Watch video

Testimonial

Listen to what our clients say about The Canyon.



Follow The Canyon

Stay in touch with The Canyon on Facebook and Twitter. We love to be social. Come join us!


Contact Us

If you prefer, fill out the following form and a counselor will get back to you.





Do you want us to verify your insurance
benefits? Yes No

All information is considered
private and confidential.

877-714-1319
Heroes in Recovery

Success Stories

The generosity of the staff and peacefulness of the surroundings has given me a serenity and safety I had never experienced before." - Don

More Success Stories

News and Events

Click here to read "Addressing the Complexities of Chronic Pain," by Dr. James Gagne, an internist at The Canyon. The article was published in Marin Medicine Magazine. (This link is provided solely for educational purposes.)

 

Photo Gallery

Click here to see more photos

The Problem of Co-addiction

For many people, one addiction isn't enough. What new complications arise when addiction includes multiple substances or behaviors?

The same impulses that can make an individual susceptible to one addiction can make them open to other types of addictions as well. Co-addictions can sometimes also be referred to as co-occurring disorders and the term simply means having two or more overlapping addictions, for example opiate addiction and workaholism or alcoholism and compulsive gambling.

This is not the same as an addicted individual who trades one disorder for another. The most common example of this in recent years is when food addicts who undergo weight-loss surgery find themselves at risk for new addictions. Since their bodies will no longer let them abuse food, they may find themselves turning to alcohol abuse, shopping addiction or compulsive gambling to get that "fix" that food used to give them.

Co-occurring disorders also refer to someone who is battling an addiction combined with a personality disorder such as schizophrenia, multiple personality disorder, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder.

Co-addictions occur for the same reasons as primary addictions. These secondary addictions pose a new problem, though, because they aren't seen as dangerous by the user because they aren't the primary addiction. Ironically, the secondary addiction feeds the primary addiction, often leading back to increased abuse of that primary substance.

Spotting an Addiction

It's important to be aware of the different types of abuse and addiction so we can spot it in those we love or even ourselves and get help. If you or someone you love is in need of drug treatment, call The Canyon at our toll-free number. We are here to take your call 24 hours a day and answer any questions you have about treatment, financing or insurance.

 

 


Call 877.714.1319
If The Canyon isn't right for you, we'll find the place that is.

Articles on Drug Treatment