No matter what type of drug you are addicted to, Surfside Recovery can help start you on the path to recovery.
Drug abuse is an issue that affects millions of people in the U.S. every year. Substance abuse doesn’t just affect the person using drugs – it can also damage families, friendships, and communities. From illegal substances like fentanyl and meth to prescription drugs like opioids and benzos, drug abuse can take control of someone’s life before they realize it.
This brief guide to drug abuse explores the risks of drug abuse, its link to drug addiction, and how to get help for any type of substance abuse at drug treatment centers California.
What is Drug Abuse?
Drug abuse happens when someone uses addictive substances in harmful ways. This can include:
- Illicit drugs like cocaine, meth, or heroin
- Legal substances like alcohol or prescription painkillers like opioids
- Over-the-counter medications like codeine cough syrup
People often start using drugs because they like the way it makes them feel, but substance abuse may lead to addiction and other long-term complications.
When someone abuses drugs, they may take larger amounts than needed, use them more often than prescribed, or use them in ways that were never intended like crushing and snorting pills. Over time, the brain changes in response to the drug, meaning more is required to deliver the same effects – tolerance. The person may become dependent on the drug, and dependence often leads to addiction. Beyond this, drug abuse can provoke severe health complications and impact daily functioning.
Drug abuse is not the same as drug addiction. Drug addiction, also known as a substance use disorder, is a disease that affects your brain and behavior. Just because you abuse drugs does not mean that you will become addicted. However, drug abuse can easily progress into addiction, especially if you’re relying on substances to manage your mood and feel better.
Drug Abuse in California
California is one of the largest and most diverse U.S. states, but it faces a serious and mounting problem with drug abuse. From big cities to rural areas, addiction does not discriminate. In recent years, California has seen a rise in the use of drugs like heroin, fentanyl, and meth, along with a surge in the misuse of prescription drugs like opioids and benzodiazepines.
The opioid crisis hit California hard, with many people becoming addicted to oxycodone and hydrocodone prescribed to manage chronic pain. Some people shifted to the use of heroin or fentanyl when their prescriptions ran out, leading to a spike in drug overdose deaths across the state.
Meth (methamphetamine) continues to be a major concern in California. Meth is highly addictive and can trigger serious health issues like meth mouth (dental problems) and permanent brain damage.
California’s size and varied population present challenges when tackling drug abuse. The state is working to provide better treatment options and support, but the problem is far-reaching, impacting individuals, families, and whole communities state-wide.
Dangers of Drug Abuse
Drug abuse comes with many dangers to physical and mental health. When someone uses drugs, it can damage almost every part of their body, from the brain to the heart, liver, and lungs.
One of the most pressing concerns is drug overdose, which happens when someone takes too much of a drug. Overdoses can be life-threatening, especially with synthetic opioids like fentanyl.
Beyond the risk of overdose, chronic drug abuse can provoke serious health problems like lung damage, heart disease, and liver failure. Some drugs like meth and heroin can weaken the immune system, making it hard to fight infections. Intravenous drug use, such as injecting heroin, increases the risk of HIV and hepatitis if needles are shared.
Drug abuse also impacts mental health. It can worsen feelings of depression, anxiety, and stress. Over time, drug use changes the brain, leading to addiction. Someone addicted to a drug can’t function without it and struggles to quit without professional intervention, even if they know drug abuse is harming them.
The dangers don’t stop at the individual, though – drug abuse can also unravel relationships with friends and family. It can lead to financial problems, job loss, and legal issues.
Symptoms of Drug Addiction
Drug addiction – substance use disorder – is a progressive condition that usually gets worse unless treated. Getting timely treatment streamlines the process, so it helps to know what common behaviors and physical changes to watch for.
One of the first signs of addiction is needing the drug more often or in larger amounts to feel the same effect. This is called tolerance, which means the body is getting used to the drug. People addicted to drugs may spend a lot of time thinking about the drug, trying to get it, and using it. Their daily lives may start to revolve around the drug, with personal and professional commitments falling to the side.
Physical signs of addiction can include:
- Bloodshot eyes
- Weight loss or gain
- Poor hygiene
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Slurred speech
- Tremors
- Frequent illnesses
Emotionally and mentally, someone battling drug addiction may seem distant or moody. They may become more secretive, lie about their activities, or isolate themselves from family and friends.
If someone continues to use drugs even when it causes problems at work, in relationships, or with their health, this is a red flag for addiction.
When someone tries to stop using drugs and experiences withdrawal symptoms like nausea, sweating, and cravings, this is another clear sign of dependence and addiction.
The symptoms of drug addiction can make quitting hard without professional help.
Drug Treatment: California
California offers a wide range of drug treatment options to help people recover from drug addiction. Whether someone is addicted to opioids, alcohol, or meth, many programs support whole-body recovery. Treatment in California can vary depending on individual needs, but most programs involve a combination of medical care, therapy, and support groups.
Treatment usually begins with detoxification (detox). This helps remove drugs from the body safely. Medical professionals monitor the person to manage withdrawal symptoms, which can be uncomfortable and potentially dangerous without proper care.
Following detox, people can enter inpatient rehab, where they live at a treatment center for 30 to 90 days and receive intensive, immersive care. Inpatient rehab – also known as residential rehab – provides a structured environment, free from the triggers and stressors of everyday life. This allows people to focus fully on their recovery. Programs typically blend evidence-based treatments like MAT (medication-assisted treatment) and CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) with holistic therapies.
For those with milder addictions who cannot leave their responsibilities, outpatient rehab can be effective. Outpatient programs allow people to attend weekday therapy and counseling sessions while living at home and continuing at work or school. This flexible option may also help those transitioning from inpatient rehab to daily living.
Ongoing support groups like NA (Narcotics Anonymous) and AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) also help many people thrive rather than just survive in sobriety. These groups provide a network of support from people who understand the challenges of recovery and offer encouragement along the way.
Surfside Recovery’s Drug Treatment Facilities in California
Located in Huntington Beach, California, Surfside Recovery offers a safe and supportive space for anyone dealing with drug abuse. We treat all addictions, including opioids, benzos, stimulants, club drugs, and marijuana.
When you choose inpatient treatment at our luxury facility, you get a customized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs and compassionate care from mental health professionals.
You will benefit from one-on-one therapy sessions and a low staff-to-client ratio, promoting focused attention throughout recovery. Our facility offers both shared and private suites in a soothing setting, giving you comfort and privacy throughout treatment for drug abuse.
When you’re ready to focus on recovery from drug abuse without the distractions and triggers of daily life, reach out to admissions, or call our drug abuse hotline California at (949) 779-6160.