What To Know About Drug Use Disorder And Addiction

No person ever anticipates developing a drug use disorder, but this complex disease affects millions of Americans every year. Drug use disorders transform your mind and body and can ruin your life. Mercifully, there is assistance for anyone dealing with drug use. Professional drug addiction treatment is offered in the Philadelphia area and can empower you to regain control of your life. Continue reading to learn more about drug use disorders and addiction and how individuals and their family members can overcome these conditions with expert help.

What Is A Drug Use Disorder?

A lot of people take illicit drugs for social reasons or powerful prescription drugs to treat health conditions. But when does drug use develop into a life-changing disorder?

Generally, drug use develops into a disorder when a person exhibits problematic patterns of use and can no longer control their use. Drug use disorders are mental health conditions that range from mild to severe. These health issues disrupt your life and have a negative effect on your wellbeing.

There are differing facets of drug use disorders:

• Dependence occurs when your body becomes so accustomed to a drug that it struggles to function without it. You will suffer unpleasant withdrawal symptoms if you quit using the drug.


• Addiction is a mental dependence. Dependency-causing drugs change your brain chemistry so that you persistently want those drugs and feel urged to use them in growing amounts. You are unable to control your thoughts and conduct. Addiction is the most severe part of substance use disorders.

All phases of drug use disorder are damaging to your mind, body, relationships, and quality of life. If you are concerned that you or a person you love has a drug use disorder, get skilled care for recovery. Everyone has a right to help.

What Drugs Are Dependency-causing?

Addictive drugs contain strong chemicals that change your brain. Some are dangerous enough to be prohibited by law. Others are authorized prescription drugs but can turn dangerous when taken improperly or consumed in excess. Below are some of the most common addictive drugs in the US:

• Narcotics diminish the senses, which enables them to be effective pain relievers. But, individuals also take them to decrease other unpleasant feelings and can become addicted quickly. Narcotics are often classified as opiates or opioids. Opiates are naturally derived substances. Opioids are synthetic. Heroin is a well-known unlawful narcotic. Legal drugs like Percocet, OxyContin, Vicodin, morphine, and fentanyl have pharmaceutical uses but are addictive and often used improperly.


• Benzodiazepines are mood-altering drugs frequently prescribed for mental health disorders. But, they can turn addictive when not used appropriately. Their calming qualities cause you to feel relaxed. Xanax and Valium are familiar benzos.


• Stimulants encompass medications like Ritalin and Adderall, as well as illegal drugs like meth and cocaine. They stimulate your central nervous system, leaving you feeling focused, energized, and elated. Excessive use of stimulants can be deadly.

All of these sorts of drugs can lead to a drug use disorder. They all carry the potential to destabilize your life and create life-threatening medical conditions. Find support for yourself or a loved one at the earliest signal of substance dependency.

How Does Drug Addiction Begin?

There are various reasons why individuals start using habit-forming drugs. Numerous do so recreationally because they like the sensations those chemicals produce. Some people become dependent on prescription drugs they're consuming for medical purposes. Another group of people start using drugs to cope with undiagnosed mental illnesses and discover temporary comfort.

Whatever the reason for first using these substances, the progression to addiction is usually the same. Your body becomes reliant on the drug, and you feel sick when you don't take it. You use more just to operate. You may slowly require higher amounts for the drug to have an impact. You appreciate how its effect feels. You feel miserable without it and keep taking it. Ultimately, those chemicals overtake the pleasure circuits of your brain, and you are unable to feel good unless that drug is in your system.

When you're addicted, finding a consistent supply of the drug is all that matters. Numerous people endure medical issues, damage relationships, give up jobs, and take significant risks as a result of drug addiction. Your addiction dominates you and every part of your life, and you are helpless to stop without professional support.

What Are Indications Of Drug Addiction?

You might surmise that a drug use disorder would be clear. However, these disorders can appear differently among individuals, and those you care about will frequently try to hide their drug use from you. If you are uncertain if you or a relative have a drug use disorder, consider these warning signals:

• Experiencing an overwhelming urge to take the drug


• Unsuccessful attempts to cut back on or stop using the drug


• Spending much time acquiring the drug, ingesting it, or coming down from its effects


• Taking a prescription for longer durations or in higher amounts than intended


• Having difficulty fulfilling obligations due to drug use


• Giving up favorite activities to take drugs


• Continuing to use the drug even though it damages relationships


• Persistent use of the drug even when it adversely impacts your physical and psychological health


• Requiring more of the substance to feel its effects


• Going through withdrawal when attempting to stop


• Putting yourself at risk to acquire or ingest the drug

Drug use disorders may look different between people. If you or someone close to you are displaying any signals of drug addiction near Philadelphia, talk to a local doctor or addiction treatment professional.

Where To Get Drug Addiction Treatment In Philadelphia

Drug use disorder treatment is a multi-tier process. Many people will endure relapses and have to repeat steps many times. You won’t be “cured” of drug use disorder, but countless people acheive recovery and apply what they explore during treatment to maintain a fulfilling, sober life. The solution is finding specialized, evidence-based treatment that aligns with your needs.

No two addiction recovery paths are exactly the same. But, treatment typically includes the following steps at accredited treatment facilities:

• Drug detox is the process of letting your body cleanse itself of drugs. Your body will do this automatically if you abstain from taking more drugs. But, if you have a drug dependency, your body will experience withdrawal without using. To complete detox safely, you should enter an inpatient detox center that supplies round-the-clock medical supervision and keeps you as comfortable as possible.


• Drug rehab programs also offer inpatient care. During rehab, you’ll continue to live at a treatment center and get access to specialized healthcare for any lingering withdrawal symptoms. Each day, you attend different types of therapy with the aim of grasping your addiction, developing new beneficial habits, and addressing any underlying mental disorders. You should stay in rehab until you become physically and psychologically stable enough to depart that sober environment.


• When you leave rehab, you should continue to receive intensive addiction treatment. Outpatient addiction and mental health care will help you move forward in life without harmful substances. These programs give you ongoing counseling sessions and medication management. At first, you might participate in outpatient care each day and return home every evening. Gradually, you won’t require as much therapy and may only participate in therapy on a weekly basis or less.

Everyone has a right to expert, supportive addiction treatment. Regardless of how severe your addiction is, recovery is achievable. Pursuing appropriate support at a qualified treatment center is necessary to reach your goals. There’s no need to battle addiction on your own. You will find numerous options for drug addiction treatment near Philadelphia.

How Can Families Assist A Loved One Grappling With Drug Addiction Near Philadelphia?

People with a drug use disorder need all the support they can obtain. Family and friends can play essential roles in addiction recovery. If you love someone with a drug use disorder, here are many ways you may help them:

• Help them check into a treatment program


• Help them cover the cost of treatment


• Attend family counseling with them


• Participate in aftercare planning


• Offer a safe, sober place to live in


• Don’t pass judgment


• Set limits around their substance use


• Help them get to outpatient treatment appointments

Get Help For Drug Use Disorders Near Philadelphia Today

Nobody should face drug use disorders on their own. If you or a family member are struggling with drug addiction, there is hope for recovery. Call Beacon Point Recovery Center at 267-715-9624 or submit the contact form on this page. One of our team members will answer you promptly to discuss treatment. All communications are free and confidential. You can reach us 24/7, every day of the year. Get help now. We are standing by for you.