Addiction, more formally known as substance use disorder (SUD), is a serious, life-changing health condition that impacts people of all ages and backgrounds. It is a chronic condition, meaning there is no cure for addiction. However, there is treatment available that can help you live a long and healthy life.
At Raleigh Recovery, we know the importance of providing you with options for treatment that are immediately available. If you believe you have an SUD, our addiction treatment center in Raleigh is immediately available to you. Let’s break down some of the most common questions related to SUDs.
Is Addiction a Real Disease?
Addiction is a disease characterized by compulsive drug seeking, continued use of substances despite knowing the harmful consequences of doing so, and experiencing long-lasting changes to the brain, as noted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Addiction is a complex brain disorder in which physical changes to the brain occur. It can also cause intense mental health symptoms.
What Are the Types of Addiction?
There are two types of addictions. Substance addictions are those related to the use of substances like alcohol or drugs. Non-substance addictions include behavioral addictions such as gambling. As a substance use disorder treatment center, we focus on the following types of substance addiction:
- Alcohol addiction
- Cannabis addiction
- Hallucinogens, including LSD and PCP
- Prescription and non-prescription opioid use, including the use of codeine, oxycodone, fentanyl, and heroin
- Prescription and non-prescription use of stimulants, including cocaine, methamphetamine, and Adderall
- Hypnotics, sedatives, and other anti-anxiety drugs, including the use of benzodiazepines and barbiturates
If you are using these or other substances and you are struggling to stop doing so, speak to our team now about your options.
Common Causes of SUDs
Not all use of substances leads to addiction. There’s no single cause that impacts every person, either. That’s because addiction is a complex condition that impacts people in multiple ways. Some common causes include:
- Environmental factors: Those who are around the use of substances in others, especially parents or others living in their home, are more likely to suffer from addiction themselves.
- Consistent use of a substance: Many substances trigger the reward center in the brain, teaching your brain that it feels good to use those products. That reinforces the use, making you more likely to continue to seek out those substances.
- Dopamine surges: Substances send a huge amount of dopamine through your brain. While other activities can create dopamine surges as well, these large doses create changes in the way the brain processes information, changing your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
- Genetics: A person who has a close family member who suffers from an SUD is 40 to 60% more likely to suffer from one themselves, according to the CDC. That doesn’t mean that you will develop one if you abstain from use.
- Mental health condition presence: People who have a mental health condition, such as depression, bipolar disorder, debilitating anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder, are more likely to turn to substances for relief of their mental health symptoms. This can cause the onset of addictive behaviors.
You may not know what caused your addiction, and that’s okay. What is most important to know about this disease is that it is treatable in the right environment with comprehensive care and support.
Do You Need Professional Addiction Treatment to Recover?
The simple answer to this is yes. Those who receive professional addiction treatment are more likely to recover and live a relapse-free lifestyle. Professional addiction treatment in Raleigh is very important for anyone who is experiencing withdrawal symptoms when they stop using the substance.
Professional addiction treatment may include:
- Detox: An inpatient treatment process that provides your body with supportive help and resources as it naturally flushes the substances out of your body. This process can be intense, with significant mental and physical symptoms that a treatment center can help control.
- Inpatient treatment: Most people benefit from a 30-day or longer inpatient treatment program. It allows you to focus on your health and recovery while also navigating the challenges of day-to-day life. You’ll have access to numerous treatment therapies designed to provide you with individualized care.
- Outpatient treatment: We offer numerous types of outpatient therapy to help you recover from your SUD and maintain sobriety long-term.
We offer individualized therapy programs designed to meet your specific needs. Your future depends on your ability to act now in getting treatment. We can help you.
Seek Immediate Treatment for Your SUD Today
Professional treatment can restore your quality of life and help you to build a better future. Substance use disorder treatment starts with Raleigh Recovery today.
