Why Is It Important to Treat Drug and Alcohol Addiction?
Substance use disorder is a very harmful and serious condition. Treating drug addiction is vital to help people recover.
The Impacts of Addictions on Society
It is evident the importance of seeking drug addiction treatment.
Social Effects of Drug Abuse on the Community
When people neglect to seek drug addiction treatment, they will likely face negative social effects—problems at work, school, and in society.
Drug Abuse and the Home
Drug Abuse and the Workplace
When substance use is brought into the workplace, major issues for those with drug addiction and the companies or businesses they work for can arise. For example, the quality of work may suffer, safety concerns can arise, and people can lose their job. For the individual struggling with substance use disorder, this can lead to financial insecurity and risk of future employment. For the business, this can lead to losses in revenue, customers, and employees.
Drug Abuse and School


How to Treat Drug Addiction
Various approaches and strategies are available to treat drug addiction, but there are two methods that stand out. The first is treating drug addiction as a disease, and the second is utilizing medication.
Treating Drug Addiction as a Disease
Addiction Treatment Options
Like any other disease, drug addiction can be treated with several methods. Whether addressing drug addiction in adults or treating drug addiction in adolescents, the following interventions can be useful in drug addiction treatment:
Remembering the importance of treating drug addiction as a disease means recognizing that treatment requires maintenance and may need adjustments over time.
Treating Drug Addiction With Methadone
An effective and commonly used intervention for opioid use disorder is methadone, a prescription drug. Treating drug addiction with methadone blocks the pain caused by opiate withdrawal and allows people to resume their daily lives while recovering from addiction. This is an effective treatment and emphasizes the importance of drug and alcohol addiction treatment that works for a person’s individual needs.
The Harmful Effects of Drugs and Alcohol
The dangers of drug and alcohol use are serious, which is why drug addiction treatment is crucial. Some of the ways drugs can affect people’s brain, body, and life include:
Brain Chemistry
Addictive substances change the way the brain processes rewards, meaning the experience of pleasure from non-addictive things is often muted or nonexistent—temporarily or permanently.
Health Complications
Substance abuse can lead to a plethora of mental disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia, and various health problems, such as cancer, lung disease, cardiovascular disease, and dental health issues.
Infections
Using drugs weakens the immune system, making it more likely for people with substance use disorder to get illnesses and infections.
Legal Consequences
Sometimes people with substance use disorder may engage in illegal actions, leading to arrest. Legal consequences can seriously disrupt a person’s life, leading to job loss, debt, and other potential problems.
Financial Problems
Addiction may lead to people spending all of their money acquiring drugs, frivolous spending, and job loss.
Injuries and Death
The most severe outcomes of drug use are injuries and death. Intoxication can impair the senses and cause a major lack of judgment, making injury more likely. The risk of death is always present with drugs, as it can be caused by overdose, injury, accidents while under the influence, or health issues.
These issues point to the importance of drug and alcohol addiction treatment and intervening as soon as possible. The earlier addiction is addressed, the more likely a person will recover.


Alcohol and Drug Addiction Treatment at San Diego Detox
There are many options for drug addiction treatment, including rehab, medications, and therapy. At San Diego Detox, we treat drug addiction as a disease and understand that each client’s situation and condition are different. So, we offer a full range of services to help people recover, from a state-of-the-art detox program to evidence-based therapies to fit each client’s unique and important needs.
Some of the most common and effective therapies for drug addiction treatment offered at San Diego Detox include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Therapists trained in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) know the importance of drug and alcohol addiction treatment. This type of therapy helps individuals rewire their thought processes and behaviors related to substance use and uncover any underlying issues that contribute to addiction.
Contingency Management
The importance of drug and alcohol addiction treatment lies in the tools given to an individual to maintain sobriety. Contingency management is a type of drug addiction treatment therapy that rewards individuals for good behavior or actions that contribute to their recovery, motivating clients to make better choices for themselves.
Motivational Interviewing and Motivational Enhancement Therapy
Therapists stress the importance of drug and alcohol addiction recovery with this type of therapy. Motivational interviewing and motivational enhancement therapy aim to increase the clients’ motivation and incentive to end substance use.
Learn More About San Diego Detox
Our team is standing by to discuss your situation and options. Your call is fully confidential, and no obligation is required.
Resources
- https://www.justice.gov/archive/ndic/pubs11/18862/impact.htm
- https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/ondcp/ondcp-fact-sheets/how-illicit-drug-use-affects-business-and-the-economy
- https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-athletes-way/201607/harvard-study-pegs-how-parental-substance-abuse-impacts-kids
- https://drugfree.org/drug-and-alcohol-news/substance-use-in-12th-grade-dropouts-greater-than-in-teens-who-stay-in-school/
- https://healthblog.uofmhealth.org/brain-health/science-says-addiction-a-chronic-disease-not-a-moral-failing
- https://psychiatry.uams.edu/clinical-care/cast/what-is-methadone/