The Truth About Drug Addiction
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), in 2020, 40.3 million people (14.5%) aged 12 and over had a SUD during the past year. This included 28.3 million with alcohol use disorder, 18.4 million with an illicit drug disorder, and 6.5 million people with both alcohol and an illicit drug disorder. There are many reasons people start out using drugs or alcohol. It may start as a way to feel good or to fit in. However, addiction can soon take over someone’s life. No one chooses active addiction.
Different substances have various effects and levels of addiction on people. One thing is certain, they all cause chemical changes to occur in the brain within seconds to minutes of entering the body. All addictive substances affect the brain pathways that involve pleasure and reward. Tolerance can build quickly when the brain thinks, “This feels good. Let’s do more.” In addition, the body develops physical dependence. Someone who has become dependent may start to experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms when they try to cut back or stop using the substance.
Substance use disorders are often linked to other mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety. Dual diagnosis can make treatment more complex. Because of this, it is critical to address unlying issues that contribute to substance use. Drug addiction can feel emotionally isolating and frightening. Therefore, we want people to know that they are not alone in their struggles. Our team of addiction specialists is here to help them take the first step toward recovery.
Signs and Symptoms of Drug Addiction
The sooner addiction is recognized and treated, the easier it is to recover. Drug addiction can have serious long-term consequences, so it is important to seek help before the situation becomes worse. Drug addiction treatment in Los Angeles typically involves a combination of medications, counseling, and behavior therapy that are tailored to each individual’s needs. The signs and symptoms of drug addiction can vary based on many factors including the type of substance.
One of the most common signs and symptoms of drug addiction is a strong craving for the drug. This intense craving can be so powerful that it takes over a person’s thinking and behavior. As a result, it often leads them to engage in risky or destructive behaviors to get the substance they are dependent on. In addition, there may be changes in physical appearance, changes in lifestyle, and changes in behavior. These can range from neglecting hygiene to dangerous criminal activity such as stealing or dealing drugs.
Other signs and symptoms of drug addiction may include:
Physical Signs and Symptoms
- Appetite and weight changes
- Sleep changes
- Digestive problems such as constipation, nausea, and vomiting
- Irregular heartbeat
- Elevated body temperature
- High blood pressure
- Drowsiness
- Poor coordination
- Confusion and lapses in memory
- Euphoria
- Unexplainable open sores and needle marks
- Sweating and cold chills
- Runny nose and eyes
Behavioral Signs and Symptoms
- Mood Swings
- Lying
- Borrowing money
- Financial difficulties
- Losing a job or home
- Failing to take care of obligations and responsibilities
- Hiding and wanting privacy
- Paranoia
- Problems with relationships
- Defensive about substance use
- Hostility or aggression
How Drug Addiction is Treated
Treatment for drug addiction begins with understanding the underlying causes of the addiction. Many factors can contribute to substance abuse including mental health issues, trauma, family history of addiction, peer pressure, and poverty. Treatment plans typically involve a combination of therapies based on individual needs and preferences.
At CAST Treatment Centers, we focus on healing and recovery in all areas of someone’s life. We understand the integration of physical, emotional, and spiritual health, and we believe that all of these elements must come together during the recovery process. Because of this, we offer patient-centered holistic treatment that involves healing the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. We are here to actively support clients during every part of the journey toward a substance-free life.
Although addiction is a chronic and progressive disease, it is treatable. Every person’s experience with substance use and addiction is unique. When someone joins us at CAST Treatment Centers for drug rehab in Los Angeles, they will have a team of specialists dedicated to creating an individualized treatment plan based on their specific needs. As such, this approach considers a client’s history, present, and future. While our substance use disorder recovery programs require a minimum of four weeks commitment, many find that more time in the program can be incredibly beneficial. Some of the drug addictions we treat include:
- Cocaine
- Methamphetamine
- Opioids
- Prescription Medication
Treatment Programs at CAST Treatment Centers
CAST Alignment Model (CAM)
At our facility, we offer the CAST alignment model (CAM). Through this model, we combine support and treatment as patients go through two stages. First, they will build a foundation for healing and commitment to life by building coping skills, healthy habits, and behaviors. In the second stage, people will learn how to live a balanced home and lifestyle. We prioritize developing the ability to improve a person’s life at home, school, or work, by learning self-care and other useful skills.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
Our partial hospitalization program (PHP), also called day treatment, provides a less intensive level of treatment than an inpatient or residential program but is more intensive than an outpatient program. Some people enter PHP therapy after a residential inpatient level of care or hospitalization. Clients can also come directly into the partial hospitalization level of care before their mental health or substance use requires inpatient treatment.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Our intensive outpatient program (IOP) provides a way of stepping down after completing a residential program or PHP. For some people, IOP may be a step up from outpatient care. For others, IOP may be the first step in their recovery journey. This form of treatment provides flexibility for clients to participate in individual and group sessions. IOP can also include medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and family programming.
LUNA Evening IOP
Our evening IOP program called “LUNA” offers a unique telehealth treatment approach to substance use disorders. LUNA can also help manage symptoms of mental health disorders, like depression and anxiety. The evening LUNA IOP was developed to foster a sense of connection for clients struggling with mental health and substance use disorders. Clients meet in a virtual space so they can participate in the program no matter where they are.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) allows clients to receive FDA-approved medications that can assist in preventing relapse. Suppose a client chooses to participate in MAT. In that case, CAST Treatment Centers will ensure that the introduction of MAT is implemented at the appropriate time and maintained during treatment, as determined by the Medical Director and the client’s physician. Examples of MAT medications include, but are not limited to, Acamprosate, Disulfiram, Buprenorphine, Naltrexone, and/or Vivitrol.
Online Treatment Program
Online addiction and mental health treatment is also known as e-therapy, cyber-counseling, and telebehavioral health. Online treatment offers the delivery of mental health and substance use services away from the traditional office setting in the comfort of a person’s home. Instead of meeting a therapist or counselor in person, the client connects with them via their computer, tablet, or smartphone. Those eligible for receiving online treatment include practically anyone diagnosed with substance use or mental health disorder such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, or bipolar disorder.
Aftercare Program
The NEXT STEP Program is an exciting new mental health and rehab aftercare plan designed for people who have completed treatment and want to take that NEXT STEP to better their lives. This specialized program motivates people to visualize and implement an authentic and productive future. NEXT STEP is ideal for individuals to utilize everything they’ve learned and experienced during treatment to live a more fulfilling life as they continue their recovery journey.
Custom Outpatient Program
The Custom Outpatient level of care can be for clients that have work or other obligations, and therefore cannot attend a scheduled PHP or IOP program. It may also be appropriate for clients that require more discretion and privacy. CAST Treatment Centers will assess and design a treatment plan that meets any emotional, intellectual, and practical needs because we understand that sometimes real life can’t be put on hold for recovery.
Begin Drug Rehab in Los Angeles, CA
CAST Treatment Centers is a local drug rehab in Los Angeles, CA. We welcome the opportunity to speak with you and work together towards a more fulfilled and empowered life, free from substance use and addiction. We offer treatment options for drug addiction as well as co-occurring mental health disorders such as outpatient therapy, aftercare, and coaching.
Contact our addiction specialists today to discuss our highly successful treatment programs.
