When it comes to recovering from addiction, our top Orange County addiction rehabilitation center’s staff at Recovery Beach is second to none. Located in Sunny Orange County, CA, this top rehabilitation center offers a customized approach with evidence-based practices and an uncompromising commitment to communication and collaboration. We understand that finding the right fit for treatment can be critical for successful recovery, and have made it our mission to provide an individualized experience for each person that walks through our doors.
From chemical dependency to mental health struggles, whether you’re looking for yourself or a loved one, Recovery Beach is dedicated to helping individuals achieve freedom from addiction and empowering them on their journey of personal growth.
What is Addiction
Addiction is a brain-affecting, behavior-altering disease that makes it difficult to resist the urge of consuming drugs even when you know how harmful they can be. With treatment for substance use disorder coming into play early on, you have a greater chance of avoiding some serious consequences brought about by addiction.
Drug abuse isn’t limited to only illegal drugs like heroin and cocaine; individuals are just as likely if not more so, to become addicted to legal substances such as alcohol, nicotine, sleeping pills, or anti-anxiety medications.
Becoming hooked on prescription and illicit narcotic painkillers, or opioids is a nationwide epidemic. In 2018 alone, these drugs were linked to two-thirds of drug overdose fatalities in the United States.
Initially, using drugs can seem alluring because of the enjoyable feelings they induce. But it may be difficult to recognize how quickly you become dependent on them as time passes. Drugs alter your brain chemistry, leading to long-term changes that cause you to lose control over yourself and potentially engage in destructive actions. Our top Orange County addiction rehabilitation center understands addiction and how it happens.
How Serious Addiction is
Drug misuse involves the improper use of either legal or illegal substances. It could be taking an increased dose of medication, utilizing someone else’s prescription, or even to feel good and reduce stress. However, this is a problem that can often be reversed; with dedication and commitment one can change these unhealthy habits and ultimately abstain from drug usage altogether.
Addiction is characterized by an inability to stop – regardless of the potential risks and harms it can bring. The craving for drugs can be all-consuming, even if you desire to quit. It’s distinct from physical dependence or tolerance as well. Therefore, understanding that addiction has a strong hold on one’s life helps us appreciate why treatment plans are so important in helping those with addictions break free from them permanently.
In cases of addiction, discontinuing a substance suddenly triggers withdrawal symptoms. As time progresses, the dose of that substance becomes less effective as tolerance builds up.
When utilized to address pain over an extended period of time, opioids may cause one to develop tolerance and even physical dependence. This does not necessarily equate to addiction; in fact, it is uncommon for most people using these drugs under the direction of their doctor or healthcare provider.
How it Affects Your Brain
Our brains are designed to pursue activities that bring us pleasure, stimulating a desire to repeat them. Therefore, we experience an innate drive to engage in these enjoyable pursuits over and over again.
Drugs that are habit-forming activate the pleasure center of your brain, releasing a flood of dopamine and causing an intense high. They lure you in with this euphoric sensation, yet when abused can cause addiction. The pursuit for more is ultimately harmful and self-destructive.
Over time, your brain develops a tolerance for dopamine. This means that you have to take larger amounts of the drug in order to achieve the same pleasurable feelings it may once have provided. You might even find yourself losing interest in other activities and hobbies which used to bring joy into your life such as spending quality time with loved ones or eating.
When you use drugs for an extended amount of time, it can alter the chemical systems and circuits in your brain. This can detrimentally affect your ability to think clearly, make decisions properly, remember important facts as well as comprehend new concepts.
How to Know if You are Addicted
Addiction to substances is a serious issue and is characterized by a variety of signs and symptoms. These signs can often be identified in individuals who have been using addictive substances for a prolonged period of time. Our top Orange County addiction rehabilitation center is here to share some of the key signs of addiction here:
- Increased Tolerance:
Individuals who are addicted to substances tend to develop an increased tolerance over time. This means that they require larger amounts of the substance to achieve the same effect that they once experienced with smaller amounts.
- Withdrawal Symptoms:
When an individual stops using a substance, they may experience a range of withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, irritability, and physical symptoms such as nausea and sweating.
- Loss of Control:
Addiction can result in a loss of control over the amount and frequency of substance use. Even when an individual knows that their substance use is causing problems in their life, they may struggle to control their use.
- Continued Use Despite Negative Consequences:
Despite experiencing negative consequences such as financial difficulties, relationship problems, and health issues, individuals who are addicted to substances may continue to use the substance.
- Alterations in Behavior:
Addiction can cause changes in an individual’s behavior, such as increased secrecy and lying, as well as neglect of responsibilities and interests.
- Physical Symptoms:
Individuals who are addicted to certain substances may also exhibit physical symptoms such as dilated pupils, bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and difficulty walking or standing.
It is important to note that addiction can impact individuals from all walks of life and can develop as a result of a range of factors including genetics, environment, and mental health. Seeking professional help is essential for individuals struggling with addiction, as it can be a difficult and complex issue to overcome on one’s own.
Who Might Become Addicted
When it comes to drug addiction, there are certain factors that can put individuals at a higher risk of falling into substance abuse. Genetics, environment, mental health issues, and past traumatic experiences all play a significant role in determining who may become addicted to drugs or alcohol.
Research has shown that individuals with a family history of drug or alcohol problems are more likely to become addicted themselves. This may be due to genetic factors that make some people more susceptible to addiction than others. Additionally, growing up in an unstable household with neglectful or abusive parents can put individuals at higher risk of substance abuse later in life.
Mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder can also make someone more likely to turn to drugs or alcohol as a means of coping. These individuals may self-medicate with substances in an attempt to numb emotional pain or quiet racing thoughts.
Traumatic experiences, such as physical or sexual abuse, can also lead to addiction. In fact, studies have shown that individuals who have experienced trauma are at least twice as likely to develop a substance abuse disorder.
While these factors can increase the likelihood of addiction, it is important to note that addiction can affect anyone regardless of their background or personal experiences. Seeking help and support is crucial for those struggling with substance abuse, and with the right resources, recovery is possible. If you or a loved one are in need, don’t be afraid to reach out to our top Orange County addiction rehabilitation center at Recovery Beach.
Addiction and Mental Health
Substance misuse and mental health disorders are undeniably linked; nearly half of people with a substance use disorder experience depression, anxiety, or another form of mental illness. On the other side of the equation, research shows that approximately half of individuals who have been diagnosed with a mental disorder will struggle one day with drug or alcohol addiction.
Doctors refer to this malignant union of addiction and mental illness as a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder. These two conditions are inextricably linked, exacerbating each other’s effects while simultaneously making treatment more difficult. The professionals at our top Orange County addiction rehabilitation center are trained to help with these dual diagnosis disorders.
Recovery Beach’s Dual Diagnosis Program
If you or someone close to you is struggling with a dual diagnosis disorder, trust our top Orange County addiction rehabilitation center to be your partner in recovery. With support from both clinical and medical professionals, as well as counselors who understand the complexities of dual diagnoses, Recovery Beach provides a comprehensive range of treatment options tailored to the specific needs of each individual.
From integrated therapies that combine evidence-based approaches with innovative modalities such as yoga and mindfulness practice, to aftercare services like post-treatment coaching, Recovery Beach offers an individualized treatment plan that allows patients to learn positive coping skills on their journey towards long-term recovery.
Most importantly, by employing approaches that prioritize compassion and respect for all involved individuals and families, Recovery Beach sets up its clients for success and hope for a brighter future.
- We Understand Addiction With Mental Health:
Too many individuals are unaware that addiction and mental illness often co-occur. Shockingly, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported a staggering 17 million US adults were affected by this dual diagnosis in 2020 alone.
This figure demonstrates the strong correlation between addiction and mental health difficulties. As such, it is essential that addiction centers in Orange County offer dual diagnosis services. Such facilities are designed to provide help to individuals dealing with co-occurring disorders and ensure they receive the appropriate care needed for recovery.
- You Will Recieve High-Quality Medical Care:
Unfortunately, addiction and mental illness can be a vicious cycle. Without the correct care of both issues simultaneously, it’s difficult for an individual to make long-term progress in recovery. Furthermore, mental health problems are linked with elevated risks of substance abuse and addiction.
Thus, it is essential to obtain dual diagnosis treatment if you have comorbid disorders. Dual diagnosis treatment centers in Orange County provide comprehensive medical assistance to treat both illnesses at the same time.
This approach has often proven to be the most successful, with results that last long-term. Patients then have access to the best possible medical advice and resources for both conditions.
- You Will Learn Skills to Have a Long Term Recovery:
When you receive all-encompassing treatment for your concurrent conditions, you learn the necessary skills to deal with both. This enables you to carry on and stay sober in real-life situations outside of care. In addition, it arms you with the knowledge and understanding needed to move beyond any mental health issues that may be holding you back so that ultimately, you can live the life of which dreams are made.
Our Holistic Approach
Our dual diagnosis treatment center in Orange County provides a comprehensive and holistic approach to your healing journey. Through this approach, pain points both connected to your co-occurring illnesses and more indirect issues can be properly addressed.
For example, holistic care at our top Orange County addiction rehabilitation center facilities can help you learn healthier behaviors, so you can become the best version of yourself. Holistic care can even help teach you how to manage stress and make positive life choices that will keep you on the path to recovery long after your stay with us is over.
With the help of our experienced team of professionals and leading treatments, you can look forward to lasting change.
Don’t hesitate to call us today at (855) 913-3794.
