Substance abuse and addiction are both serious issues, but their definitions are not interchangeable. However, if you or a loved one struggles with drinking or using drugs in an unhealthy way, a targeted addiction treatment program can help you heal. Discover the difference between these two terms and reach out for help today to begin the road to recovery.
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What Is Substance Abuse?
Substance abuse occurs when someone uses illicit drugs or misuses legal drugs in a way that negatively affects their life. Substance abuse can include repeated use of certain drugs to alter or avoid reality, alleviate stress, or produce pleasure. At first, the misuse may seem casual. For example, someone prescribed an opioid may use it more frequently than the prescription orders, or an individual might drink too much on a regular basis or use marijuana recreationally in states where it is illegal. Performance at work or school may begin to lag, and relationships may become strained. Sometimes the person is arrested for drunken driving or using an illegal substance. They may have financial problems because they are spending too much on the substance.
Over time, substance abuse can cause organ damage and increase the risks of contracting infectious diseases and overdosing.
How Is Addiction Defined?
Addiction is a chronic, relapsing disorder. It is characterized by continued use despite harmful consequences, compulsive drug-seeking, and long-lasting brain changes. When someone is addicted to a substance, they can’t stop using it. The drugs target their brain’s reward system, filling it with dopamine. Dopamine makes the individual feel happy, and they keep taking the drug to continue to feel that high. Over time, the misuse of drugs causes changes in other brain’s circuits as well.
Addiction contains a physical component, in which the body develops a tolerance for the drug and needs more and more of it to achieve the same effect. Addiction also contains a psychological component that makes quitting impossible. These addictions can affect an individual’s life in ways beyond that of substance abuse. Someone struggling with addiction will do anything to obtain the substance, including stealing. They can’t stop using the drug without intervention, even if it leaves them homeless, jobless, and friendless.
Substance Abuse Treatment
Substance abuse and addiction share some common treatment methods but also may differ. Depending upon the severity of the substance abuse and the individual, it may be treated through outpatient programs. Some of the treatment methods you can expect in substance abuse treatment programs include:
- Group therapy
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Motivational therapy
What to Expect in Addiction Treatment Programa
An addiction treatment program often requires a residential treatment component. Residential addiction treatment typically begins in a drug detox center so that medical professionals can help the patient withdraw from the substance safely. Often FDA-approved medications are used to ease the psychological and physical symptoms of withdrawal.
Specific treatment plans vary with the individual’s needs. Typically, residential patients will also receive counseling, including CBT, DBT, motivational therapy, self-help groups, and family therapy. They also receive treatment for mental health diseases that might underlie their addictions, such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD. After the residential program, patients typically will graduate to an outpatient program.
Substance Abuse and Addiction Treatment in Ohio
Ethan Crossing Recovery provides treatment for both substance abuse and addiction. We use a comprehensive screening to determine the best treatment program for each patient. In our state-of-the-art detox center, you’ll find a residential center with a gym and lounge area, therapeutic programs, and family engagement programs. We also provide outpatient care and an alumni support program. You or a loved one do not have to continue to suffer the effects of substance abuse and addiction. Contact us at 833.691.0736 today to learn how we can help.