Treatment for Addiction in Southern California
Problematic substance use, or the inability to stop using despite mounting consequences, affects individuals regardless of age, gender, race, profession and background. At Clear Recovery Center, a drug rehab in Southern California, we work closely with our clients to help them address underlying issues and foster long-term recovery.
How is Addiction Treated?
Addiction is a complex but treatable disease that affects brain function and behavior. Although treatment is recommended, no single treatment approach is appropriate for everyone. At Clear Recovery Center, a drug rehab in Southern California, we work to understand each client’s unique needs and preferences in order to design the most effective treatment approach. We believe that the cessation of drugs, alcohol or addictive behaviors is only the beginning. As clients progress through our program, we will shift the focus from acute therapeutic immersion to re-engagement in school, work, hobbies, or social activities, so our clients maintain recovery as they dive back into life.
What We Treat
We understand the importance of addressing the root causes of addiction as well as factors unique to each drug of choice. At Clear Recovery Center, our expert clinical team has experience helping clients recover from a broad range of substance and behavioral addictions including:
What is Addiction?
Unfortunately, addiction is surrounded by a world of stigma. It is important to understand that addiction is a complex but treatable disease with symptoms and patterns of use that vary greatly from person to person. The Diagnostics and Statistical Manual Fifth Edition (DSM-V) defines substance use disorder as manifested by three or more of the following:
- Tolerance
- Withdrawal
- The substance is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than intended.
- There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control substance use.
- A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain the substance (such as visiting multiple doctors or driving long distances), use the substance (for example, chain-smoking), or recover from its effects.
- Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of substance use.
- The substance use is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by the substance. (For example, current cocaine use despite recognition of cocaine-induced depression or continued drinking despite recognition that an ulcer was made worse by alcohol consumption).
If you believe that you or a loved one may be struggling with addiction, treatment is strongly recommended. Speak to a mental health professional today.
Addiction Statistics
About 21 million Americans have at least one addiction, yet only 10% of those struggling receive treatment.
More than 90% of people who have an addiction started to drink alcohol or use drugs before they were 18 years old.
Every year, worldwide, alcohol is the cause of 1 in every 20 deaths.
About 20-30% of people who take prescription opioids misuse them.
Drug overdose deaths have more than tripled since 1990.
8.5 million Americans experience both a substance use disorder and a mental illness at the same time
Signs & Symptoms of Addiction
The signs of addiction can vary depending on the type of substance being used and the environment of the user. However, there are certain common symptoms of addiction, such as:
- lack of control, or inability to stay away from a substance or behavior
- decreased socialization, like abandoning commitments or ignoring relationships
- ignoring risk factors, like sharing needles despite potential consequences
- physical effects, like withdrawal symptoms or needing higher dosage for effect
- a lack of interest in hobbies or activities that used to be important
- neglecting relationships or reacting negatively to those closest to them
- missing important obligations like work
- risk taking tendencies, especially to get drugs or continue certain behaviors
- ignoring the negative consequences of their actions
- distinct change in sleeping patterns that result in chronic fatigue
- increased secrecy, like lying about the amount of substance used or time spent
If you think you or a loved one may be struggling with addiction, contact your doctor or mental health professional.
Effects of Addiction
The abuse of drugs or alcohol does not come without a cost. There are countless physical, psychological, and emotional effects that can develop in the face of addiction. The types of effects that someone may experience vary based on a number of factors, including what type of substance they are abusing, how often they abuse it, and at what dose they abuse it. It is common to see more negative effects caused by addiction in someone who has been abusing drugs or alcohol for a long period of time and at a heavy rate, however because these mind-altering substances can be so dangerous, it is possible to develop effects early on in the abuse.
Some of the effects that are common in those who are addicted to drugs or alcohol can include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Vital organ damage
- Increased risk for becoming ill as a result of weakened immune system
- Depression
- Memory problems
- Poor cognition
- Anxiety
- Lung disease
- Heart attack
- Liver failure
- Seizures
- Stroke
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Hallucinations
- Dehydration
- Paranoia
The only way to prevent these effects from develop or worsening to to stop addiction in its tracks. When someone is addicted, doing that can be exceptionally challenging if done independently. That is why it is recommended for those struggling with addiction to seek professional care, such as the kind we provide at Clear Recovery Center.
Addiction is a Deadly Disease
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 70,000 Americans die each year from drug overdoses. Deaths related to alcohol abuse and addiction are much higher, as 95,000 Americans lose their lives to this substance yearly. Drug overdoses and alcohol poisoning make up the vast majority of casualties of this particular disease, but individuals lose their lives in other ways, too. For example, a heavy long-term drinker may succumb to liver failure while a cocaine addict may experience a heart attack. Either way, when addiction goes untreated, it often ends up producing deadly results.
Call us right now to be connected with our compassionate, experienced admissions team. If you are struggling with a drug or alcohol addiction, you have the power to get sober and stay that way. Let us help you.
