What To Know About Drug Use Disorder And Addiction

No one ever expects to battle a drug use disorder, but this challenging disease impacts millions of Americans every year. Drug use disorders change your mind and body and can devastate your life. Thankfully, there is support for anyone battling drug use. Expert drug addiction treatment is available in the Roswell area and can help you take back control of your life. Read on to learn more about drug use disorders and addiction and how individuals and families can prevail over these conditions with expert support.

What Is A Drug Use Disorder?

Numerous people take illicit drugs for recreational purposes or powerful prescription drugs to address physical conditions. But at what time does drug use transform into a life-impacting disorder?

Generally, drug use transforms into a disorder when an individual shows problematic patterns of drug use and can no longer manage their use. Drug use disorders are mental illnesses that span from mild to severe. These conditions disrupt your life and adversely affect your wellbeing.

There are distinct aspects of drug use disorders:

• Dependence occurs when your system becomes so used to a drug that it struggles to operate when it’s not present. You will endure distressing withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking the drug.


• Addiction is a mental dependence. Addictive drugs change your brain chemistry so that you persistently desire those drugs and feel urged to take them in growing amounts. You are unable to regulate your mental state and actions. Addiction is the most serious part of substance use disorders.

All phases of drug use disorder are hurtful to your relationships, mind, body, and happiness. If you think you or a person you care about has a drug use disorder, find competent care for recovery. Everybody deserves help.

What Drugs Are Addictive?

Addictive drugs contain potent chemicals that alter your brain. Various ones are dangerous enough to be outlawed. Others are approved medicines but can turn unsafe when taken improperly or consumed too frequently. Below are many of the frequently encountered addictive drugs in the US:

• Narcotics deaden the senses, which causes them to be effective painkillers. But, people also consume them to minimize other uncomfortable feelings and can become addicted rapidly. Narcotics can be grouped as opiates or opioids. Opiates are nature-based drugs. Opioids are manufactured. Heroin is a widespread prohibited narcotic. Legal drugs like OxyContin, Vicodin, Percocet, fentanyl, and morphine have therapeutic uses but are habit-forming and commonly used improperly.


• Benzodiazepines are mood-altering drugs often recommended for psychological disorders. But, they can turn addictive when not used correctly. Their sedative qualities make you feel relaxed. Xanax and Valium are widely recognized benzos.


• Stimulants encompass prescription drugs like Adderall and Ritalin, as well as prohibited drugs like methamphetamines and cocaine. They stimulate your central nervous system, making you feel alert, animated, and exhilarated. Excessive use of stimulants can be life-threatening.

Each of these sorts of drugs can result in a drug use disorder. They all have the potential to destabilize your life and trigger life-endangering medical conditions. Seek assistance for yourself or a person you care about at the first sign of dependency.

How Does Drug Addiction Begin?

There are numerous reasons why individuals turn to dependency-causing drugs. Numerous do so for enjoyment because they enjoy the sensations those chemicals create. Different individuals get addicted to prescriptions they're taking for medical treatment. Many people initiate the use of drugs to self-treat undiagnosed mental illnesses and discover brief respite.

No matter the motivation for first taking these substances, the progression to addiction is typically the same. Your body starts to be dependent on the drug, and you get unwell when you don't consume it. You ingest more just to get by. You might progressively require higher amounts for the drug to be effective. You appreciate how it makes you feel. You feel distressed without it and keep taking it. Over time, those chemicals take control of the pleasure circuits of your brain, and you are unable to feel normal unless that drug is in your system.

When you're addicted, obtaining a reliable supply of the drug is the only thing that matters. Many people endure health problems, destroy relationships, give up jobs, and take great risks as a result of drug addiction. Your addiction controls you and every part of your life, and you are unable to quit without professional support.

What Are Some Signs Of Drug Addiction?

It could look like a drug use disorder would be apparent. But, these disorders can appear differently among individuals, and those you love will commonly try to hide their drug use from family members. If you are uncertain if you or a relative have a drug use disorder, consider these signs:

• Having an overwhelming urge to consume the drug


• Failed attempts to cut down on or cease using the drug


• Allocating a great deal of time and energy obtaining the drug, ingesting it, or coming down from its effects


• Consuming a prescription for longer timeframes or in larger amounts than ordered


• Having difficulty handling responsibilities due to drug use


• Letting go of cherished activities to use drugs


• Continual use of the drug even when it harms relationships


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


• Needing more of the substance to experience its effects


• Experiencing withdrawal when making an effort to halt use


• Engaging in risky behavior to obtain or take the drug

Drug use disorders can look different among individuals. If you or someone you love are exhibiting any indications of drug addiction near Roswell, speak with a local doctor or addiction treatment professional.

Where To Find Drug Addiction Treatment In Roswell

Drug use disorder treatment is a multi-step process. Many people will endure relapses and have to return to certain steps many times. While there may not be a “cure” for drug use disorder, countless patients enter recovery and use what they discuss during treatment to live a healthy, sober life. The solution is locating skilled, proven treatment that matches your needs.

No two addiction recovery journeys are exactly the same. However, treatment usually consists of the these steps at authorized treatment facilities:

• Drug detox is the way to let your body cleanse itself of drugs. Your system will do this naturally if you abstain from taking more drugs. Unfortunately, if you have a dependence, your body will experience withdrawal without substances. To safely complete detox, you should check into an inpatient detox facility that offers 24/7 medical guidance and takes steps to keep you comfortable.


• Drug rehab programs also give you inpatient treatment. During rehab, you’ll still live at a treatment facility and get access to specialized healthcare for any persistent withdrawal symptoms. Every day, you participate in different sorts of therapy with the goal of understanding your addiction, developing new positive habits, and addressing any underlying mental disorders. You should stay in rehab until you are physically and psychologically stable enough to leave that drug-free environment.


• When you depart rehab, you should still receive expert addiction care. Outpatient addiction and mental health therapy will help you move forward in life without addictive drugs. These programs provide ongoing counseling and medication management. Initially, you could participate in outpatient support each day and return home each night. Eventually, you won’t need as much support and could only attend therapy on a weekly basis or less.

Every person deserves specialized, caring addiction treatment. No matter how severe your addiction may be, there is hope. Getting the right treatment at a qualified facility is essential for your success. There’s no need to face addiction alone. There are many options for drug addiction treatment near Roswell.

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

People with a drug use disorder need all the support they can obtain. Family and friends can play essential roles in addiction recovery. If you are close to someone with a drug use disorder, here are several ways you may help them:

• Help them enter a treatment facility


• Help them make payments for treatment


• Attend family counseling with them


• Play an active role in aftercare planning


• Provide a safe, substance-free environment to live in


• Withhold judgment


• Set limits around their substance use


• Offer transportation to outpatient treatment appointments

Get Help For Drug Use Disorders Near Roswell Today

No individual should confront drug use disorders alone. If you or a family member are battling with drug addiction, there is hope. Turn to The Counseling Center At Roswell at 470-444-4280 or submit the contact form on this page. A member of our team will reply immediately to explore treatment. All communications are free and private. You can reach us 24/7, all year round. Find help today. We are here for you.