Getting Help for Drug Addiction: Treatment Options

While the term drug abuse is still commonly used in a number of contexts to imply both the misuse of and addiction to substances that have psychoactive properties, it is no longer used in the formal diagnostic terminology of clinicians in the United States. The current term used to designate the presence of substance abuse or addiction is substance use disorder.¹

This clinical term describes both drug/substance misuse and formal addictive behaviors. Because individuals with addictions will almost always display elements of substance misuse, this term is thought to more adequately describe the individual problem compared to older terms like substance abuse, addiction, substance dependence, and so forth.

Here we’ll cover how substance use disorders are identified and ways to get help with effective addiction treatment.

How Does Drug Addiction Start?

This is a very difficult question to adequately address, as there is no one particular pathway to developing a substance use disorder (also known as a substance addiction or drug addiction).

In some cases, individuals develop a substance use disorder at a relatively young age; in other cases, individuals may develop the issue later on in adulthood. Typically, many people start using certain drugs, such as tobacco or alcohol, at some point in their adolescence.

There are a number of identified risk factors that are associated with a greater probability for the development of a substance use disorder.² However, risk factors are not the direct causes leading to the development of a substance use disorder. Instead, these factors indicate behaviors or situations that increase the risk that a person will develop a substance use disorder.

Signs of a Substance Use Disorder: How to Recognize Addiction

Even though there is quite a bit of variability in the behaviors that individuals with substance use disorders display, there are some general signs and symptoms that may indicate that someone has such a disorder. Regardless of what symptoms you exhibit, recognizing the signs is essential for getting help with drug addiction.

A person does not have to exhibit all of these signs; in fact, someone who exhibits three or four of these together may be displaying symptoms of a substance use disorder. However, substance use disorders can only be formally diagnosed by professionally trained and licensed mental health professionals.

The information that follows is designed to be used in an educational format. Anyone suspecting a substance use disorder should seek out a consultation with a licensed mental health professional who is trained and qualified in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of these disorders.

According to the American Psychiatric Association, the formal symptoms of a substance use disorder include:³

• The person begins taking the substance in larger amounts than intended or over a longer time period than originally intended.
• The person begins to spend a great deal of time trying to obtain the drug of choice, using it, or recovering from its use.
• The person engages in a number of unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control drug use.
• The person has cravings to use the drug of choice.
• The person’s drug use leads to recurrent interpersonal or social problems.
• The person begins to fail to meet required obligations at school, at work, within the family, and with friends as a result of the drug use.
• The person begins to use drugs in instances where it is physically dangerous to do so, such as at work or prior to driving.
• The person continues to use drugs despite knowing that the drug use is causing problems.
• The person displays signs of physical dependence, such as tolerance and/or withdrawal symptoms when going without the drug.

What to Do if You’re Struggling with Drug Addiction

If you are struggling with a drug addiction, there are actions you can take to get help. Substance use disorder is a chronic disease that is treatable.⁴ Some steps you can take to get help for drug addiction include:

• Making an appointment with your physician or mental health professional.
• Reaching out to an organization such as Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) that can guide you to helpful resources and support communities.
• Attending 12-Step meetings at a local chapter of AA or NA.
• Finding a drug addiction treatment center.

Choosing the Right Rehab

There is no one-size-fits-all treatment, so the best program is tailored to the individual. Look for one that delivers research-supported treatment protocols, offers a variety of services to address the whole person, and uses licensed professionals trained in treating substance use disorders. A few questions worth asking:

• Are evidence-based therapies used?
• Does the facility hold accreditations from The Joint Commission or CARF?
• What levels of care and treatment options are offered?
• Are specialty programs available that meet your specific needs?
• How far is the facility from home?
• What amenities does the rehab offer?

Addiction Treatment Options

A comprehensive program should offer a continuum of treatment options so care can be matched to each person’s needs:

Medical detox: Physician-supervised withdrawal that keeps discomfort to a minimum. medical detox.

Residential/inpatient: 24-hour care with structured daily programming. inpatient treatment.

Outpatient (PHP/IOP): Living at home while attending treatment during the day. outpatient treatment.

Long-term aftercare: Ongoing support to manage recovery over time. aftercare.

Programs often also include individual and group therapy, medication-assisted treatment, family therapy, social support groups like AA and NA, and complementary therapies such as yoga, meditation, art therapy, or fitness.

Medications Used in Treatment

Several FDA-approved medications can be combined with behavioral therapy to treat substance use disorders. Your care team will determine what is appropriate for you.

How to Pay for Rehab

There are several ways to pay for treatment. Many people use insurance coverage for rehab, and Recovery First is in-network with many major carriers. For those without insurance or whose plan does not cover all costs, the Hollywood, FL, facility offers other payment options, including financing. Please note that at this time, Recovery First is not in network with Medicare or Medicaid. Admissions navigators are available 24/7 to help you find a workable solution.

Getting Help for Drug Addiction

If you or a loved one is struggling and ready to get help with drug addiction, it’s important to remember that there are options available. Recovery First Treatment Center provides patients with evidence-based, individualized drug addiction treatment. Consider calling us at . Our compassionate staff can help answer your questions about addiction and verify your insurance benefits.

Florida Drug Addiction FAQs