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What To Know About Drug Use Disorder And Addiction

November 08, 2024

Nobody ever plans on developing a drug use disorder, but this challenging disease impacts millions of Americans every single year. Drug use disorders change your brain and body and can ruin your life. Fortunately, there is assistance for those dealing with drug use. Specialized drug addiction treatment is offered in the Orlando area and can enable you to reclaim control of your life. Read on to find out more about drug use disorders and addiction and how individuals and families can conquer these conditions with professional help.

What Is A Drug Use Disorder?

Numerous people use illicit drugs for recreational purposes or powerful prescription drugs to manage health conditions. But when does drug use transform into a life-changing disorder?

Typically, drug use becomes a disorder when someone exhibits troubling patterns of drug use and loses control of their use. Drug use disorders are mental health disorders that range from mild to severe. These disorders unsettle your life and have a detrimental effect on your wellbeing.

There are distinct facets of drug use disorders:

  • Dependence begins when your body becomes so accustomed to a drug that it struggles to perform in its absence. You will endure distressing withdrawal symptoms if you quit using the drug.

  • Addiction is a psychological dependence. Habit-forming drugs alter your brain function so that you constantly desire those drugs and feel urged to consume them in growing amounts. You are no longer in command of your thoughts and behaviors. Addiction is the most serious form of substance use disorders.

All phases of drug use disorder are harmful to your body, mind, relationships, and quality of life. If you are concerned that you or someone you love has a drug use disorder, seek skilled treatment for recovery. All individuals deserve help.

What Drugs Are Dependency-causing?

Addictive drugs possess strong chemicals that change your brain. Many are dangerous enough to be prohibited by law. Others are approved prescription drugs but can turn unsafe when taken improperly or overused. Below are many of the frequently encountered addictive drugs in the US:

  • Narcotics diminish the senses, which makes them powerful analgesics. But, individuals also consume them to dull other unpleasant feelings and can become addicted rapidly. Narcotics can be categorized as opiates or opioids. Opiates are nature-based substances. Opioids are lab-created. Heroin is a well-known prohibited narcotic. Legal substances like OxyContin, Vicodin, Percocet, fentanyl, and morphine have medical uses but are addictive and often misused.

  • Benzodiazepines are mood-altering drugs frequently given for psychological disorders. Even so, they can cause addiction when not used appropriately. Their calming qualities make you feel relaxed. Valium and Xanax are familiar benzos.

  • Stimulants encompass prescription drugs like Ritalin and Adderall, as well as illegal drugs like cocaine and meth. They stimulate your central nervous system, leaving you feeling animated, focused, and elated. Overdosing of stimulants can be deadly.

Each of these types of drugs can result in a drug use disorder. They all have the ability to disrupt your life and cause life-threatening medical conditions. Seek help for yourself or someone close to you at the initial sign of substance dependency.

How Does Drug Addiction Occur?

There are various reasons why people turn to dependency-causing drugs. Many do so recreationally because they relish in the effects those chemicals generate. Others get addicted to prescription drugs they're using for medical reasons. Additional people begin using drugs to self-treat unmanaged mental illnesses and discover temporary comfort.

Whatever the primary factor for first taking these substances, the progression to addiction is generally the same. Your body grows reliant on the drug, and you feel ill when you don't consume it. You ingest more just to get by. You might gradually require greater doses for the drug to work. You appreciate how its influence feels. You feel distressed without it and continue using it. Ultimately, those chemicals dominate the reward system of your brain, and you can no longer experience pleasure unless that drug is present.

Once you're addicted, finding a consistent supply of the drug is all that matters. Multiple people give up jobs, experience medical issues, harm relationships, and take great risks as a result of drug addiction. Your addiction overpowers you and everything in your life, and you are helpless to recover without skilled assistance.

What Are Some Signals Of Drug Addiction?

You might assume that a drug use disorder would be apparent. However, these disorders can appear differently among individuals, and those you love will commonly try to conceal their drug use from family members. If you are uncertain if you or a relative have a drug use disorder, review these signs:

  • Having an overwhelming urge to consume the drug

  • Unsuccessful tries to cut down on or cease using the drug

  • Allocating a great deal of energy and time obtaining the drug, taking it, or recovering from its effects

  • Taking a prescription drug for longer timeframes or in larger amounts than intended

  • Finding it hard to fulfill obligations due to drug use

  • Giving up favorite pastimes to use drugs

  • Continuing to use the drug even though it harms relationships

  • Continued use of the drug even when it adversely impacts your physical and psychological health

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

  • Experiencing withdrawal when trying to quit

  • Taking risks to acquire or ingest the drug

Drug use disorders may look different among individuals. If you or someone you love are displaying any signs of drug addiction near Orlando, speak with a doctor or addiction treatment specialist.

Where To Obtain Drug Addiction Treatment In Orlando

Drug use disorder treatment is a multi-step process. Most people will experience setbacks and need to return to certain steps multiple times. You won’t be “cured” of drug use disorder, but many individuals enter recovery and apply what they learn during treatment to live a healthy, substance-free life. The answer is getting skilled, proven treatment that aligns with your needs.

Every person’s recovery journey will be uniquely their own. Even so, treatment usually includes the these steps at licensed treatment facilities:

  • Drug detox is the process of letting your body cleanse itself of drugs. Your body will do this naturally if you abstain from taking more drugs. However, if you have a drug dependence, your body will go into withdrawal without substances. To complete detox in a safe manner, you should go to an inpatient detox center that provides 24/7 medical supervision and takes steps to keep you comfortable.

  • Drug rehab programs also give you inpatient support. During rehab, you’ll continue to live at a treatment facility and have access to specialized healthcare for any lingering withdrawal symptoms. You attend different types of psychotherapy daily with the purpose of comprehending your addiction, learning new positive habits, and addressing any existing mental disorders. You should continue in rehab until you feel mentally and physically strong enough to leave that sober environment.

  • After you depart rehab, you should continue to receive intensive addiction care. Outpatient addiction and mental health services will help you move forward in life without drugs. These programs provide ongoing counseling sessions and medication management. Initially, you may attend outpatient treatment daily and go home every evening. Over time, you won’t need as much therapy and could only attend therapy on a weekly basis or less.

Every individual deserves expert, compassionate addiction treatment. Regardless of how advanced your addiction might be, recovery is possible. Getting professional treatment at a licensed facility is critical for your success. There’s no need to fight addiction alone. You will find many options for drug addiction treatment near Orlando.

How Can Families Support A Loved One Grappling With Drug Addiction Near Orlando?

People with a drug use disorder need all the support they can get. Friends and family can be crucial to addiction recovery. If you are close to an individual with a drug use disorder, here are some ways you are able to help them:

  • Help them get into a treatment program

  • Help them cover the cost of treatment

  • Go to family counseling with them

  • Play an active role in aftercare planning

  • Give them a safe, drug-free environment to live in

  • Don’t pass judgment

  • Set boundaries around their drug use

  • Provide transportation to outpatient treatment appointments

Find Help For Drug Use Disorders Near Orlando Today

No one should confront drug use disorders alone. If you or a loved one are grappling with drug addiction, there is hope. Call Sunrise Detox Orlando at 407-305-4029 or fill out the following contact from. A member of our team will respond immediately to discuss treatment. Every call is free and confidential. We respond at all hours, all year round. Get help now. We are standing by for you.