It may be difficult to understand what a drug addiction is and why people become addicted to drugs. Unfortunately, addiction is often portrayed not the right way or in a negative light on TV and in movies.

Here at My Recovery Source, we want to provide information for individuals who may be struggling with a drug addiction or individuals who have loved ones who are suffering from a drug addiction. Within this article, we give information about how a drug addiction is defined, what causes a drug addiction, how a drug addiction is treated, and how we can help at My Recovery Source.

Drug Addiction Defined

An addiction is a chronic disease that is characterized by drug-seeking behavior and compulsive usage of drugs that can be difficult to control despite the harmful consequences. Repeated usage of drugs can lead to changes within the brain that challenge the addicted individual’s self-control. This then could cause an inability of these individuals to resist the drug, which is why an addiction is considered a relapsing disease.

What Are Some Causes of Drug Addiction?

There are numerous causes/risk factors why someone may become addicted to substances/drugs. These different causes/risk factors that someone may become addicted to a substance include:

• Biology – Genes in which people are born with can influence their risk to develop an addiction. This includes different factors such as one’s gender, ethnicity, and the presence of other mental disorders such as anxiety and depression. 
• Environment – An individual’s environment can influence the individual’s risk of getting addicted to a substance. The factors within the environment include things such as the social-economic status of you and others around you, general quality of life, peer pressure, abuse (physical, emotional, sexual, etc.), early exposure to drugs, stress, and even parental guidance. 
• Development – This nature (biology) vs. nurture (environment) affects one’s development throughout their life. Taking drugs at any age can lead to addiction, but the earlier that an individual starts to take drugs the more likely it will progress into an addiction. This can become very problematic for teenagers because the prefrontal lobe is still developing. The prefrontal lobe is the area within the brain that controls decision-making, judgement, and self-control. This is why teens are prone to indulge in risky behaviors which include trying different substances/drugs.

How Is Drug Addiction Treated?

A drug addiction can be treated in different ways and there are many evidence-based approaches to treating an addiction. Treatments could include behavioral therapy, medications, or a combination of both. 

• Medications – Medications used for treating certain drugs are things such as individuals addicted to opioids taking meds such as methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone. Other medications include meds for drugs such as nicotine. These medications are used within patches, gum, nasal spray, etc.
• Behavioral therapies – Behavior therapies are used to help motivate addicted individuals to participate in their drug treatment. They also offer coping strategies with cravings for the drug and withdrawal. It teaches ways in which to avoid the drugs, prevent relapse, and help individuals deal with/cope with a relapse if it occurs. Behavioral therapies improve communication skills, relationships, parenting skills, and even family dynamics. 

Within behavioral therapies, there are programs there can be programs that are specifically related to the substance that the individual is abusing. There are also individual and group therapies. Group therapy can provide a sort of social reinforcement that enforces behaviors that promote abstinence and a sober lifestyle. 

How My Recovery Source Can Help

Here at My Recovery Source, we help our clients search for resources and treatment that is the best treatment for them. We provide a custom search option for your location, substance of abuse, etc. This can help individualize your therapy/treatment program. Reach out to us today to find a treatment program that can provide a sturdy foundation to a sober life! 

Sometimes an opiate addiction isn’t always easy to point out or see. Here at My Recovery Source, we want to raise awareness and talk about the warning signs of addiction. Whether you are taking the opioids yourself or you know someone who is taking them, there are certain signs that the use has turned into abuse. Within this article, we have provided information about what an opioid/opiate addiction is, the signs of narcotic/opioid use to look out for, the best way to get help with an opiate addiction, and how we can help. 

What Is an Opiate Addiction? 

Opioids are a class of drugs that can be either prescribed or illegal. The illegal drugs are heroin and synthetic opioids such as fentanyl. The prescribed drugs are oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, and morphine, just to name a few. A prescription drug can become an addiction and a problem when it is used incorrectly (not according to the health care provider’s direction). This misuse can risk dependence, tolerance, withdrawal, and addiction. 

Opioid misuse, addiction, and overdoses have caused serious public health problems throughout the United States. When someone becomes addicted to opioids this causes dependence on the drug. Dependence means that the individual will feel withdrawal symptoms when they are not using the drug. Addiction is a chronic brain disease that will cause a person to compulsively seek out drugs even though these drugs cause negative consequences.

Signs of Narcotic Use to Look Out for in Others

There are various signs of narcotic use and opioid addiction a person will present. Some of these signs include things such as:

• Drowsiness/sleepiness
• Frequent flu-like symptoms
• Weight loss
• The inability to stop/control the opioid use
• Lack of hygiene (not bathing, changing clothes, brushing teeth, etc.)
• A decreased libido
• Changes in habits such as diet, exercise, etc.
• Social issues such as isolation and distancing from family or friends
• Stealing from others (family, friends, businesses, etc.)
• Newer financial difficulties
• Sleeping changes such sleeping at odd hours
• Being nervous, cranky, anxious
• Getting into trouble with the law/criminal issues.
• Not attending school or work, or attending them at erratic schedules

• Losing interest in some of the things you/they once enjoyed

What Is the Best Way to Get Help With an Opiate Addiction?

When having an opioid addiction or helping someone overcome that addiction, it is important to reach out to someone or find a treatment facility. Doing your research on different treatment programs, treatment facilities, support groups, etc., is a good way to start to find help for an opioid/opiate addiction. Finding a way to detox from the substance is also another good first step and going through a professional detox is the safest way to detox from a substance.

The best way to get help with an opiate/opioid addiction is to reach out to someone who you trust. This could be a coworker, friend, family member, church leader, etc. If there isn’t really someone that you can reach out to there are plenty of helplines and websites that you can trust to help you. Some of these sites/phone numbers include:

• The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) – 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
• SAMHSA’s – Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator
• The American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry – Patient Referral Program
• National Institute on Drug Abuse – Step by Step Guides to Finding Treatment for Drug Use Disorders.

How My Recovery Source Can Help

Here at My Recovery Source, we want to help our clients find the best possible addiction treatment for them. Whether you are suffering from an opiate addiction or something else, we have the resources you need. We have the option to search for many different treatment programs, support groups, and resources, which can be individualized to each of your recovery needs. Reach out to us today to find treatment, to receive the help you need, and to get more information on how we can help you with your recovery process!

Finding a drug rehab facility that fits your recovery needs is so important, but it may be hard to find the right one without a little guidance. After all, there are numerous drug rehab facilities to choose from. Inpatient, intensive outpatient, it can seem very confusing to someone who hasn’t been to drug treatment before.

Here at My Recovery Source, we offer guidance and direction to anyone who wants to use our services. We are a wealth of information when it comes to addiction treatment and good drug rehab facilities. Today we’ll discuss what a rehab center is, how to go about finding a rehab center, and how we can help you throughout the process.

What Is a Rehab Center? 

A drug rehab center is a facility where individuals who are struggling with an addiction can go to receive help in overcoming that addiction. When starting at a rehab facility individuals may begin with the detox process. This includes medically managing their withdrawal with the help of a professional. While detox physically rides the body of drugs, it does not ‘cure’ addiction.   This is why it is important to continue with addiction treatment after going through detoxification.  

At a rehab center there are usually different types of treatment programs.  These treatment programs may include long-term residential treatment, short-term residential treatment, outpatient treatment programs, individualized drug counseling, and group counseling.  Finding a treatment program that fits your individualized needs is important as it will directly affect your recovery process. If you are a single parent with no long term child care options, inpatient treatment may not be the best option for you. If you have a severe addition and no safe place to live while getting sober, inpatient drug rehab may suit you best. 

How Can I Find a Rehab Center?

When searching for a rehab center it is important to understand what your rehab goals, recovery goals, and needs are. Each rehab center has different types of specialties. This means that they can also help with other underlying issues such as a dual diagnosis or other medical conditions that you may want treated at the same time as treating your addiction.  

After establishing what your recovery needs are, it’s important to consult with a professional and investigate your different rehab options. When doing this consider all of the factors associated with looking at different rehab centers. These factors/questions include things such as:

• Does the drug rehab have inpatient or outpatient treatment?
• What is the drug rehabs speciality? (i.e. alcoholism, dual diagnosis, etc.)
• What types of treatments or therapies do they use (i.e. medication, behavior therapy, group therapy, etc.)
• What amenities or accommodations do they provide?
• Where are they located?
• How long is the program?
• What is the cost of the program?
• Will my insurance cover this treatment within the rehab center?
• Is the program gender specific?

These factors are crucial in considering what will help you maintain sobriety and will support you throughout your recovery process.  Another important thing  to consider is how much support you are receiving from loved ones.  Sometimes you don’t get enough support at home, therefore you’ll want to find a sober support group elsewhere.

Let My Recovery Source Help You Today With Addiction

We hope that this article helped you learn what should be taken into consideration when looking for a good drug rehab facility. Here at My Recovery Source, we understand that this may be a confusing time for you and your loved ones when deciding to get sober and walking through this recovery process. We want to make this process as simple as possible and be as helpful as possible. 

Our website includes rehab options all over the United States. Get in touch with us today to learn more about addiction, how to get sober, and all of the different addiction treatment options available. We are happy to answer any questions you may have! Our staff is waiting for your call.