What To Know About Drug Use Disorder And Addiction

No one ever expects to battle a drug use disorder, but this complex disease touches millions of Americans each year. Drug use disorders alter your mind and body and can derail your life. Thankfully, there is assistance for individuals battling drug use. Expert drug addiction treatment is available in the Atlanta area and can help you reclaim control of your life. Read on to find out more about drug use disorders and addiction and how individuals and families can overcome these conditions with specialized guidance.

What Is A Drug Use Disorder?

A lot of people consume illicit drugs for social reasons or powerful prescription drugs to treat medical conditions. But at what point does drug use transform into a life-changing disorder?

Commonly, drug use develops into a disorder when an individual displays problematic patterns of use and can no longer manage their use. Drug use disorders are mental illnesses that vary between mild to severe. These health issues disrupt your life and have an adverse impact on your health.

There are differing aspects of drug use disorders:

• Dependence develops when your body becomes so used to a drug that it struggles to function in its absence. You will experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking the drug.


• Addiction is a psychological dependence. Habit-forming drugs change your brain chemistry so that you persistently want those substances and feel urged to use them increasingly. You are no longer able to control your mind and conduct. Addiction is the most extreme element of substance use disorders.

All degrees of drug use disorder are harmful to your body, mind, relationships, and wellbeing. If you are concerned that you or someone you love has a drug use disorder, get competent care for recovery. All people have a right to help.

What Drugs Are Addictive?

Habit-forming drugs possess strong chemicals that change your brain. Many are dangerous enough to be illegal. Others are authorized prescriptions but can become unsafe when misused or overused. Below are several of the frequently encountered addictive drugs in the United States:

• Narcotics diminish the senses, which causes them to be effective pain relievers. Even so, individuals also consume them to minimize other unwanted feelings and can get addicted swiftly. Narcotics are often grouped as opiates or opioids. Opiates are nature-based substances. Opioids are synthetic. Heroin is a widespread unlawful narcotic. Legal drugs like OxyContin, Vicodin, Percocet, fentanyl, and morphine have pharmaceutical uses but are addictive and frequently used improperly.


• Benzodiazepines are mood-altering drugs frequently prescribed for mental health disorders. However, they can turn addictive when not used appropriately. Their sedative qualities make you feel relaxed. Xanax and Klonopin are widely recognized benzos.


• Stimulants consist of medications like Adderall and Ritalin, as well as illegal drugs like cocaine and meth. They activate your central nervous system, leaving you feeling alert, energized, and exhilarated. Overdosing of stimulants can be life-threatening.

Every one of these types of drugs can develop into a drug use disorder. They all possess the ability to derail your life and trigger life-threatening medical conditions. Find assistance for yourself or a person you care about at the earliest sign of substance dependency.

How Does Drug Addiction Begin?

There are numerous reasons why people begin using habit-forming drugs. Some do so recreationally because they like the feelings those chemicals produce. Others become dependent on prescriptions they're taking for medical reasons. Many people start using drugs to self-medicate undiagnosed mental illnesses and find brief respite.

Whatever the primary factor for first using these substances, the route to addiction is usually the same. Your body grows a dependency to the drug, and you become sick when you don't use it. You ingest more just to function. You might progressively need larger doses for the drug to have an impact. You like how its effect feels. You feel desperate without it and keep taking it. Eventually, those chemicals take control of the reward system of your brain, and you can no longer feel good unless that drug is in your system.

When you're addicted, getting a steady supply of the drug becomes all that matters. Numerous people forfeit jobs, endure illness, harm relationships, and take great risks due to drug addiction. Your addiction dominates you and every part of your life, and you are powerless to stop without skilled assistance.

What Are Indications Of Drug Addiction?

You might surmise that a drug use disorder would be obvious. But, these disorders can manifest differently among individuals, and those you love will commonly try to conceal their drug use from family. If you are uncertain if you or a friend have a drug use disorder, reflect on the following signs:

• Feeling an overwhelming urge to consume the drug


• Unsuccessful efforts to cut back on or stop using the drug


• Allocating much time and energy getting the drug, taking it, or coming down from its effects


• Using a prescription for longer durations or in higher amounts than intended


• Having difficulty fulfilling obligations due to drug use


• Abandoning cherished pastimes to take drugs


• Continual use of the drug even though it damages relationships


• Persistent use of the drug even when it adversely impacts your mental and physical health


• Requiring more of the substance to feel its effects


• Experiencing withdrawal when trying to stop


• Putting yourself at risk to obtain or use the drug

Drug use disorders may look different among people. If you or a loved one are showing any indications of drug addiction near Atlanta, consult with a doctor or addiction treatment expert.

Where To Find Drug Addiction Treatment In Atlanta

Drug use disorder treatment is a multi-faceted process. Many people will endure relapses and have to revisit steps multiple times. You may not be “cured” of drug use disorder, but numerous people enter recovery and implement what they learn during treatment to live a healthy, substance-free life. The solution is finding skilled, evidence-based treatment that matches your needs.

No two addiction recovery avenues are the same. But, treatment typically consists of the these steps at authorized treatment facilities:

• Drug detox is the method of letting your body cleanse itself of drugs. Your body will do this on its own if you refrain from taking more drugs. Unfortunately, if you have a drug dependency, your body will encounter withdrawal without using. To complete detox in a safe manner, you should check into an inpatient detox center that offers 24/7 medical support and takes measures to keep you comfortable.


• Drug rehab programs also give you inpatient treatment. In rehab, you’ll keep living at a treatment facility and get access to clinical support for any lingering withdrawal symptoms. Each day, you attend different types of psychotherapy with the aim of comprehending your addiction, cultivating new positive habits, and addressing any existing mental disorders. You should remain in rehab until you become mentally and physically strong enough to depart that drug-free environment.


• Once you depart rehab, you should still receive expert addiction treatment. Outpatient addiction and mental health services will help you move forward in life without addictive drugs. These programs offer continuing counseling and medication management. To start, you may go to outpatient treatment every day and return home each night. Eventually, you’ll require less care and may only participate in therapy once a week or less.

Every person is entitled to skilled, compassionate addiction treatment. No matter how serious your addiction might be, there is hope. Seeking appropriate treatment at a qualified treatment center is essential for your success. You don’t have to battle addiction alone. You will find multiple options for drug addiction treatment near Atlanta.

How Can Families Help A Loved One Struggling With Drug Addiction Near Atlanta?

Those with a drug use disorder need all the assistance they can obtain. Family and friends can play crucial roles in addiction recovery. If you love an individual with a drug use disorder, here are many ways you can support them:

• Help them enter a treatment center


• Help them pay for treatment


• Participate in family counseling with them


• Take part in aftercare planning


• Provide a safe, sober setting to live in


• Withhold judgment


• Set ground rules around their substance use


• Provide transportation to outpatient treatment appointments

Find Help For Drug Use Disorders Near Atlanta Today

Nobody should confront drug use disorders on their own. If you or a person you care about are struggling with drug addiction, there is hope for recovery. Turn to Sunrise Detox Alpharetta at (678) 928-6557 or complete the following contact from. A member of our team will answer you promptly to discuss treatment. All calls are free and secure. We respond 24-hours a day, all year round. Get help now. We are standing by for you.