Addiction Treatment: Understanding Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Recovery Options

Struggling with a drug or alcohol addiction? Addiction treatment is critical toward recovery from substance abuse. Our Vegas addiction treatment programs offer comprehensive addiction rehab tailored to meet individual needs. Our addiction treatment services include a variety of evidence-based therapies, such as individual addiction therapy, group sessions, and holistic approaches.

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What is Addiction?

Addiction is a disease that is defined by the continued use of drugs or behaviors that are rewarding despite the negative consequences that result. It is a chronic health disorder that has biological, psychological, and social factors and is widely thought to be a brain disease. The cause of its development is often attributed to genetic and environmental factors, which are nature and nurture respectively.

Traditionally, addiction was a term used to describe the dependence on and abuse of drugs, but today, it encompasses other behaviors such as gambling, internet use, gaming, shopping, and other activities that do not involve substances. Addiction treatment programs, like those offered at Virtue Recovery Center, can assist in the management of addiction. Our Vegas addiction treatment and addiction rehab programs are comprehensive and include therapy elements for recovery. Getting the right treatment and support, can help you get back to normal and live a normal happy, healthy, and productive life without the effects of addiction.

Substance Use and Abuse

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, often called the DSM-V or DSM 5, is the latest version of the American Psychiatric Association’s “gold-standard” text on the names, symptoms, and diagnostic features of every recognized mental disorder, including addictions. It is the manual upon which health insurance companies in the United States base their accepted diagnoses of psychological conditions, including substance use disorder, and their guidelines to pay for treatment thereof.

The DSM 5 criteria for substance use disorders are based on decades of research and clinical knowledge. In a nutshell, the DSM-5 defines addiction as “continuing to do the same behavior even though negative consequences result.” For example, when non-addicts first experience a problem because of their drug or alcohol use, they immediately change their behavior so as not to drink or use again in a manner such that they experience negative consequences. Conversely, when addicts have problems because of their drug or alcohol use, they consider it a fluke and don’t believe it will happen again (denial). So, the addict keeps doing the same thing over and over while expecting different results. Albert Einstein called this “the definition of insanity.”

Addiction to drugs is a disease. It produces physical changes in the alcoholic or addict’s brain. And like any other disease, addiction must be treated to achieve recovery. An addict can’t just “will” his or her addiction to go away any more than someone suffering from cancer or diabetes can “will” their disease to go away. If a person has cancer or diabetes, that individual goes to a doctor or hospital to receive treatment. Similarly, when a person suffers from an addiction, he or she also needs to seek professional help to recover. That is where Virtue Recovery Center comes in – we are professionals in addiction recovery of drug use.

What are The 4 C's of Addiction?

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What Are Substance Use Disorders?

The DSM 5 recognizes substance-related disorders resulting from the use of 10 separate classes of drugs: alcohol; caffeine; cannabis; hallucinogens (phencyclidine or similarly acting arylcyclohexylamines, and other hallucinogens, such as LSD); inhalants; opioids; sedatives, hypnotics, or anxiolytics; stimulants (including amphetamine-type drugs, cocaine, and other stimulants); tobacco; and other or unknown substances.

While some major groupings of psychoactive substances are specifically identified, the use of other or unknown drugs can also form the basis of a substance-related or addictive disorder.

The activation of the brain’s reward system is central to problems arising from drug use. The rewarding feeling that people experience as a result of taking drugs may be so profound that they neglect other normal activities in favor of taking the drug.

The pharmacological mechanisms for each class of illicit drug are different. However, the activation of the reward system is similar across drugs in producing feelings of pleasure or euphoria, which is commonly referred to as the “high” produced by substance abuse.

The DSM 5 recognizes that people are not all automatically or equally vulnerable to developing substance use disorders. It is believed that some people have lower levels of self-control than others which may predispose them to develop problems if they’re exposed to drugs. Similarly, research is being done into potential genetic predisposition to drug or alcohol addiction and addictive behaviors to drugs.

There are two groups of substance-related disorders: substance-use disorders and substance-induced disorders:

Criteria For Substance Use Disorders

Substance abuse disorders span a wide variety of problems arising from drug use, and cover 11 different criteria:

Taking the substance in larger amounts or for longer than you’re meant to.
Wanting to cut down or stop using drugs or alcohol but not managing to.
Spending a lot of time getting, using, or recovering from use of the substance.
Cravings and urges to use and abuse the substance.
Not managing to do what you should at work, home, or school because of substance use.
Continuing to use, even when it causes problems in relationships.
Giving up important social, occupational, or recreational activities because of substance use.
Using substances again and again, even when it puts you in danger.
Continuing to use, even when you know you have a physical or psychological problem that could have been caused or made worse by the substance.
Needing more of the substance to get the effect you want (tolerance).
Development of withdrawal symptoms, which can be relieved by taking more of the substance.

Severity of Substance Use Disorders

The DSM 5 allows clinicians to specify how severe or how much of a problem the substance use disorder is, depending on how many symptoms are identified. Two or three symptoms indicate a mild substance use disorder;1 four or five symptoms indicate a moderate substance use disorder, and six or more symptoms indicate a severe substance use disorder.

Clinicians can also add “in early remission,” “in sustained remission,” “on maintenance therapy” for certain substances, and “in a controlled environment.” These further describe the current state of the substance use disorder.

Substance / Medication Induced Mental Disorders

Substance/medication-induced mental disorders are mental problems that develop in people who did not have mental health problems before using substances. They include:

Substance-induced psychotic disorder
Substance-induced bipolar and related disorders
Substance-induced depressive disorders
Substance-induced anxiety disorders
Substance-induced obsessive-compulsive and related disorders
Substance-induced sleep disorders
Substance-induced sexual dysfunctions
Substance-induced delirium
Substance-induced neurocognitive disorders.

Intoxication

Drug intoxication, a group of substance-induced disorders, details the symptoms that people experience when they are “high” from drugs. Disorders of substance intoxication include:

Marijuana intoxication
Cocaine intoxication
Methamphetamine intoxication (stimulants)
Heroin intoxication (opioids)
Acid intoxication (other hallucinogen intoxication or “acid trip”)
Substance intoxication delirium

IS THERE A CURE FOR ADDICTION?

Can an addict learn to control their addictive behavior with the right information or addiction treatment? What are the causes of addiction, and can it be prevented? This is a complicated disease of the brain. So, the answer to these and other common questions is yes or no, and it depends. An addict suffers from the compulsive need for a habit-forming drug or behavior.

Addiction is defined as the “persistent compulsive dependence on a behavior or substance or the practice of something that is psychologically habit-forming, a chronic disease of the brain that leads to individual biological, psychological, social, and spiritual dysfunction reflected by the pathological pursuit of the reward or relief in the form of a substance or behavior.” Because what motivates an addict is his/her drug or behavior, the only real prevention is abstinence. Because we don’t live in a perfect world, some drugs are more harmful than others, but each bears its level of pursuance and degree of necessity for the addict.

The complexity of this disease, overcoming it and the devastating effects are the ultimate goals so many addicts are trying to reach. Let’s take a look at some of the different abuse levels and how they affect the addict and their loved ones’ lives. Of the most likely things to become quickly addicted to are narcotic pain relievers in the form of opioids. Among the most commonly prescribed opioids are codeine, Fentanyl, Hydrocodone (Vicodin), Methadone (often used to treat heroin addicts), Morphine, and Oxycodone (Percocet, OxyContin).

Doctors prescribe these medications to treat moderate to severe pain. Many people quickly become addicted to these drugs as they are often prescribed in around-the-clock dosages. This allows the body to get accustomed to the opiate drugs very quickly. Those who are aware that they have an addictive personality should not take these medications.

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BEHAVIORAL ADDICTION INFORMATION

Can an addict control their addictive behavior with the right information on addiction or therapies? What leads to addiction and is it possible to avoid it? ‘Yes’, ‘no’, and ‘it depends’ are the answers to these questions because addiction is a complex brain disease. An addict is a person who has an uncontrollable desire to use drugs or engage in a certain activity.

Addiction is described as the “uncontrolled and persistent desire to engage in a specific behavior or use a particular drug that is detrimental to the individual’s physical and psychological well-being, a chronic brain disease that results in the breakdown of the physical, psychological, social, and spiritual aspects of the individual in the pursuit of the reward or relief from the substance or behavior.” Since an addict is driven by their drug or behavior, the only way to prevent it is by staying away from it. However, in the real world, some addictions are worse than others, but all of them have their level of pursuit and degree of necessity for the addict.

Due to the nature of this disease, the process of fighting it and its effects becomes the primary objective for most addicts. Let us look at various degrees of abuse and the effects it has on the addicts and the people around them. Opioids, which are narcotic pain relievers, are among the drugs that are most likely to lead to the development of dependence within a short time. Some of the most frequently used opioids are codeine, Fentanyl, Hydrocodone (Vicodin), Methadone (used in the treatment of heroin addiction), Morphine, and Oxycodone (Percocet, OxyContin). These drugs are used by doctors to relieve moderate to severe pain. These drugs are usually prescribed in around the clock dosages and many people get hooked on them very fast because the body gets used to the opiate very fast. People with addictive personality should not take these drugs.

EATING DISORDER INFORMATION

Eating disorders can make women and girls who are otherwise healthy into very unhealthy women and girls very fast. Body dysmorphic disorders make women and girls see themselves as overweight or fat when in actual sense they are not. Consequently, they may go to an extent of using very drastic measures to lose weight in order to look more attractive to other people.

These extreme behaviors often lead to malnutrition, which can lead to hypothermia and dehydration. The body experiences a decrease in blood pressure and may lead to hypotension, respiratory infections, blindness, organ failure, and death if the condition is not treated. Due to the high mortality rate of bulimia, young women and girls should avoid such dangerous methods of dieting and weight loss.

DUAL DIAGNOSIS ADDICTION INFORMATION

A dual diagnosis is a typical result for those suffering from being addicted to alcohol and illegal street drugs. We must remember at all times that this is a nondiscriminatory disease that can affect anyone regardless of race or color. This can impact a chronic user irrespective of ethnicity or creed, whether you are a man or a woman, husband, father, mother, or wife. It doesn’t care how old you are or how educated. Addiction could care less about your sexual orientation, whether you’re straight or gay. It doesn’t matter if you are rich or poor, famous or unknown; it is a disease that affects an individual’s mind, body, and soul.

THE DRUGS OF ABUSE

Depending on their drug of choice, many addicts not only have to recover from the initial after-effects of not using their drug of choice, but they now are experiencing a broad range of other related health problems caused by so many years of using. Many addicts contract STDs, hepatitis, or severe heart problems because of their prolonged drug use. Prolonged use of these drugs has even caused many addicts to have a heart attack or stroke, yet they continued to use it. Most don’t even realize the extent of the damage they have done to their bodies until they get clean. Addicts who used these types of abusive drugs become malnourished from not eating enough. They develop tooth decay and skin irritations due to the compulsive digging and scratching of the skin. They have done permanent damage to their bodies that have changed how they look and feel about themselves. Through recovery, this can be dealt with, and addicts can begin to feel like themselves again. Acceptance plays a big part in understanding the changes that have taken place in the body of the user. Addicts must resign themselves to the fact that they may never look the way they once did. It is challenging for addicts to come to terms with this.

A dual diagnosis is a typical result for those suffering from being addicted to alcohol and illegal street drugs. We must remember at all times that this is a nondiscriminatory disease that can affect anyone regardless of race or color. This can impact a chronic user irrespective of ethnicity or creed, whether you are a man or a woman, husband, father, mother, or wife. It doesn’t care how old you are or how educated. Addiction could care less about your sexual orientation, whether you’re straight or gay. It doesn’t matter if you are rich or poor, famous or unknown; it is a disease that affects an individual’s mind, body, and soul.

Recovering from a Life
of Addiction

Many addicts suffering from alcoholism also have mental illness and the compounding of other abuse drugs. In fact, so many drug addiction cases began with a person who was a victim of abuse as a child and ended up on the street as a result. Many of our homeless people turn up in shelters consumed by drug users. Drug dealers prey on these individuals’ misfortune,

Other Addiction Information
Facts

Often, other roadblocks to recovery for an addict that is tough to accept are those horrible things the addict may have done. Many can’t forgive themselves once their conscience is restored through the process of addiction recovery. They feel if they can’t forgive themselves, how can anyone else possibly forgive them for their wrongdoings?

Often, other roadblocks to recovery for an addict that is tough to accept are those horrible things the addict may have done. Many can’t forgive themselves once their conscience is restored through the process of addiction recovery. They feel if they can’t forgive themselves, how can anyone else possibly forgive them for their wrongdoings? These feelings of inadequacy often lead addicts to relapse; go right back to “getting high.” An addict must get educated on the proper addiction information and understand that the whole process of recovery takes time. After all, it didn’t develop overnight, and it took prolonged use of the drugs they were using to enter into the disease. Just the same, recovery doesn’t happen overnight either. Patience is necessary to recover fully.

Alcoholism is by far the most common problem in this country. It affects over 20 million people in the United States alone. Over 60% of alcoholics have a history of alcoholism in their families. Unfortunately, 90% of recorded child abuse cases are the result of alcoholism. Believe it or not, alcohol is the most challenging addiction to kick. Addiction affects the body in the most detrimental ways, and it is the only actual “drug” that, if stopped, “cold turkey,” can sometimes cause the death of an alcoholic. Unfortunately, this can happen due to the severity of withdrawal symptoms and how chemically dependent the alcoholic is on alcohol. Because often taking another drink is less painful to an alcoholic than not taking one, it is harder for an alcoholic to quit independently without assistance and support. It takes carefully monitored medical treatment in a qualified alcohol addiction treatment facility to aid the alcoholic to stop drinking successfully. Otherwise, a severe alcoholic can develop hallucinations or go into convulsions or even have a seizure. These are symptoms associated with what is called delirium tremens, or DT’s.

While an alcoholic is braving the process of quitting drinking, they must be monitored for those qualified to treat various health problems associated with alcoholism. One disease is a direct result of excessive alcohol abuse, and that is cirrhosis of the liver. To catch it in time could prove to be fruitful as the liver does have the capability to regenerate proper function; however, other significant problems can occur along with it. Alcohol abuse doesn’t just compromise the liver; it can also affect the kidneys’ operation, digestive health, cause jaundice or anemia. Diabetes can further complicate the health of an alcoholic. A recovering alcoholic is strongly advised to eat well and regularly and above all else, continue not to drink.

Recovering from a Life of Addiction

Many addicts suffering from alcoholism also have mental illness and the compounding of other abuse drugs. In fact, so many drug addiction cases began with a person who was a victim of abuse as a child and ended up on the street as a result. Many of our homeless people turn up in shelters consumed by drug users. Drug dealers prey on these individuals’ misfortune, and they soon become addicted to drugs and alcohol. Many of these users never get help with their problems. Do you know someone who needs help before it’s too late?

Highly addictive and the most commonly abused street drugs are heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine. They are also easily attainable, and their easy access makes controlling them tough for law enforcement and incredibly complicated to treat once addicted. The success rate of substance abuse treatment is sad, minimal, but treatment is available if a user wants to get help. The problem is that once an addict is hooked on amphetamines, heroin, or cocaine (specifically crack cocaine), it’s harder to stop using the drug. The body has already developed the physiological need for it, and without it, an addict will show signs of withdrawal or suffer physical pain. Most addicts find it more pleasant to keep using rather than go through the effects of withdrawal, and recovery becomes further out of reach for them. Addicts who are brave enough to enter into recovery are the lucky ones. They are given a second chance at life. Once a recovering addict gets through the early stages of recovery, they will eventually begin the slow process of healing.

Often, other roadblocks to recovery for an addict that is tough to accept are those horrible things the addict may have done. Many can’t forgive themselves once their conscience is restored through the process of addiction recovery. They feel if they can’t forgive themselves, how can anyone else possibly forgive them for their wrongdoings? These feelings of inadequacy often lead addicts to relapse; go right back to “getting high.” An addict must get educated on the proper addiction information and understand that the whole process of recovery takes time. After all, it didn’t develop overnight, and it took prolonged use of the drugs they were using to enter into the disease. Just the same, recovery doesn’t happen overnight either. Patience is necessary to recover fully.

Alcoholism is by far the most common problem in this country. It affects over 20 million people in the United States alone. Over 60% of alcoholics have a history of alcoholism in their families. Unfortunately, 90% of recorded child abuse cases are the result of alcoholism. Believe it or not, alcohol is the most challenging addiction to kick. Addiction affects the body in the most detrimental ways, and it is the only actual “drug” that, if stopped, “cold turkey,” can sometimes cause the death of an alcoholic. Unfortunately, this can happen due to the severity of withdrawal symptoms and how chemically dependent the alcoholic is on alcohol. Because often taking another drink is less painful to an alcoholic than not taking one, it is harder for an alcoholic to quit independently without assistance and support. It takes carefully monitored medical treatment in a qualified alcohol addiction treatment facility to aid the alcoholic to stop drinking successfully. Otherwise, a severe alcoholic can develop hallucinations or go into convulsions or even have a seizure. These are symptoms associated with what is called delirium tremens, or DT’s.

While an alcoholic is braving the process of quitting drinking, they must be monitored for those qualified to treat various health problems associated with alcoholism. One disease is a direct result of excessive alcohol abuse, and that is cirrhosis of the liver. To catch it in time could prove to be fruitful as the liver does have the capability to regenerate proper function; however, other significant problems can occur along with it. Alcohol abuse doesn’t just compromise the liver; it can also affect the kidneys’ operation, digestive health, cause jaundice or anemia. Diabetes can further complicate the health of an alcoholic. A recovering alcoholic is strongly advised to eat well and regularly and above all else, continue not to drink.

Recovery is just a phone call away. Our support team is available around the clock to assist you. Call (866) 461-3339.

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