Addiction is a complex, chronic brain disease characterized by drug craving, seeking, and use that persists even in the face of devastating life consequences. An addict has both the physical and psychological need to constantly use a substance, no matter its side effects. An addict might find themselves in financial trouble or isolated from family and friends. They might begin unhealthy friendships, neglect responsibilities and/or employ poor judgment.

If the use of your drugs or alcohol is becoming a concern for either you or your loved ones, you might want to question whether or not you are an addict. Other signs include negative consequences that are directly involved with substance abuse; failing relationships; and the inability to complete work or school responsibilities.

The signs vary from person to person and, indeed, from drug to drug, but there are some common signs. They include:

Impaired speech and motor coordination

Bloodshot eyes or pupils that are larger or smaller than usual

Changes in physical appearance or personal hygiene

Changes in appetite or sleep patterns

Sudden weight loss or weight gain

Unusual smells on breath, body, or clothing

Changes in mood or disinterest in engaging in relationships or activities

Yes – they fall under the categories of behavioral and medication. Treatments vary from person to person and some might find themselves returning for treatment.

Withdrawal varies along with the type of drug. In many cases, medication might be employed to help the person going through withdrawal. Bear in mind that treating withdrawal is NOT the same as treating addiction.

Good therapy can help you live a happier, healthier, more productive life. A mental health professional can suggest ways to cope and help restore you to the person you were before you began experiencing issues.

The Affordable Care Act (ACA or Obamacare as it’s also known) does indeed cover mental health issues. They’re also generally covered by work insurance; 87% of work insurance covers mental health but it’s always good to check directly with your insurer. Presumably, as with other services your health insurance covers, there might be a small co-pay.

Not only can you, it’s more common than you think. Co-occurring disorders (having depression and anxiety, for example) are common too. Of course, not everyone has several addictions that they’re dealing with at any one time but there is a lot of overlap to be found here.

While there’s nothing inherently wrong about attending 12-step programs for the support you need to kick a habit, a treatment program is more personalized and intense and brings with it credentialed help. Most treatment programs actually involve a 12-step anyway, so you’ll be getting the benefits of both.

Long-term drug abuse often results in long-term changes to the brain – which, in turn, leads to the inability to control impulses despite the negative and destructive consequences that accompany those urges.

Drug use costs the United States economy more than $700 billion annually in increased health care costs, crime, and lost productivity.

Any and all drug addictions are accepted at rehabs.

Any and all drug addictions are accepted at rehabs.

Studies have shown that most people who get into and remain in treatment stop using drugs, decrease criminal activity, and improve their occupational, social, and psychological functioning. Like other chronic diseases, addictions can be managed.

Rehab programs provide the process for recovering from drug addiction writ large – while detox is simply one step in that process when the body purges itself of the drug(s).

Substance abuse annually costs America over $600 billion. Treatment is much less expensive than its alternatives, such as incarcerating addicted persons. The average cost for one full year of methadone maintenance treatment is approximately $4,700 per patient, whereas 1 full year of imprisonment costs approximately $24,000 per person.

There is no simple answer as it varies from patient to patient. However, research shows that better outcomes depend on adequate treatment length. What’s adequate? Usually, for residential or outpatient treatment, participation for less than 90 days is of limited effectiveness, and treatment lasting significantly longer is recommended for maintaining positive outcomes.

There are a good few elements that factor into how long a person stays in treatment. They include motivation, family support, and pressure from the criminal justice system, employers or child protection services.

Yes. A patient has to commit to following their Doctor’s instructions to a tee; taking them in a manner other than prescribed can lead to major problems. A doctor should screen their patients for histories of drug abuse before prescribing anything to minimize risk.

As many as 6 in 10 people with an illicit substance use disorder also suffer from another mental illness. People needing treatment for a substance use disorder or for another mental disorder should be assessed for the co-occurrence of the other condition. Research indicates that treating both (or multiple) illnesses simultaneously in an integrated fashion is generally the best treatment approach for these patients.

The best qualities to look for include:

Certified: Make sure all staff is certified mental health professions with appropriate education/degrees).

Psychiatric and Medical Care: Both are required – not one or the other.

Family Therapy: Having family involved with treatment is generally a positive thing so check the center allows for that.

Customized Plans: Because everyone is different, there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all answer.