For many people, drugs and alcohol are most associated with addiction. However, dependency can come in many different forms, including behavioral disorders such as internet addiction or eating disorders. These disorders can be just as damaging as drug or alcohol dependence, and some require entering into a rehabilitation center to seek proper treatment. In some cases, it is the only way to successfully conquer an addiction.
Rehab centers have become adaptive at treating a broad range of both dependence and behavioral issues, using a variety of techniques and treatments. It is important to find the right center for treating specific addictions.
Signs and Symptoms of Addiction
It can be difficult sometimes to determine if a friend or loved one is hiding an addiction. They may not even be aware that they have a problem. However, over time, the signs and symptoms of dependency will become apparent as dependencies began to take over someone’s life.
Some of these signs include:
- Mood changes that are abnormal to that person; their feelings may become dependent on the presence of a substance or activity. They may be difficult to deal with in the absence of such.
- Desire to join in a substance use or activity that they previously hadn’t
- They may start to show impulse control issues
- Work, home, and financial life may begin to suffer
These symptoms are broad, and certainly, don’t apply to everyone. Each person is different, and each addiction is unique. However, if someone’s behavior begins to change suddenly, it may be a sign. It’s important to find out the exact issue and seek out the proper treatment tailored to that problem.
Alcohol Abuse and Addiction
People become addicted to alcohol when they experience intense cravings for it. They may seem to be unable to control the amount they drink; perhaps insisting they will only have a few drinks, but then end up drinking enough to black out. They may begin to drink multiple nights in a row, or early in the day.
What are the consequences of using alcohol?
Alcohol abuse and dependence can devastate lives. While many can mask their problems to family and friends, some people can lose all control and act on impulses they normal wouldn’t if sober, such as infidelity. It’s normal for those addicted to alcohol to experience job loss, divorce, and financial trouble. Some dependencies become so severe that they engage in impulsive or violent behaviors to obtain either alcohol or money for alcohol. They may get into legal trouble or even end up in prison.
What are the dangers of alcohol abuse?
Of course, there are the many risks associated with alcohol, as well. An intoxicated person could cause an accident, possibly hurting and killing themselves or someone else.
There are many health dangers to alcohol abuse; excessive; long-term use has been linked to many health problems, such as liver disease and cancer. People can also die from alcohol poisoning if they consume too much at once.
Alcoholics will develop a tolerance for alcohol over time, and need to drink more. Many will experience a physical dependence once the body becomes accustomed to a certain amount of alcohol in the system. When that gets taken away, the body reacts negatively, in the form of withdrawal. The client may experience shaking, nausea, vomiting, and fever.
What are the withdraw symptoms of alcohol?
Alcohol withdrawals can be uncomfortable, painful, and in some cases, life-threatening. It is important to discuss the decision with a medical professional, and in severe cases, make arrangements with a rehab facility.
For people who want to take charge of their lives and quit drinking alcohol for good, it’s best to seek treatment with a qualified rehab facility. Individuals who receive high-quality treatment have better success with reaching and maintaining sobriety.
Detoxification is necessary for treatment for alcoholism.
Rehab for alcohol abuse and addiction usually begins with an on-site detoxification of the patient. This step is typically the hardest part of the treatment process. It can be dangerous and very painful, but there are always medical professionals available to help the patient with withdrawal symptoms. In severe cases, medication may be used to help alleviate symptoms during this phase.
After detox, it is important to continue treatment through a rehabilitation program, which includes therapy for as long is necessary. In therapy, recovering alcoholics examine life to discover the root issues of their dependencies to understand why they drink. They may come to terms with issues and develop ways to avoid succumbing to temptation in the future.
Therapy could come in the form of individual therapy, group therapy, or even family therapy. In family therapy, families can show support and join in the counseling, discussing familial issues and healing any problems that may have been created by the addiction.
Dependence is not the same for everyone call [number] for immediate help.
Alcohol addiction is not the same for everyone. Therefore, treatment is not the same for everyone. A good rehab facility will treat each patient as such, and work to make their treatment successful for them. They will also continue to offer services after program treatment, such as check-up counseling sessions.
Recovering alcoholics can also find continued support with support groups, such as Alcoholic’s Anonymous.
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Tobacco Abuse and Addiction
What is tobacco?
Tobacco is a leafy green plant that is dried, ground up and consumed in different ways. This includes cigars, cigarettes, pipe and chewing tobacco and wet and dry snuff. Tobacco contains a stimulant drug called nicotine that affects the body’s biochemistry. Nicotine may be equally addictive as heroin or cocaine. When tobacco is burned, it releases carbon monoxide and other toxins.
What are the consequences of using tobacco products?
Tobacco smoke contains a deadly mix of over 7,000 toxic chemicals. For example, cigarettes contain trace amounts of acetone, which is used in nail polish remover, and benzene, which is commonly found in gasoline. They also contain trace amounts of ammonia, formaldehyde, arsenic and cyanide. Approximately 70 of these can cause a variety of cancers, such as nose, mouth, throat, lung, liver and even bone marrow cancer. Tobacco use negatively affects physical health, but may also lead to work, social and financial problems. However, smoking affects everyone differently according to different factors, such as health, amount consumed and whether other drugs are taken at the same time.
What are the signs and symptoms of tobacco abuse?
Cigarette users will most likely have a chronic cough and their hair, breath and clothes will strongly smell like cigarettes. People who chew tobacco will probably spit a lot, while individuals who inhale snuff will probably sneeze a lot. Persons who are addicted to smoking will probably need to smoke or chew after every meal or right after they wake up in the morning. Tobacco users may only be able to handle stress through consuming tobacco products. Tobacco abusers may also avoid certain events or quit certain activities that do not allow smoking. Finally, tobacco abuse increases the likelihood of co-morbidity with other health problems.
What are the effects of tobacco abuse?
Nicotine quickly reaches the brain and causes a variety of physiological reactions. For instance, many users may temporarily feel more alert and relaxed when using tobacco but afterward may feel anxious, moody and depressed. Tobacco abuse, such as smoking, will damage the lungs, increase asthma severity and causes emphysema and chronic coughing. Smoking causes dizziness and headaches as well as stomach cramps and bad breath. In fact, tobacco stains the teeth kills taste buds and causes the gums to bleed. Finally, smoking increases the heart rate and blood pressure, which causes heart disease and heart attacks.
What are the withdraw symptoms of tobacco?
Suddenly giving up smoking after chronic use is very difficult because the body will struggle to function without it. Withdrawal symptoms generally start after two to three hours after the last usage and may last for a few days or even a few weeks. Common withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, irritability and depression. Cravings, headaches, restless sleep and trouble concentrating are also common. Some users may experience weight gain, digestive irritability and random aches and pains.
Drug Abuse and Addiction
Substance abuse is a major problem worldwide. With a huge range of illicit drugs available both legally and illegally, it’s easy for people to get their hands on them and develop dependency. People can develop addictions to most any drug, including marijuana, cocaine, crack, hallucinogenics, bath salts, opium, speed, heroine, ecstasy, and more.
Prescription drug abuse are also a very common reason for rehab visits, as more and more people are being prescribed medications and becoming physically dependent. They may begin to take more than prescribed because of building tolerance and began to require more as their bodies get used to them. Some people take prescription drugs that do not belong to them and develop addictions. These people may engage in illegal activities to access the drugs because they can’t get prescriptions.
What are the consequences of using drugs?
Just like alcohol, substance abuse, and dependence can destroy lives, cause many health problems, and lead to death. Drugs can be very dangerous, leading to behavior changes which can cause rage, violence, or impulsive actions. They can also cause serious issues when a person decides to quit because the physical dependencies become so intense.
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It’s crucial for drug addicts to seek professional help when they decide they want to quit doing drugs. Most drug withdrawal symptoms can be painful, but some can be deadly. It is important to check into a quality rehab facility and be monitored by health professionals while they detox.
After detox, a recovering addict will participate in a recovery program. Usually, this is part of an on-site rehabilitation program, involving therapy and group activities. Some rehab facilities offer a holistic approach to treatment, incorporating things like yoga and meditation to the recovery plan. Many rehabs have resort settings to promote calmness and well-being; with gourmet food and spa services and amenities.
For those who don’t have severe addictions, out-patient treatment is usually recommended. This process involves daily therapy and in some cases, random drug testing to assure the patient’s sobriety while not on site.
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Behavioral Disorders
Some people develop addictions to behaviors instead of substances. Behavioral disorders include things like food, sex, the internet, and gambling addictions; they also include eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia. Behavioral disorders can be just as dangerous and disruptive to people’s lives as drug or alcohol dependence. Food and eating addictions and disorders, particularly, can lead to severe weight loss or weight gain. These have obvious dangers to a person’s health, and complications from these diseases could lead to death.
What treatment options are available for behavioral disorders?
Behavioral disorders are all different and effect everyone differently. Treatment varies for each illness. An individual may require intense, on-site treatment. Some disorders, such as eating disorders, may require a person to have the daily observation and help from a nutritionist. They may have difficulties living alone and avoiding impulsive behavior without supervision.
Others may just need a simpler approach to out-patient therapy. Their dependencies may not be as severe, and they will benefit from a more relaxed treatment while they continue to work and live at home.
Behavioral therapy programs can be a combination of different types of therapy, including group therapy and family therapy. Many alternative approaches are offered at rehab centers, including yoga, exercise, art therapy, and more.
As with drug and alcohol dependence, treatment should extend once a patient leaves a program. It’s always good to continue therapy or other activities which help the patient stay on the road to recovery.
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It can be tough for an individual to overcome behavioral disorders or addictions. There is a significant amount of rehab centers around the world, with many different programs and treatment options. If someone is in need of therapy for an addiction or disorder, it is imperative to seek help from a qualified and rehab center with experienced professionals. Committing to a program and continuing treatment is essential for achieving and maintaining sobriety in an addict.
