Finding Hope and Healing: Addiction Treatment Los Angeles Residents Can Trust

Looking for hope and healing for your recovery journey? Read on to explore addiction treatment Los Angeles options and how they can help.

What Is Addiction?

Addiction is a complex and chronic condition that can profoundly impact an individual’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being. However, there are several effective evidence-based treatment approaches for dealing with addiction.

Many addiction treatment Los Angeles centers can help individuals work through and cope with the symptoms and side effects of their substance use.¹

Characterizing Addiction

Addiction is characterized by compulsive drug seeking behavior and use. One common characteristic feature of addiction is that drug use often continues despite harmful consequences. It is often associated with physical and psychological dependence on a substance, such as drugs or alcohol. Addiction is multifaceted and can result from genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors.²

How Does Addiction Happen?

Chemical Changes With Substance Use

When a person becomes reliant or dependent upon a substance, their brain undergoes chemical changes. These changes make it difficult to control cravings and behaviors related to addiction. Over time, the brain’s reward center becomes less responsive to other natural rewards.

Instead, it becomes more responsive to the addictive substance or behavior. This can lead to a cycle of compulsive drug use, even in the face of consequences such as job loss and health problems.

Seeking help from addiction treatment Los Angeles can help manage and lessen the side effects of these chemical changes.

Common Substance Addictions

When the topic of substance abuse comes up, many individuals tend to only think about illicit substances. While this can and does occur, the fact is that there are many other substances that people can also become reliant on.

Both legal substances, like alcohol, and illegal ones, like stimulants, have been associated with substance abuse. Addiction treatment Los Angeles can help individuals get the help and support they deserve. Here are some of the most common substance addictions:³

Alcohol

Alcohol substance abuse disorder affects millions worldwide. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, over 29.5 million people who are 12 or older in the United States had an alcohol use disorder (AUD) in the past year. Statistics also show that men are more likely to develop this condition than women.⁴

An Overview of Alcohol Use Disorder

Risk Factors Of Alcohol Use Disorder

Risk factors for alcohol use include the following:⁵

Genetic predisposition: Research suggests that genetics play a role in alcohol addiction. People with a family history of alcoholism are more likely to develop alcohol addiction.
Environmental factors: Social and cultural norms can also influence the development of alcohol addiction.
Mental health conditions: Mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety, can exacerbate or create symptoms of substance use.
Age of onset: Individuals who begin drinking early are likely to have an alcohol addiction. This may be due to changes in the developing brain that make it more susceptible to the effects of alcohol.
Poor impulse control: People with difficulty controlling their impulses and behaviors may be more likely to develop alcohol addiction.

You should know that not everyone who has these risk factors will develop alcohol addiction. Some individuals may develop an addiction to alcohol without any of these risk factors. If you or a loved one have any of these risk factors, reaching out to addiction treatment Los Angeles centers can make sure you receive support.

Symptoms Of Alcohol Use Disorder

Symptoms of alcohol addiction can vary depending on the individual, but may include the following:

Inability to control drinking
Preoccupation with drinking
Increased tolerance
Withdrawal symptoms when attempting to stop using the substance
Continued drinking despite negative consequences
Loss of interest in previous activities that brought enjoyment
Health problems like liver damage, heart disease, and depression

Not everyone with alcohol addiction will experience all of these symptoms. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of alcohol addiction, seek professional help from addiction treatment Los Angeles options.

Side Effects Of Alcohol Use Disorder

Depending on the length and severity of usage, side effects may vary. Depending on the severity of side effects, seeking addiction treatment Los Angeles may be imperative for healthy detox and recovery. However, some common side effects may include:

Liver damage
Cardiovascular problems
Digestive problems
Mental health problems
Cognitive impairment
Sexual dysfunction
Relationship problems
Legal problems
Financial strain

Nicotine

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nicotine addiction is one of the leading causes of preventable death worldwide. The CDC also marks smoking as responsible for nearly half a million deaths yearly in the United States alone. Nicotine is an addictive substance in tobacco products such as cigarettes and cigars.⁶

Nicotine use disorder occurs when the brain becomes dependent on nicotine. This leads to a range of physical and psychological symptoms. The symptoms become severe when affected individuals try to quit or reduce their nicotine intake.

Nicotine addiction can be difficult to overcome, but with the right treatment and support from addiction treatment Los Angeles options, quitting smoking or using other tobacco products is possible.

Risk Factors Of Nicotine Use Disorder

There are several potential risk factors for an individual developing nicotine use disorder, including:⁷

Age of onset: Individuals who begin smoking at an early age are at an increased risk of developing nicotine addiction.
Genetics: Research suggests that genetics play a role in nicotine addiction, just as with alcohol.
Social environment: If you have friends or family who smoke, you may also develop nicotine addiction.
Mental health conditions: People with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders are likely to use tobacco products and develop nicotine addiction.
Easy access to tobacco products: People who have easy access to tobacco products are likely to develop nicotine addiction.

Symptoms and Side Effects of Nicotine Use Disorder

Some common symptoms or side effects of nicotine use disorder may include:

Strong cravings for nicotine
Increased tolerance
Spending significant time and money on tobacco products
Health problems like mental health problems, lung disease, and heart disease.
Difficulty quitting
Continued tobacco use despite negative consequences
Withdrawal symptoms
Respiratory problems
Cardiovascular problems
Reproductive problems
Oral health problems
Skin problems
Mental health problems
Financial strain

If you or a loved one are struggling with nicotine use disorder, finding help at addiction treatment Los Angeles centers can give you the support and help you deserve.

Opioids

Opioids are powerful pain-relieving drugs. They can include prescription painkillers like oxycodone, hydrocodone, and fentanyl. They also include illegal drugs such as heroin as well. Opioid use disorder has become a growing major public health crisis in many parts of te world.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, more than 130 people die daily in the United States due to opioid overdose. Many addiction treatment Los Angeles centers have intensive opioid use disorder treatments to help those with symptoms.⁸

Opioid Use Disorder Risk Factors

There are several risk factors for developing an opioid use disorder, including:⁹

Chronic pain: Individuals who suffer from chronic pain often are prescribed opioids for pain management. However, this increases the risk of developing opioid use disorder.
Genetics: Genetics can play a role in an individual’s likelihood of developing addiction.
Mental health disorders: Individuals with mental health disorders are more likely to self-medicate with substances, including opioids.
Substance abuse history: People who have a history of substance abuse, whether with opioids or other drugs, are at a higher risk of developing a substance use disorder.
Environmental factors: This includes factors like peer pressure, social and economic stressors, and lack of access to healthcare.
Age: Younger individuals are more likely to develop opioid addiction, as they may be more prone to experimentation and peer pressure.
Gender: This also plays a role, as men are more likely than women to develop opioid addiction.

Side Effects of Opioid Use Disorder

Opioid use disorder can have several side effects, including:

Physical dependence: This is when the body has become dependent on opioids. Stopping at this stage leads to withdrawal symptoms like nausea.
Respiratory depression: Opioids can suppress the respiratory system. This will in turn lead to breathing problems or even respiratory failure.
Nausea and vomiting: This occurs especially in the early stages of use.
Constipation: Opioids can slow down the digestive system, leading to constipation.
Hormonal imbalances: Opioids can disrupt hormone production. Thus leading to issues such as reduced testosterone levels and sexual dysfunction.
Liver damage: Long-term opioid use can lead to liver damage or failure.
Increased risk of infectious diseases: Injecting opioids can increase the risk of infectious diseases like HIV and hepatitis.
Overdose: Opioid overdose can also be life-threatening. This is because it can cause respiratory failure, coma, or even death.

Opioid use disorder can be dangerous. If you or a loved one need help, seeking out addiction treatment Los Angeles options can make sure you get the assistance you deserve.

Stimulants

Stimulant use disorder refers to the compulsive use of drugs such as cocaine, methamphetamine, and prescription stimulants like Adderall or Ritalin. These drugs increase brain activity, boost energy levels, and produce feelings of euphoria, making them highly addictive. Addiction treatment Los Angeles centers have seen an increase in stimulant use disorder in recent years.

According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately 4.8 million people in the United States reported using cocaine in 2021. Additionally, the misuse of prescription stimulants is a growing problem, particularly among young adults and college students.¹⁰

Risk Factors Of Stimulant Use Disorder

Some of the factors that increase the risk of developing a stimulant use disorder include:

Genetics: People with a family history of substance use disorder are likely to develop stimulant addiction.
Childhood trauma: Childhood trauma, such as physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, can increase the risk of substance use.
Mental health disorders: This includes depression, anxiety, and ADHD.
Peer pressure and social influences: These can also contribute to the development of stimulant use disorder.
Stressful life events: Stressful life events, such as divorce, job loss, or the death of a loved one, can also increase the risk of addiction.
Age of first use: Starting to use stimulants at a younger age can increase the risk of substance use later on in life.

Symptoms Of Stimulants Use Disorder

Depending on the severity and length of use, symptoms can vary. However, some common ones include:

Intense cravings
Continued use of the drug despite negative consequences
Increased tolerance, which means the need to take higher doses of the drug to achieve the desired effect
Withdrawal symptoms when not using the substance
Inability to control drug use
Neglecting personal and professional responsibilities due to drug use
Developing financial or legal problems due to drug use
Physical and mental health problems, such as insomnia, heart problems, paranoia, and anxiety

If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, seeking professional help at addiction treatment Los Angeles centers is important in order to address and heal from any symptoms.

Side Effects Of Stimulants Addiction

The side effects of stimulant addiction can include:

Insomnia or other sleep disturbances
Appetite suppression and weight loss
Increased heart rate and blood pressure
Respiratory problems, such as lung damage or infection
Seizures or other neurological issues
Increased risk of stroke or heart attack
Dental problems, such as tooth decay and gum disease

Marijuana

Marijuana contains the chemical compound THC, which produces a range of effects, including relaxation, altered perception, and increased appetite. Marijuana use disorder can occur when an individual uses the drug regularly and begins to experience intense cravings and withdrawal symptoms when they try to stop using.

While marijuana addiction is not classified as severely as other types of substance addiction, it can still have significant negative consequences on an individual’s life. Many addiction treatment Los Angeles centers have marijuana substance use programs.

A Closer Look at Cannabis Use Disorder

Risk Factors Of Marijuana Use Disorder

The risk factors for developing marijuana use disorder can include the following:

Age of first use
Genetic predisposition
Environment
Use of multiple substances at the same time
Frequency of use
Method of use
Potency

Side Effects of Marijuana Use Disorder

Marijuana use disorder can have various side effects that addiction treatment Los Angeles centers can help individuals work through and recover from. Some of these include:

Impaired memory and cognitive function
Decreased motivation and energy
Difficulty concentrating
Impaired coordination and balance
Increased heart rate and blood pressure
Respiratory problems (if smoking the substance)
Increased risk of psychosis or schizophrenia
Increased tolerance or dependance
Withdrawal symptoms, such as irritability, insomnia, and anxiety, when trying to quit
Increased risk of accidents or injuries due to impaired judgment or coordination.

It’s important to note that not everyone who uses marijuana will develop a substance use disorder. Some people may experience fewer or less severe side effects than others.

However, prolonged and excessive use of marijuana can increase the likelihood of experiencing these side effects. If you or a loved one are struggling with symptoms or side effects of marijuana use disorder, seeking out the support of addiction treatment Los Angeles centers can give you the help you need.

What Is the Difference Between Addiction and Tolerance?

Addiction and tolerance are often used interchangeably, but there are important differences.

Tolerance

Tolerance refers to the body’s natural ability to adapt to a substance over time. Repeated use makes the body less responsive to the substance, meaning that larger doses are needed to achieve the same effect. This can lead to an increased risk of overdose if a person continues to use higher and higher doses.

Addiction

Addiction, on the other hand, is a psychological and physical dependence on a substance. It is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, even in the face of negative consequences. Addiction can develop as a result of repeated drug use, especially when a person is using the drug to cope with stress or emotional pain.

Addiction often requires the help of addiction treatment Los Angeles centers to help work through symptoms and safely detox.

What Is the Difference Between Addiction and a Substance Use Disorder (SUD)?

Many individuals also refer to addiction and substance use disorder as the same thing.

However, there is an important distinction. A substance use disorder is a clinical diagnosis used to describe a range of substance-related disorders. SUD encompasses a wide range of symptoms and severity levels. It is characterized by a pattern of problematic use of a substance that causes significant impairment or distress in various areas of life, such as work, school, or relationships.

In short, addiction is a behavioral and psychological dependence on a substance, while SUD is a clinical diagnosis that encompasses a range of substance-related disorders. A medical professional at addiction treatment Los Angeles centers can help diagnose and prescribe treatments to work through substance use disorder.

How Can Addiction Impact People's Wellness?

Addiction can have a significant impact on a person’s overall wellness, which may require the assistance of addiction treatment Los Angeles centers.

Physical Wellness

Addiction can cause physical health problems, like heart and liver damage. Using drugs for a long time can lead to chronic pain, a weaker immune system, and the increased risk of overdose.

Mental Wellness

Addiction can seriously affect mental health, leading to problems like depression, anxiety, and mood disorders. It can also cause memory loss and difficulty learning new information.

Existing mental health issues can also get worse with addiction, leading to more severe symptoms and making it harder to get better. Many addiction treatment Los Angeles centers offer co-occurring disorder treatment to help individuals with both substance use and mental health disorders.

Emotional Wellness

Addiction can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, and isolation, which can impact emotional well-being. Substance abuse can also cause mood swings and make it hard to get along with others.

However, support groups and group therapy options at addiction treatment Los Angeles centers can help individuals get the support and community they may need during recovery.

Financial Wellness

Addiction can also significantly impact financial wellness, leading to job loss, financial instability, and debt. Substance use can be expensive, and individuals may struggle to maintain their daily responsibilities due to the financial and time costs of addiction.

Addiction treatment Los Angeles centers often offer vocational and other types of help for those that experience financial difficulties due to substance use.

Social Wellness

Addiction can lead to a breakdown of social relationships, including family, friends, and coworkers. People struggling with addiction may isolate themselves from social situations and struggle to maintain healthy relationships. Many aftercare programs at addiction treatment Los Angeles rehab centers can help individuals regain social wellness.

Addiction Treatment Los Angeles Residents Can Rely On

If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use, seeking out the help of addiction treatment Los Angeles rehab can be an imperative step in the healing process. San Diego Detox is here to help.

At San Diego Detox, our compassionate staff is dedicated to providing you with the most effective and supportive treatment possible. We also offer concierge services so you can heal comfortably and enjoy your time with us.

Treatment Services Addiction Treatment Los Angeles Centers Offer

At San Diego Detox, we provide individualized and private care so individuals can safely move through detoxification and onto the next recovery steps. Our staff is experienced in helping clients detox from a wide variety of substances, including but not limited to the following:

Alcohol
Xanax
Amphetamine
Benzodiazepines
Cocaine
Fentanyl
Heroin
Hydrocodone
Marijuana
Methadone
Oxycodone

We have professionally developed programs that make the addiction detoxification process as pain-free and effective as possible. Many addiction treatment Los Angeles rehab centers can help create an individualized plan that will address your specific symptoms.

What Treatment Services Do We Offer?

Some major treatment services that addiction treatment Los Angeles rehab centers offer include:

Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Medication-assisted therapy (MAT) is a common treatment option at many addiction treatment Los Angeles rehab centers. It involves using medication in combination with behavioral therapies to help manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings.

MAT effectively reduces the risk of relapse and increases the likelihood of long-term recovery. MAT is generally recommended for individuals with opioid or alcohol addiction, but it can be helpful for other types of addiction as well.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is another common type of therapy used at addiction treatment Los Angeles centers. It helps people identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that may contribute to their addiction.

The goal of CBT is to help you develop new ways of thinking and behaving, which can lead to long-term recovery and improved quality of life.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) is a form of therapy that helps people learn skills to manage their emotions and healthily cope with stress. Our DBT program is particularly helpful for individuals with addiction who also struggle with mental health disorders such as borderline personality disorder or trauma-related disorders.

12-Step Model

The 12-step model is a recovery program that has been widely used to treat substance use at many addiction treatment Los Angeles rehab centers. It involves working through a series of 12 steps designed to help you overcome addiction and improve overall well-being.

Reach Out to Us Today

If you or a loved one need help with addiction recovery, reach out to us at San Diego Detox today. We will be with you every step of the way during recovery.

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