Whether you’re struggling with addiction yourself or supporting a loved one who is, understanding the road to recovery is essential. At Atlanta Recovery Place, our clients work to recover what was lost through addiction and build strong and supportive relationships that promote healing and sobriety.
Learn more about the basics of addiction counseling with our Georgia Addiction Recovery Center.
What is Addiction?
Addiction can take many forms, from substance abuse to compulsive behaviors. However, substance, behavior, and food are the most common types of addiction. Through structured addiction treatment, recovery is possible.
Substance addiction refers to the abuse of drugs or alcohol. These substances can be legal, such as prescription medications and alcohol, or illegal, such as cocaine and heroin. Substance addiction can lead to physical and mental health problems, relationship issues, and legal troubles.
Causes of Addiction
Addiction is a complex condition that various factors can influence. The most common causes of addiction include genetics, environment, and mental health disorders. This demonstrates the multifaceted issues that can cause or worsen addiction.
Research has shown that genetics can play a role in the development of addiction. Individuals with a family history of addiction may be more likely to develop habits themselves. This genetic predisposition to addiction is linked to smoking and alcoholism. Additionally, this demonstrates that it is not always a choice for people when they experiment and can’t stop.
Environmental factors such as trauma, stress, and peer pressure can also contribute to the development of addiction. For example, individuals who experience trauma or stress may use substance abuse or other addictive behaviors to cope. This is common in individuals with PTSD or other trauma disorders.
Lastly, mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder can increase the risk of addiction. Individuals with these conditions may turn to drugs or alcohol to self-medicate. Through the use of drugs, they can avoid or mitigate some of the negative symptoms of their mental health disorder. The elimination of these adverse side effects is a powerful motivator.
Addiction Before and After
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of addiction and how they can affect a person is an essential first step in getting help. Unfortunately, physical, behavioral, and psychological symptoms are common when identifying common signs and symptoms of addiction.
Physical symptoms of addiction may include bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, and weight loss or gain. While these changes can also be attributed to hormonal changes in teens and mental health changes in adults, they are a cause for concern that individuals should be aware of.
Individuals might also experience behavioral symptoms of addiction. These can include neglecting responsibilities, engaging in risky behaviors, and experiencing relationship problems. This is often in response to a fear reaction and guilt response. Individuals are predisposed to blame others or hide from themselves or others. These fear responses are often noticeable to family members and loved ones and cause reactionary interactions.
Lastly, psychological symptoms of addiction may include mood swings, irritability, and anxiety or depression. When the drug interacts with the body’s systems, it can cause physical changes that impact a person psychologically.
Overcoming Addiction: The Recovery Process
Overcoming addiction is a complex process that requires commitment, support, and hard work. The recovery process typically involves several stages. Detoxification and withdrawal occur first, followed by treatment or participation in inpatient or outpatient treatment programs, and maintenance, participating in ongoing support and treatment to maintain sobriety and prevent relapse.
Treatment Options and Basics of Addiction Counseling
When determining treatment options and exploring the science of addiction, several treatment processes are scientifically proven to be effective and supportive for individuals.
Outpatient treatment involves attending therapy and counseling sessions regularly while living at home. This type of treatment may be more flexible and less intensive than inpatient treatment. This is ideal for individuals with mild addiction and those who have already completed an inpatient treatment program.
Support Groups for Addiction Recovery
Support groups can be a valuable resource for individuals in recovery. These groups provide a safe and supportive environment where individuals can share their experiences and receive support from others who are going through similar struggles. Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and SMART Recovery are well-known and supportive community programs.
Atlanta Recovery Place – Addiction Treatment Center
Breaking the chains of addiction is a complex and challenging process, but it is possible with the proper support and resources. Understanding the basics of addiction, including its causes and effects, as well as the treatment and recovery options available, is essential for individuals struggling with addiction and their loved ones. By seeking help early, developing healthy coping strategies, and building a solid support system, individuals can break free from addiction and regain control of their lives.
Through Atlanta Recovery Place, clients can reclaim their lives and learn how to manage their addiction through evidence-based and structured support.
Learn more about addiction before and after by speaking with a counselor at our Georgia drug and alcohol rehab today.
