Poughskeepie Substance Abuse Treatment Centers

A guide for understanding the dynamics of substance abuse treatment centers and addiction.

Despite millions of people being impacted by substance abuse and addiction annually, there are still countless people who are uneducated on what these conditions are. Although substance abuse and addiction essentially go hand and hand, the two differ in their severity. Substance abuse commonly leads to addiction, nonetheless, substance abuse is not the same as addiction. Addiction is more severe than substance abuse, it is also more powerful. Poughskeepie substance abuse treatment centers aim to educate as many people on the dynamics of substance abuse and addiction as possible. They understand that with a better understanding, substance abuse and addiction can be prevented or properly treated and supported, if already present.

What Is Substance Abuse?

According to the World Health Organization, substance abuse is defined as the harmful or hazardous use of substances such as alcohol and illegal drugs. Over time, the use of substances can lead to the development of a dependence. Typically, when a person begins to use drugs they have no intentions of abusing the drug, or even becoming addicted. Drugs are very powerful and have the ability to cause changes in the brain, over time, these changes can become irreversible. A substance abuse problem, transitions from substance abuse to addiction once a person has lost control over their use of substances.

What Is Addiction?

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, addiction is characterized by an individual's inability to stop taking a drug even if they want to. Addiction causes individuals to experience an urge that can be too strong to control, despite knowing the dangers and consequences associated with using the drug. Addiction is classified as a chronic, brain disease. Drugs affect the brain in a manner which can cause a person to lose complete control over their drug use and drug seeking behaviors. Without treatment or actively engaging in recovery, addiction will become progressive over time and can result in a host of negative consequences including disability or death.

How Do Drugs Affect the Brain?

Addiction is classified as a brain disease because with continued use, drugs begin to hijack the brain. Drugs affect the brain in the following ways:

• Drugs change how the brain works
• The changes which drugs cause in the brain can last for a long time
• The changes which drugs cause in the brain can cause issues such as mood swings, memory loss, trouble thinking, and decision making

Due to the manner in which drugs affect the brain, addiction is a disease which can impact anyone. It doesn't matter if you are rich or poor, or what your background is, you put yourself at risk of addiction any time you use drugs.

How Can Substance Abuse and Addiction Be Treated?

Although there is no cure for substance abuse or addition, both conditions can be effectively treated and overcome. There are several treatment options for those who are suffering from substance use problems. Most commonly, behavioral and pharmacological treatments are used to effectively treat substance use problems. Behavioral treatment approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy and contingency management have shown to be highly effective in treating substance use problems. Pharmacological approaches implement the use of medication to treat varying symptoms. Nonetheless, treatment is more effective when both pharmacological and behavioral treatment approaches are combined.

Get Stared In a Poughskeepie Addiction Drug Treatment Program Today

If you or your loved one are currently suffering from a substance abuse problem or addiction, it is strongly suggested to get started with treatment as soon as possible. Comprehensive Poughskeepie addiction drug treatment programs can help you or your loved one achieve a complete and successful recovery from any substance use issue. Call our 24/7 helpline today at 845-207-5168 to speak with someone about rehab centers and your options.