If you are concerned that you may have a drug addiction or that your loved one is suffering from a substance use disorder, it is important to know what options there are for treatment to get help.
An addiction or substance use disorder is a mental illness, requiring the support of a medical professional. It is not something to be ashamed of or to judge someone for. Addiction is defined as a relapsing mental illness that causes individuals to have problems with home, school, work, or social aspects of their life.
If you think that you or a loved one need help, but are unsure of where to start looking, contact Valley Recovery & Treatment today. Our addiction treatment programs offer a variety of opportunities for you or your loved one to access high-quality addiction treatment in a safe and supported environment.
Signs & Symptoms of a Drug Addiction
If you are here and wondering how to treat a drug addiction, the first important step is to know the signs and symptoms. While these can vary based on the specific drug, there are several general things you can keep in mind when making a self-assessment or observation.
Mental health disorders, like substance abuse, take a toll on more than just your mental health. It impacts your physical and emotional health as well. At MentalHealth.Gov, a site devoted to telling you everything you need to know about mental health disorders, they list the following physical, emotional, and social changes related to substance abuse.
- Behavioral changes, such as:
- Drop in attendance and performance at work or school
- Frequently getting into trouble (fights, accidents, illegal activities)
- Using substances in physically hazardous situations such as while driving or operating a machine
- Engaging in secretive or suspicious behaviors
- Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
- Unexplained change in personality or attitude
- Sudden mood swings, irritability, or angry outbursts
- Periods of unusual hyperactivity, agitation, or giddiness
- Lacking of motivation
- Appearing fearful, anxious, or paranoid, with no reason
- Physical changes, such as:
- Bloodshot eyes and abnormally sized pupils
- Sudden weight loss or weight gain
- Deterioration of physical appearance
- Unusual smells on breath, body, or clothing
- Tremors, slurred speech, or impaired coordination
- Social changes, such as:
- Sudden change in friends, favorite hangouts, and hobbies
- Legal problems related to substance use
- Unexplained need for money or financial problems
- Using substances even though it causes problems in relationships”
These signs and symptoms indicate that you or your loved one needs support and help to get the medical attention they need to change their substance use. We recommend calling Valley Recovery & Treatment to get an evaluation on your treatment needs.
How to Treat a Drug Addiction
The second step of how to treat a drug addiction, after noticing the problem, is finding help. Because this is an illness, it requires medical attention. By going to a therapist or counselor, who is trained to treat mental illnesses, you can recover. However, it is important to note that addiction is a relapsing mental illness, which means you may feel fine for a while, but without constant upkeep and strengthening of your mental health, relapses may occur.
When choosing the appropriate course of action for how to treat a drug addiction, it is important to know what options you have available. Addiction treatment programs can be residential inpatient programs that monitor individuals 24/7 to ensure their safety and support through this transition, which can be crucial for clients just starting on their recovery journey. Rehab programs can also occur in an outpatient setting with various levels of intensity. These programs are ideal for individuals with mild forms of addiction or who have already completed an inpatient program.
How Valley Recovery & Treatment Can Help Treat Drug Addiction
Valley Recovery & Treatment offers a variety of treatment options to meet the needs of our clients across Southern California. With multiple treatment facilities, addiction treatment programs designed to meet our clients individualized needs, and expert medical staff we believe that sustainable recovery is possible.
Contact us today to see how Valley Recovery & Treatment can help you take action and fight back against addiction.
