Addiction is a complex and chronic brain disorder characterized by compulsive behavior or drug use despite harmful consequences. It changes the way the brain functions, leading to the person becoming dependent on the substance or behavior to feel normal or happy. Addiction is not different from diseases, such as heart disease. They all disrupt the normal functioning of an organ in the body and have harmful effects. However, both are preventable and treatable. If left unattended, they can last a lifetime and may lead to death. Although addiction can develop from repeated gambling, shopping, sex, drug, and alcohol addiction is the most common.
According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 19.7 million American adults (aged 12 and older) battled a substance use disorder in 2017. Also, about 74% of adults suffering from a substance use disorder in 2017 struggled with an alcohol use disorder. This addictive behavior activates the brain’s reward center and releases pleasurable feelings. Over time, the brain adapts to these feelings and requires more substance or behavior to achieve the same level of pleasure.
DetoxLA is a comprehensive medical detox center in the San Fernando Valley. Contact us today to learn more about how our LA drug and alcohol detox center can help you overcome addiction.
Addiction is a complex and chronic brain disorder characterized by compulsive behavior or drug use despite harmful consequences. It changes the way the brain functions, leading to the person becoming dependent on the substance or behavior to feel normal or happy. Addiction is not different from diseases, such as heart disease. They all disrupt the normal functioning of an organ in the body and have harmful effects. However, both are preventable and treatable. If left unattended, they can last a lifetime and may lead to death. Although addiction can develop from repeated gambling, shopping, sex, drug, and alcohol addiction is the most common.
According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 19.7 million American adults (aged 12 and older) battled a substance use disorder in 2017. Also, about 74% of adults suffering from a substance use disorder in 2017 struggled with an alcohol use disorder. This addictive behavior activates the brain’s reward center and releases pleasurable feelings. Over time, the brain adapts to these feelings and requires more substance or behavior to achieve the same level of pleasure.
DetoxLA is a comprehensive medical detox center in the San Fernando Valley. Contact us today to learn more about how our LA drug and alcohol detox center can help you overcome addiction.
What Role Does Detox Play in Recovery
Drugs can affect the brain by altering its structure and function, leading to mood, behavior, and consciousness changes. Drugs like cocaine can interfere with neurotransmitters, the chemical messengers that transmit signals in the brain, leading to changes in perception, thinking, and emotion. It can increase neurotransmitter activity and cause excitement and euphoria. Others, like depressants, can decrease neurotransmitter activity and lead to feelings of calmness and relaxation.
These drugs increase the activity of certain neurotransmitters, leading to increased stimulation, while others decrease their activity, leading to reduced stimulation. These changes can have short-term and long-term effects, ranging from mild to severe and potentially life-threatening.
To pin-point the specific detox needs of our clients, DetoxLA walks individuals through a thorough intake process. In our initial over-the-phone assessment, we ask questions to determine the severity of the addiction. From there, we determine the client’s personal and familial history with substance use. After gaining an understanding of where the client is in their addiction, our professionals are able to match them with one of our evidence-based programs.
A comprehensive medical detox program prepares a person’s body for a life of sobriety, and builds a solid foundation for long-term successful treatment. To learn more about San Fernando Valley detox programs, contact DetoxLA today.
What Are the Signs a Loved One Needs a Drug Detox Program in the San Fernando Valley
Behavioral signs of addiction may include:
- Compulsive use of the substance or behavior
- Loss of control over the use
- Continued use despite negative consequences
- Neglecting responsibilities and relationships
- Spending significant time and resources on obtaining and using the substance or engaging in the behavior
- Increasing tolerance and needing more of the substance or behavior to get the same effect
- Persistent craving and desire for the substance or behavior
- Using the substance or behavior in dangerous situations
- Withdrawal symptoms when access to the substance or behavior is limited or ceased.
Note that the specific signs may vary depending on the substance or behavior.
Various factors, such as genetics and environment can cause addiction. Genetics account for about 40% of a person’s risk of addiction. If one or both parents have a history of drug and alcohol abuse, it is likely to pass on to the offspring. Environmental factors, such as a chaotic environment and abuse, can also increase a person’s risk of addiction. Parents’ attitudes toward drugs, peer influences, and community perception of drugs can also influence the intake of drugs and alcohol.
Stress and anxiety can also fuel addiction. Some individuals suffering from social anxiety and stress start using drugs to feel less stressed and anxious. Stress plays a significant role in using drugs and relapse in patients recovering from addiction. Statistically, teens and people with mental health disorders are more at risk for substance abuse and addiction than other populations.
Programs at Our San Fernando Valley Rehab Center
Alcohol addiction is a disease. Most medical professionals hold the view that we should view it in the same way that we would heart disease. It would be best if you had treatment for the physical aspects of addiction. That means breaking your dependence in an alcohol detox program in California.
Alcohol detox is an opportunity to free yourself from the demands of alcohol. It helps you heal as you receive vital support during alcohol withdrawal. If you are struggling with alcohol addiction, contact the team at our alcohol detox center today.
Cocaine is America’s most widely used stimulant street drug. It’s also highly addictive, with more than 20% of all cocaine users having diagnosable symptoms of addiction or severe abuse.
Detox LA is a premier provider of cocaine detox in Los Angeles and its surrounding communities. We feature a comprehensive slate of services for anyone wanting to stop using powdered or crack cocaine.
All benzos can trigger addiction. This means that you can become both physically and psychologically dependent on them. It also means that you may start compulsively seeking out more benzos to use. A benzo detox program gives you the help you need to break that control.
Find Help For a Loved One at DetoxLA
Getting a loved one’s help for addiction can be a difficult and emotional process. There are ways you can help a loved one get help for addiction in the San Fernando Valley. First, you need to have an honest conversation. Express your concern and love for your loved one in a non-judgmental and empathetic way. Avoid blaming or confrontational language.
Second, listen actively. Allow your loved one to share their experiences and feelings. Avoid interrupting or trying to argue with them. Furthermore, offer support and encourage your loved one to seek help and offer to help them find resources and support.
Remember, it’s ultimately up to your loved one to seek help for their addiction, but your support and encouragement can play a critical role in their recovery.
For further recovery, they can attend various therapeutic programs, such as:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Family therapy
- Group therapy
- Individual therapy
The comprehensive medical detox programs offered by DetoxLA are the first step in a successful recovery. If you or someone close to you is battling addiction, it may feel like you have nowhere to turn. This is largely why many people in need of help never actually seek it out.
But there is a path forward. That path begins with DetoxLA luxury, evidence-based programs and treatment models. We’re committed to helping you prepare for your lasting drug or alcohol sobriety. To learn more, reach out to our clinical staff today at 818.714.7060.