Does your spouse drink too much? Does your adult child suffer from unexplained mood swings? Is your sibling chronically short of funds? There are a number of signs to look for if you are concerned about the well-being of a loved one. Addiction can be hard to address. This could be especially true if prior attempts resulted in hostility. If this sounds like a loved one, they may meet the addiction definition guidelines.
At Santé Center for Healing, we recognize that each client we treat is someone’s loved one. To that end, we try to treat our clients in the same way we’d treat our family members. With addiction treatment programs tailored to the needs of the client and a range of therapeutic options, we will give your loved ones the tools they need for long-term sobriety. To learn more about our services, please contact Santé Center for Healing today at 866.238.3154 or use our online form.
Is It A Bad Habit or a Substance Abuse Problem?
Someone overdoes it at the holiday party and wakes up with a hangover. Is it a sign of an alcohol use disorder? Conversely, is it a temporary lapse in judgment that may lead to embarrassing consequences? Experts at the American Society of Addiction Medicine have an answer.
These experts provide an addiction definition that classifies substance abuse as a chronic brain disease. It primarily affects the brain’s reward center while also influencing memory and motivation. A symptom of the disease is the inability to choose whether to consume a drug. The user feels an irresistible compulsion to use even if it costs the person dearly. The symptoms of a substance use disorder can vary from person to person, but they often include:
- Not being able to control how much or how long the person is using the substance
- Suffering from mental or physical health problems due to substance use
- Cutting back on social or professional activities in order to use drugs or alcohol
- Continuing to use drugs or alcohol though it damages relationships
- A significant amount of time spent obtaining, using, or recovering from substance use
If you see several of these symptoms in someone you love, it may be time to seek treatment for them.
How the Addiction Definition Explains What Chemicals Do to the Brain
It’s interesting to note that the assault on the rewards center reinforces drug use. Typically, the brain’s reward center releases dopamine when engaged in certain activities such as exercise or sex. However, the influx of chemicals in almost all drugs can trigger a dopamine release that can be ten times stronger. As a result, the sudden excess dopamine creates feelings of euphoria.
This pleasurable phenomenon isn’t something you typically achieve at the gym. Naturally, the lure of the drug becomes stronger. Your loved one repeats the use of the substance and once again enjoys the dopamine release. Soon, the person using the drug builds up a tolerance to the substance. Your loved one now needs to take more of the substance to achieve the same results. At this point, your loved one needs the fix and doesn’t care if it costs money, relationships, or employment. They will do whatever it takes for the next dose.
Contact Santé Center for Healing Today
Just like other chronic diseases, substance abuse doesn’t have a cure. However, effective programs at Santé Center for Healing make addiction recovery possible. Typically, there are several frameworks for effective addiction treatment, such as:
- Medical detox that offers supervision for safety and comfort
- Residential treatment that allows your loved one to live at the facility and undergo various therapies
- Intensive outpatient treatment may be a good solution for someone with a moderate addiction
- Intensive therapy sessions for trauma treatment and similar situations
- Polysubstance abuse and dual diagnosis treatments help individuals with various conditions
A full customization of the treatment approach makes the most sense since it provides your loved one with the care they need. At Santé Center for Healing, friendly experts understand that getting help is a life or death decision. Please don’t wait until it’s too late. Call Santé Center for Healing today at 866.238.3154.
