Drugs are substances that alter the normal functions of the mind and/or body. Continual drug use permanently changes the chemistry and neural structures of the brain which makes functioning without the drug nearly impossible. This uncontrollable craving is known as addiction.
Addiction is a disease in the same way that Alzheimer's, schizophrenia, stroke, and depression are diseases - an abnormal functioning of the mind. Changes in mood, memory, and motor skills are all symptoms of addiction. Addiction to drugs is never intentional, but the initial decisions to experiment and continue using can be controlled.
Staff at The Canyon are uniquely qualified to help those who are suffering physically and mentally from addiction. Our specialty is treating dual diagnosis, or the problem of drug addiction combined with mental disorders. Since addiction causes and antagonizes mental disorders even in those who don't already have them, The Canyon's ability to work on both levels is especially helpful.
Essentially, substances that imitate naturally-made chemicals which relax us, relieve our pain, or heighten our awareness are the ones that are most addictive. If it makes us feel good, we want more. Without the drug, we feel tense, tortured, and generally miserable. Over time, our body becomes accustomed to the presence of the drug in our system and stops making the chemicals that we are supplying in an effort to prevent an overdose. When the effects of the drug wear off, we are left with a chemical void that needs to be filled in order to achieve even moderately satisfying results.
Enjoyment of a drug's euphoric sensation is the mental aspect of addiction. We don't really think about the long-term effects of enjoying something, until we find that it is beyond our control to simply stop using it. Even if we swear never to use again, the urge to get more is overpowering. The loss of control, the inability to manage when or how much we use, is the most obvious indicator of addiction.
Emotional dependency becomes apparent when we believe that we need to take drugs in order to achieve our goals. For example, taking alcohol or cocaine to avoid social blunders, caffeine or other stimulants to keep us awake and get more work done, or downers just to be able to get to sleep. Using drugs to avoid debilitating feelings of depression or anxiety (common symptoms of mental illness) also falls under emotional addiction.
At The Canyon, we don't believe it is possible to treat drug addiction without treating symptoms of depression at the same time. Through our Healing Life Program, we provide a number of multi-faceted therapies chosen based on their abilities to speak to both disorders at the same time. One-on-one therapy sessions as well as support groups and healing life nutrition join these therapeutic options to create a comprehensive treatment program designed specifically for those who suffer from both depression and drug and alcohol addiction. If you would like more information on the connection between drug addiction and depression or would like to find out more about the treatment available at The Canyon, contact us today at .
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