Answers to the Most Common Addiction Questions

Those who have a loved one struggling with addiction, or even those who are struggling themselves often need help understanding addiction. The answers to the most common addiction questions can help as a person navigates through getting themselves or a loved one the help that is needed in order to overcome addiction. 

What is Addiction? 

According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine, the definition of addiction is a chronic medical disease that is treatable. It is characterized by my obsessive and compulsive need and desire to use substances that are harmful to my health and overall well-being.

Things like alcohol, heroin, fentanyl, and benzodiazepines are common substances that individuals develop an addiction to. These substances can have severe impacts on a person’s health and wellness. They can lead to organ damage, changes in mood and behaviors, loss of jobs, legal repercussions, and damage to interpersonal relationships. 

Is Addiction Hereditary?

When answering addiction questions, it’s important to look to the source of addiction itself. Many studies have been conducted on the connection between genetics and addiction to drugs and alcohol. There is ample evidence to support the way that genetics impact the risks of developing an addiction to substances. Environmental and social factors also play into the potential for developing addictions.

What is Dual Diagnosis?

Dual diagnosis is when someone struggles with both mental health and substance abuse or addiction simultaneously. This can mean that a person struggles with alcohol or drugs and also suffers with depression or anxiety. The impacts of drugs and alcohol on mental health can be severe.

While initially it may seem like the substances are alleviating the symptoms or mental health conditions, in the long run, the substances will severely impact how these conditions affect the person who is struggling. Often, conditions like depression and anxiety can be exacerbated by the use of drugs and alcohol.

On the other end of the spectrum, a person who is struggling with mental health could turn to using drugs and alcohol as a means of coping. This can lead to dependence and addiction to the substances, making it difficult to address either condition without the proper care. Dual diagnosis treatment can help by addressing both mental health and addiction simultaneously in order to achieve long-lasting recovery.

How Do I Know If Someone is Addicted to Drugs?

One of the most common addiction questions is how to know if someone is struggling. Addiction is characterized by compulsively seeking and using drugs despite negative consequences. If there is concern regarding use in a loved one, this can be the easiest way to know if a person is struggling. Understanding addiction comes with knowing how to identify if someone is struggling with drugs or alcohol. If a loved one is obsessively using and seeking drugs or alcohol, this can be indicative of a potential problem with the substances. 

What is Medication Assisted Treatment?

Medication-assisted treatment, or MAT, is the use of medication in combination with behavioral therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy as a means of treating addiction. MAT is often used in conjunction with alcohol and drug detox. This helps to alleviate withdrawal symptoms as well as fend off cravings to use drugs and alcohol while a person is simultaneously able to undergo addiction treatment therapies in order to learn new and healthy coping skills. This can provide a safety net for individuals who are struggling to find their footing in recovery from addiction to drugs and alcohol.

What is Withdrawal and How Long Does It Last?

Withdrawal is a necessary process for anyone who is struggling with substances like drugs and alcohol. Detoxing from stimulants is an important step in the process. This process helps to remove harmful and toxic substances from the body in order for the person to start with a clean slate. Stimulant withdrawal symptoms usually appear at their most intense during this stage. Understanding addiction begins with knowing that this is a vital component of finding and maintaining recovery.

Detox provides a clear mind for them to begin learning and retaining crucial information that could help them stay sober. The process of withdrawal is crucial to recovery. Removing the substances from the system allows a person to begin their recovery journey without the hindrances of needing a substance in order to go about daily life. 

How long detox or withdrawal can last will generally vary from person to person. There are a number of factors that play into the detox process. This can include age, substances being used, amount of said substances being used, overall health, and any underlying medical and mental health conditions that may be present. There are general outlines for different substances, and usually within a week or so, the physical symptoms can subside.

However, addiction is not cured by someone going through withdrawal and removing the substances from the system. Addiction treatment is a vital component when it comes to someone finding and maintaining recovery from addiction to drugs and alcohol. Understanding addiction includes understanding that it is common to need further help, outside of detox.

What is Addiction Treatment?

Addiction treatment is the process that a person goes through in order to learn vital tools that help along the recovery journey. It is a common misconception that once the drugs and alcohol are removed from the system a person is “cured”. Recovery from drug and alcohol addiction is a process, and removing them from the system is the first step. Once the substances have been removed it is important to continue on the journey to recovery.

This can include things like a PHP, IOP, or OP program in which someone can receive and undergo therapies that can help them achieve long-term recovery. Learning how to handle stressful situations that generally lead to drinking and using drugs is an important factor in gaining and maintaining recovery.

How Can I Get Help For a Loved One?

If there is a loved one who is struggling with drugs and alcohol, getting them help as soon as possible can make a world of difference. It can also be a tricky thing to address. Often, those who are struggling with drugs and alcohol fail to see or accept that they have a problem that requires help. The beginning step to helping someone is identifying if they want help. If they don’t feel like they want help, or need it, this could make the process a bit more complicated.

Speaking to an addiction professional who could assist with an intervention could be beneficial in these situations. Having someone who is knowledgeable and knows ways of circumventing the obstacles that could arise can help push a loved one to accept and get the right help that could lead them to a road of recovery from addiction to drugs and alcohol. It also helps to have a list of options available for a loved one to choose from.  

Addiction Treatment With Lexington Addiction Center

When someone is struggling with addiction to substances like drugs and alcohol, they are risking their health and overall well-being. Lexington Addiction Center has answers for all of your addiction questions. The impacts of addiction to drugs and alcohol can be far-reaching and affect the family as well as the individual who is struggling.

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction to substances, there is help available. At Lexington Addiction Center we offer compassionate care to those who need it. Call us today and begin a journey to healing and a better life!