Comprehensive Guide to Addiction

What is Addiction?

Addiction is a disease that involves a strong physical or psychological urge to use or do something. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not merely a case of willpower. Addiction is considered a medical condition that impacts the reward-motivation centers in the brain and alters decision-making.

But addiction usually happens gradually, depending on the substance used. For drugs or alcohol, it may begin with recreational and occasional use, eventually escalating and impacting multiple areas of an individual’s life. Oftentimes, there are underlying genetic factors, trauma, or mental health conditions at play. 

Factors that may increase your risk of developing an addiction include:

• A family history of addiction
• The presence of mental health conditions (such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD)
• Childhood trauma
• High-stress 
• Chronic pain

The good news is that recovery is possible. At Freedom Recovery Centers (FRC), we provide holistic, evidence-based treatment to help you break free from the chains of addiction and guide you toward a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life. 

Learn more about addiction, drug, and overdose statistics for Richmond VA.

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Types of Addiction

Addiction takes on many forms. For some, addiction involves compulsive behaviors like gambling. At FRC, we treat various substance addictions, including the common ones outlined below.

Alcohol

Alcohol is a commonly abused substance. Society has normalized turning to alcohol to cope with stress and difficult times. However, this can lead down a slippery slope. Regular alcohol use can lead to dependence, where withdrawal symptoms emerge when you try to stop. Additionally, chronic use can lead to liver problems and other health issues, which is why getting help is so important.

Opioids

Virginia has some of the highest rates of opioid-related overdose deaths in the country. The opioid epidemic, however, stretches from coast to coast. Opioids, such as heroin, fentanyl, and prescription painkillers, are highly addictive. These drugs work by binding to the opioid receptors in the brain, providing pain relief and feelings of euphoria. This can lead to tolerance—where more of the drug is needed to obtain similar effects—and dependence—where withdrawal symptoms arise when you try to discontinue use.

Stimulants

Stimulants come in both illegal (like cocaine and methamphetamine) and prescription forms (like ADHD medications). Over the long term, stimulant use can lead to anxiety and crashes, which continue to fuel addiction. In particular, high performers can be prone to this type of addiction. However, cocaine and meth use may begin as recreational, party drugs that turn into a cycle of dependence as users chase the initial high while developing a tolerance.

Benzodiazepines and Prescription Drugs

Benzos include Xanax, Valium, Ativan, and other prescription drugs. These are often prescribed for insomnia, anxiety, and panic disorders. Many people develop a tolerance, requiring higher doses to feel the same effects, which increases the risk of an overdose. Stopping benzos suddenly can further cause severe withdrawal symptoms, making medically supervised detox essential.

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Common Signs of Addiction

While addiction may look different for everybody, some common signs include:

• An inability to stop use despite wanting to do so
• Hiding consumption or use
• Neglect of responsibilities (such as family, social, or career obligations)
• Increasing social isolation
• Driving under the influence or other risky behaviors
• Withdrawal symptoms when stopping use (often flu-like)
• Needing higher doses to feel the same effects (developing a tolerance)
• Insomnia
• Increasing paranoia
• Lack of engagement in hobbies or activities you used to enjoy
• Excessive spending on the addictive substance

If you or a loved one displays the above signs, getting help early can not only make recovery easier but also potentially save your life. Professional help is available; you don’t need to do this alone.

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Negative Effects of Addiction

Addiction can begin to spill over into all areas of your life, creating a downward spiral. It can impact your:

• Mental Health: While mental health conditions—like depression, anxiety, and PTSD—can lead to addiction, addiction can also exacerbate these conditions.
• Physical Health: Many substances wreak havoc on the body, leading to potential liver damage, heart issues, and suppressed immune function.
• Relationships: It can be difficult to watch a loved one struggle with addiction. Not only that but trust is often broken as the addiction worsens. The good news is that rehab and recovery can help rebuild this trust and connection.
• Career & Finances: As addiction continues, career obligations may fall curbside. Additionally, increased spending on the addictive substance can lead to financial distress.

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Treatment for Addiction

While addiction recovery isn’t a one-size-fits-all process, many drug rehab and alcohol rehab treatment plans incorporate the same general steps. At the same time, your exact treatment with FRC will be determined based on individual factors, such as the type and severity of your addiction. Below, we offer more information regarding treatment.

Detox

Most treatments begin with detoxification. This involves ridding the body of the addictive substance, 24/7 medical monitoring, and management of withdrawal symptoms and cravings. To help ease this phase, medically-assisted treatments (MAT) may be used to ease your discomfort.

Inpatient (Residential) Treatment

Residential addiction treatment provides 24/7 support within a safe, secure, and structured environment. You’ll live in our center at FRC for the duration of your treatment and receive appropriate medical and therapeutic support.

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient programs offer more flexibility, allowing you to maintain family or career obligations while you undergo treatment. This may be a better choice for individuals with a mild or moderate addiction.

Therapies Used in Addiction Recovery

FRC incorporates various treatments into our rehab programs. Your treatments may include a combination of:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
• Holistic therapies
• Mindfulness, meditation, exercise
• And more!

The exact therapies will depend on the severity of your addiction and your individual needs.

Relapse Prevention

We don’t just support you during the initial stages of your recovery. At FRC, treatment also involves equipping you with strategies and resources to support your recovery post-rehab. This often involves learning and identifying your triggers, developing healthy coping mechanisms, and referrals to counseling, support groups, and meet-ups.

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FAQs

Can addiction be cured?

Many argue that addiction cannot be cured but, instead, managed. This means learning healthy ways to cope and disrupting the thought patterns leading to substance use.

What if rehab doesn’t work the first time?

First, know that relapse can be a common part of the recovery journey. If rehab doesn’t work the first time, you can always recommit to your recovery and re-enter rehab again. 

How do I know if I have an addiction?

If you have an inability to control the use of a substance, find it’s interfering with your daily life, or experience intense cravings, you may have a problem. However, there’s no shame, and recovery is possible. Reach out to FRC today to get started at 804-635-3746.