Alcohol & Drug Addiction
Although some of the images on this page may appear “cartoon-like”, there is nothing funny about alcoholism and addiction. We are very serious about addiction and providing reality-based help and information. Discover some of the causes and options available for people with drinking and drug abuse problems. Alcoholism is now referred to as Alcohol Use Disorder. Find out why people become alcoholics and addicts. Heroin and methamphetamine use and addiction in the United States has risen so significantly that they have now reached epidemic levels and consequently destroying thousands of families across the U.S. every day. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control reports alcoholism kills nearly 90,000 people each year, while shortening lifespans of those who drink excessively by as much as 30 years. If you or a loved one is suffering alcoholism or an addiction to illegal or prescription drugs, getting professional help is the best way to overcome a substance abuse disorder, get healthy and live a productive life.
Call to speak to an understanding addiction specialist who can assist you in finding the right substance abuse recovery center in your area. Addiction recovery programs and the caring specialists responsible for creating them can give substance abusers the courage, confidence and psychological strength they need to capably take control of their lives.
Professional counseling, on-going support and medications specifically formulated to help alcoholics and drug addicts achieve sobriety are available and waiting for you to take advantage of if you cannot stop drinking or using drugs. Make today the first day of your new life by deciding to get help.
Treatment & Rehab
Treatment is what happens in rehab. Today, the rehabilitation process has become a sophisticated, educational and therapeutic process of initiating what many would describe as a “dramatic” change. Learn how it works.
Recovery from substance abuse can only begin when the addict decides to enter a medical detoxification program provided by a comprehensive rehabilitation facility. For most addicts, detoxification is the most frightening aspect about getting sober. Knowing you will experience severe withdrawal symptoms, overwhelming cravings and emotions you can’t or don’t want to deal with is indeed terrifying. Since detoxification defines the act of living without drugs for the first time in your life, the decision to enter a detoxification program is the most life-changing, formidable decision you will ever make.
Rehab also involves intense psycho-therapeutic counseling such as cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing and rational-emotive behavioral therapy. However, since addiction is a neurobiological disease that will not respond to mental health counseling until the addict is completely clean, a medical detox is essential to the recovery process. Before steps can be taken to address any underlying mental health problems affecting a substance abuser, the addiction must be treated with anti-addiction medications and other supportive methods to help stabilize brain and all other physiological functions.
The Recovery Process
There are over 20 million Americans in recovery today. Learn how recovery works and the steps necessary to maintain long-term sobriety. It takes effort to stay clean and sober.
Recovering addicts who have completed their treatment program may remain on medications to help relieve strong cravings. These medications work to reduce the risk of relapse because they target the same brain receptors that addictive substances target. The recovery process also involves addiction therapists and counselors providing a solid support framework on which addicts in recovery can start rebuilding their life. This framework includes 24/7 access to emergency counseling, outpatient group therapy support, case management assistance and family therapy on an as-needed basis. Although the recovery process may be even more difficult than completing detox or a rehab program, recovering addicts will always have the support of their rehab counselors and therapists.
Recovery from alcohol and substance abuse is a life long commitment to a new way of life. It requires courage and the willingness to change. The 12 Steps are a format for living a honest, responsible and spiritual life. There are thousands of meetings across the country where a person in recovery is warmly welcomed. Recovery is based on the principle of unity, service, spirituality and fellowship. Founded by Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith, they discovered they could stay sober by helping other alcoholics and by being of service.
