Drug addiction is a serious and chronic disease that affects the brain’s reward system. It can be caused by abusing drugs, including prescription opioids, or alcohol on a long-term basis. Drug addiction can also occur when taking medications for other health conditions, such as heroin after an operation or painkillers to relieve back pain. The abuse of these substances causes changes in the brain that lead to intense cravings for them and make people feel dependent on them to function normally. For this reason, drug addiction is often called “chemical dependency” because it involves the continued use of chemical substances over time.
People who are addicted may not realize they have a problem until their family members confront them about their behaviors and/or they get arrested for possession of illicit substances. Once people become addicted to drugs, they may experience negative consequences in their personal and professional relationships and the quality of their lives declines rapidly. They become increasingly preoccupied with getting and using more drugs, even if it means seeking them illegally on the street or stealing to fund drug habits.
Drug addiction can lead to a number of health problems, including heart and lung problems from a variety of infections or diseases. It can also lead to a wide range of psychiatric issues, such as anxiety, depression, and psychosis.
Drug rehab can help you and others experience a safe, long-term recovery from drug dependence and addiction. Here’s a closer look at what happens at a treatment center and how you can contact God's Chosen Ones to begin your recovery.
Camelback provides drug abuse services to people who need help fighting and recovering from drug addiction. Prescription drug addiction alone affects 2.3 million Americans and caused 14,139 overdose deaths in 2019. Another 18.4 million Americans suffer from addiction to illicit drugs, including heroin, fentanyl, and meth.
Unfortunately, 97.5% of people in the United States who need substance abuse treatment do not seek treatment. Drug addiction treatment is a vital resource for people struggling with addiction. Our drug addiction facility in San Diego, CA offers a variety of treatments and services that can help you heal physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Contact us today at (619) 653-0168 to learn more about our drug addiction services in San Diego, or fill out our contact form to hear back from us within one business day.
As the COVID-19 pandemic progressed throughout 2020 and 2021, reports of drug abuse skyrocketed as people in California and across the world struggled with isolation, job loss and the loss of friends and family members.
If you’re one of the many people struggling with drug use and addiction, it’s important to remember that there’s hope. The right drug addiction treatment program, combined with a long-term commitment to sober living, can help you overcome your addiction and take control of your life.
At God's Chosen Ones in San Diego, California, we’re committed to helping you overcome your addiction so you can live a fulfilling and sober life. Reach out to learn more about our drug addiction treatment programs.
A drug addiction or substance use disorder occurs when a person can’t control their use of prescription drugs, illegal drugs or other illicit substances. For many, addiction starts with something as innocent as the experimental use of a drug like marijuana or cocaine. Addiction can even stem from using drugs that are prescribed by a medical doctor, such as opioid painkillers or amphetamines.
It’s important to note that some drugs can cause addiction more quickly than others. Similarly, some people become addicted more easily than others. While some may use drugs recreationally or take prescriptions without ever becoming addicted, others may feel the need to take more drugs almost immediately. When the latter occurs, it’s not uncommon for that person to need a higher dose each time to feel the same effect, and that’s a slippery slope that can quickly lead to a very severe substance use disorder.
It’s a common misconception that people with drug addictions can simply stop using illicit drugs, but it’s important to remember that drug addiction is a disease. The American Psychiatric Association recognizes that while those with a substance use disorder generally recognize their problem, they’re unable to stop using without intervention. Additionally, individuals with mental health problems may notice their symptoms worsen with regular drug use, which can make it even more difficult to combat addiction.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders (DSM-5) lists addiction as a mental illness. The manual lists several risk factors that make a person more susceptible to addiction, should they have the opportunity to experiment with illegal drugs or obtain prescription medications that have addictive properties.
These include:
While genetics is thought to play an enormous role in the development of addiction, environmental factors may be just as crucial. When environmental influence is combined with a genetic predisposition to drug addiction and the opportunity to use, the risk of addiction becomes alarmingly high.
Some factors that may be considered risky include:
Those living with mental disorders often misuse drugs as a way to cope with their symptoms. For some, that means abusing or overdosing on their prescription medication, while for others, it means relying on illegal drug use to help them cope.
While drug abuse may help temporarily diminish feelings and symptoms associated with mental illness, it can also alter the chemicals in a person’s brain, making their condition worse in the long run.
Commonly Misused Drugs
Many drugs can lead to addiction; however, those listed below are among the most common. Abusing the drugs listed below often leads to addiction, and in these cases, treatment gives those with substance use disorder the best chance at recovery.
California is currently facing an ongoing opioid epidemic. More than nineteen people die of an opioid overdose each day in California. That’s why it’s crucial to recognize the dangers of this drug, as well as the signs of addiction.
Because opioids include a broad range of prescription and non-prescription drugs, there’s an extensive list of street names they might go by. As such, this list is not exhaustive.
Opioids are a class of drugs that act on opioid receptors in the spinal cord. Some opioids are prescribed legally to reduce pain, while others are considered illicit drugs. In addition to reducing pain, these drugs also have an effect on the digestive system and emotions, and in some cases, they can help to reduce coughing.
Commonly abused opioids include Percocet, fentanyl, Vicodin, OxyContin, morphine, and codeine.
A common side effect of opioids is a feeling of euphoria. However, the more a person uses opioids, the less they feel that effect, and as such, users often find themselves increasing the dose in an attempt to recreate the feeling they experienced when initially trying the drug, eventually leading to physical dependency.
Opioids come in a variety of forms, including tablets, capsules, liquids, syrups, suppositories and nasal sprays.
There are several short-term and long-term side effects of opioids, including:
Dizziness and drowsiness in opioid abusers can sometimes result in clumsiness and frequent falls, along with fractures, bruising and other fall-related injuries.
In those who have a substance abuse problem, long-term effects can include substance use disorder, increased tolerance, liver damage and infertility.
Methamphetamine is a highly addictive drug that’s manufactured illegally. In Arizona, the drug is known to be readily available and affordable, which creates plenty of opportunities for abuse in young or underprivileged persons.
Methamphetamine is a synthetic drug. As a stimulant, it has a direct effect on the body’s central nervous system, causing the user to feel a burst of focus and energy. In some cases, methamphetamine is used for medical applications, including to curb appetite in those struggling with obesity and to improve focus in those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
The high produced by methamphetamine varies depending on how it’s taken. When a person injects or swallows it, they can expect to feel high for as long as eight hours, while smoking it can produce a high that lasts up to 12 hours.
Methamphetamine is a white odorless powder that can be snorted, dissolved in water and swallowed or injected. Sometimes, methamphetamine is crystallized so that it can be heated and smoked. In this case, it’s generally called crystal, ice or glass.
While some of the signs of methamphetamine drug abuse are obvious, such as meth mouth and skin sores, there are several other signs and side effects users commonly experience. These include:
On top of these, other serious effects can occur after using methamphetamine, and in some cases, they can constitute the need for emergency care. These include:
Often, continued drug abuse with illicit drugs like meth can lead to long-term side effects such as ongoing anxiety and paranoia, depression, sexual aggression and heart disease.
Heroin is a dangerous drug that’s commonly found in Arizona. Its highly addictive nature frequently leads to substance use disorder in those who try it, and the severity of withdrawal symptoms associated with the drug makes it difficult to stop once a person starts to use it.
Heroin is an analgesic drug that’s derived from morphine, which makes it an opioid. This drug is considered a Schedule 1 substance in the U.S., meaning it has no legitimate medical purpose.
Heroin can be snorted, smoked or injected.
Heroin is a fine powder that’s typically brownish or pinkish; however, in its purest form, it’s generally bright white.
Heroin’s side effects can change dramatically depending on the amount ingested, as well as the person who’s using it. A person with a mental health disorder is more likely to experience intensified side effects, especially with heavy use.
Some of the most common symptoms of heroin abuse include:
A person who’s addicted to heroin is also likely to struggle with their responsibilities at work or school and may have a hard time maintaining relationships.
Cocaine frequently leads to substance use disorder. It’s known for its addictive properties, and those with risk factors for drug abuse may experience the signs of addiction within only one or two experiences with the drug.
Cocaine is a stimulant drug that gives users a quick burst of energy. Its effects typically don’t last long, and as a result, many users will find themselves using increasing amounts of cocaine to continue feeling high or mixing it with other substances, such as alcohol, heroin or marijuana. When combined with alcohol abuse, the effects of cocaine may be enhanced and the risk of overdose often increases.
Cocaine is a fine white powder. In some cases, it may be combined with baking soda and cooked to create a rock-like substance known as crack.
A person who’s addicted will need cocaine rehab and is often plagued with depression and fatigue when they’re not using. At times when they’re on the drug, they typically experience some combination of the following:
Prescription drug abuse is becoming increasingly common, particularly among teens and younger adults. While opioids are the most commonly abused prescription drug, it’s not uncommon to see addicts abuse drugs such as Ritalin, dextroamphetamine and other medications that are commonly prescribed for ADHD. As many as 20% of college students in the U.S. admit to using such prescriptions to increase focus while studying.
It’s important to note that the side effects of prescription drugs vary widely depending on the drug in question, as well as the dosage. That being said, there are some warning signs to watch for if you think someone you know is abusing drugs. These include:
If you or someone you love is experiencing the negative consequences of drug addiction, it’s important to seek help as soon as possible.
At Camelback Recovery, our team of experienced drug and alcohol counselors is here to help you start your recovery journey.
We provide medicaiton-assisted treatment that addresses your withdrawal symptoms, along with tailored treatment programs administered by a qualified mental health professional. During your time with us, you’ll have the opportunity to work independently and attend support groups to address the underlying causes of your addiction that will help prevent drug relapse for a lifelong recovery. As you explore these causes, you’ll be taught new coping mechanisms to help you enter a life of health and sobriety.
Reach out to us today to learn more about our drug addiction treatment program and sober living opportunities.