
- Loss of interest in people/activities that used to be important to the addict
- Increased violence
- Increased secrecy
- Defensiveness
- Lying
- Changes in work/school performance
- Increase in arguing
- Changes in hygiene
- More risk-taking behavior
Treatment Options
There are two strategies for treating drug addiction: Inpatient and Outpatient. Both forms of drug addiction rehab employ the same medications, therapies, and psychological counseling approaches, but they differ in terms of their intensity. Inpatient drug addiction rehab is far more intense than outpatient treatment programs in Union City and is often the better option for ensuring long-term success. Outpatient drug rehab works, but it can take much longer to have an effect.
Inpatient rehab in Union City has been shown to be highly effective for achieving short-term sobriety and long-term commitment to that sobriety. In general, the more severe an addiction is, the more important inpatient therapy is. Inpatient drug rehab programs allow an individual to focus solely on their addiction, its underlying causes, and the best mechanisms for treatment.
With the help of a drug rehab facility, most people show tremendous results after three months and are able to be discharged to outpatient treatment and a happy, rewarding life. Drug rehab in Union City focuses on each patient and his or her individual needs to provide the best possible therapy available. If you or your loved one is ready to gain control of your lives, call us now at (877) 804-1531.