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Drug Addiction

Drug Addiction: The Basics

Addiction occurs when an individual crosses the line separating drug abuse from a physical dependency on drugs. This is usually characterized by compulsively seeking to use a substance regardless of the potentially negative social, psychological, and physical consequences. This drive to use is not only mental, a psychological addiction, but driven by the physical need to maintain a certain level of the drug in the system at all times. If this level is not maintained, the body rebels by exhibiting withdrawal symptoms that may include nausea and vomiting, insomnia, irritability, diarrhea, and bone and muscle aches.

Drug Addiction Versus Drug Abuse

Despite being lumped together in most literature, drug addiction and drug abuse are separated by one thing only: physical addiction. Drug abuse covers a lot of ground and includes everything from overindulging in drug binges in social situations to a compulsive desire to use drugs even when it would do harm in the way of maintaining commitments and making safe decisions. Drug addiction, on the other hand, is an overwhelming psychological desire that feels like a need for drugs. Without the drug, withdrawal symptoms can begin almost immediately, a psychosomatic reaction to being without the drug of choice. Before long, these symptoms become very real as the physical levels of the drug fall below what the body is used to and has adjusted to depend upon.

At The Canyon, our staff is prepared to handle those who suffer from any level of drug abuse or drug addiction.

Signs and Symptoms of Drug Addiction

Signs and symptoms of drug addiction vary according to the type of drug and the length of time that the addict has been using, but some symptoms apply across the board. They include:

• Prolonged personality change
• Extreme mood swings bouncing between euphoria and paralyzing depression
• Continually missing appointments, being late, forgetting commitments
• Doing things under the influence that put themselves or others in danger (i.e., driving a car)
• Putting themselves in risky situations that they would ordinarily avoid in order to obtain their drug of choice

Treatment for Drug Addiction

There is no cure for drug addiction. Because the brain is altered on its most fundamental levels during chronic drug use, the addictive personality will never be able to use drugs recreationally without eventually falling back into addictive, destructive behavior. There is treatment for drug addiction, though, and with patience, persistence, support and an honest desire to break physical addiction and attend to psychological addiction, drug addiction treatment can be extremely effective. The Canyon offers both outpatient and inpatient treatment, after care treatment and extended care for those who would like to take their time in early recovery.

Specialized Drug Addiction Treatment at The Canyon

At The Canyon, we provide all the tools you will need to build a strong foundation in recovery. A dual diagnosis drug treatment center, The Canyon is staffed by educated professionals who are trained to treat those who have co-occurring disorders: addiction and emotional or psychiatric disorders like depression or bipolar disorder. A truly unique feature, finding a treatment center that equipped to treat drug addiction in addition to other disorders simultaneously is no simple feat.

If you feel you are endangering yourself of others or if you think that a loved one is hurting themselves, contact The Canyon today at .