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What To Know About Drug Use Disorder And Addiction

November 08, 2024

No one ever plans on struggling with a drug use disorder, but this challenging disease touches millions of Americans each year. Drug use disorders transform your mind and body and can derail your life. Fortunately, there is support for those struggling with drug use. Professional drug addiction treatment is accessible in the Morristown area and can empower you to regain control of your life. Read on to discover more about drug use disorders and addiction and how people and their loved ones can overcome these conditions with specialized guidance.

What Is A Drug Use Disorder?

A lot of people consume illicit drugs for recreational purposes or strong prescription drugs to treat health conditions. But at what point does drug use transform into a life-impacting disorder?

Generally, drug use becomes a disorder when an individual shows concerning patterns of drug use and can no longer manage their use. Drug use disorders are mental health disorders that range from mild to severe. These conditions unsettle your life and have a detrimental impact on your wellbeing.

There are differing facets of drug use disorders:

  • Dependence occurs when your body becomes so reliant on a drug that it struggles to operate in its absence. You will endure unpleasant withdrawal symptoms if you quit using the drug.

  • Addiction is a psychological dependency. Addictive drugs alter your brain chemistry so that you constantly desire those drugs and feel compelled to take them in growing amounts. You are unable to manage your mental state and actions. Addiction is the most extreme form of drug use disorders.

All levels of drug use disorder are damaging to your mind, body, relationships, and wellbeing. If you think you or a person you care about has a drug use disorder, get skilled treatment for recovery. Everyone is entitled to help.

What Drugs Are Dependency-causing?

Habit-forming drugs contain potent chemicals that modify your brain. Various ones are threatening enough to be outlawed. Others are approved prescriptions but can turn dangerous when misused or consumed in excess. Below are many of the frequently encountered addictive drugs in the U.S.:

  • Narcotics diminish the senses, which enables them to be effective analgesics. Even so, people also consume them to dull other uncomfortable feelings and can become addicted swiftly. Narcotics are typically classified as opiates or opioids. Opiates are naturally derived substances. Opioids are synthetic. Heroin is a well-known illegal narcotic. Legal drugs like Vicodin, Percocet, OxyContin, morphine, and fentanyl have pharmaceutical uses but are dependency-causing and frequently misused.

  • Benzodiazepines are mood-changing drugs often prescribed for psychological disorders. But, they can turn addictive when not taken appropriately. Their tranquilizing qualities produce a feeling of being relaxed. Xanax and Klonopin are widely recognized benzos.

  • Stimulants include prescription drugs like Adderall and Ritalin, as well as prohibited drugs like methamphetamines and cocaine. They activate your central nervous system, making you feel focused, invigorated, and exhilarated. Taking too much of stimulants can be deadly.

Every one of these sorts of drugs can result in a drug use disorder. They all possess the potential to disrupt your life and trigger life-endangering medical conditions. Find assistance for yourself or a loved one at the earliest signal of dependence.

How Does Drug Addiction Begin?

There are various reasons why people turn to habit-forming drugs. Some do so recreationally because they enjoy the feelings those chemicals produce. Some people get addicted to medications they're using for medical purposes. Another group of people initiate the use of drugs to self-treat untreated mental illnesses and discover temporary relief.

Regardless of the primary factor for first using these substances, the progression to addiction is generally the same. Your body grows a dependency to the drug, and you become unwell when you don't take it. You use more just to function. You might progressively take greater amounts for the drug to work. You enjoy how it makes you feel. You feel desperate without it and continue using it. Over time, those chemicals take control of the pleasure center of your brain, and you are unable to feel good unless that drug is in your system.

Once you're addicted, finding a steady supply of the drug is all that matters. Numerous people harm relationships, experience illness, give up jobs, and take serious risks becasue of drug addiction. Your addiction controls you and all aspects of your life, and you are unable to stop without professional help.

What Are Some Indications Of Drug Addiction?

It might seem a drug use disorder would be clear. But, these disorders can appear differently among individuals, and loved ones will commonly try to conceal their drug use from you. If you have doubts if you or a friend have a drug use disorder, reflect on these indicators:

  • Having an overwhelming urge to take the drug

  • Failed efforts to slow down on or quit using the drug

  • Dedicating much time obtaining the drug, using it, or coming down from its effects

  • Consuming a prescription for longer periods or in higher amounts than prescribed

  • Finding it hard to fulfill obligations due to drug use

  • Letting go of cherished pursuits to take drugs

  • Persistent use of the drug even though it affects relationships

  • Continued use of the drug even though it adversely impacts your mental and physical health

  • Having to take more of the drug to feel its effects

  • Going through withdrawal when making an effort to quit

  • Engaging in risky behavior to get or take the drug

Drug use disorders may look different among people. If you or someone close to you are exhibiting any indications of drug addiction near Morristown, speak with a doctor or addiction treatment professional.

Where To Obtain Drug Addiction Treatment In Morristown

Drug use disorder treatment is a multi-tier process. The majority of individuals will experience setbacks and need to return to certain steps many times. While there isn’t a “cure” for drug use disorder, countless individuals acheive recovery and implement what they explore during treatment to maintain a fulfilling, substance-free life. The answer is getting expert, evidence-based treatment that matches your needs.

Every person’s recovery journey will be distinct. But, treatment usually includes the these steps at accredited treatment facilities:

  • Drug detox is the way to let your body rid itself of substances. Your system will do this automatically if you abstain from taking more drugs. However, if you have a dependence, your body will encounter withdrawal without drugs. To complete detox in a safe fashion, you should enter an inpatient detox treatment center that offers round-the-clock medical guidance and takes measures to keep you comfortable.

  • Drug rehab programs also give you inpatient treatment. In rehab, you’ll still live at a treatment facility and enjoy access to clinical support for any persistent withdrawal symptoms. You go to different types of counseling sessions every day with the aim of understanding your addiction, cultivating new positive habits, and managing any underlying mental disorders. You should continue in rehab until you feel physically and psychologically strong enough to leave that substance-free environment.

  • Once you depart rehab, you should still get expert addiction support. Outpatient addiction and mental health care will help you navigate your life without harmful substances. These programs give you ongoing counseling and medication management. At first, you could attend outpatient care every day and head home in the evenings. Gradually, you’ll require less therapy and could only participate in therapy once a week or less.

Every person is entitled to expert, caring addiction treatment. Regardless of how serious your addiction might be, recovery is possible. Pursuing professional support at a qualified treatment center is necessary for your future. There’s no need to battle addiction by yourself. You will find many choices for drug addiction treatment near Morristown.

How Can Families Help A Loved One Battling Drug Addiction Near Morristown?

People with a drug use disorder need all the assistance they can find. Family members and friends can be important for addiction recovery. If you love a person with a drug use disorder, here are many ways you are able to assist them:

Find Help For Drug Use Disorders Near Morristown Today

No individual should try to handle drug use disorders by themselves. If you or a loved one are battling with drug addiction, recovery is possible. Turn to Sunrise Detox Stirling at 908-274-2043 or complete our contact form below. A member of our team will answer you immediately to explore treatment. All calls are free and private. We respond at all hours, 365 days a year. Help is available now. We are standing by for you.