Addiction affects millions of lives every year. This disease can be overwhelming, exhausting, and life-threatening. In order to recover from addiction, an individual will need to seek out professional help.
Addiction and The Brain
Addiction is classified as a disease, which affects a person’s brain. This is because addiction has a direct impact on how the neurons in the brain fire. When a person experiences something positive in their life, their brain is told that it is a positive thing that the person should repeat. This is due to the dopamine receptors in the brain being activated. However, when a person experiences drugs or alcohol, the dopamine receptors shoot up to abnormal levels. This causes a person’s brain to crave this same interaction and cause all-consuming thoughts. Over time, this interaction can actually cause a person’s brain to become rewired. That is why a person who is experiencing addiction will constantly seek out the drugs or alcohol. This is why it is crucial for a person who is experiencing addiction to reach out and get help from a professional as soon as they can.
Trying to Recover Alone and At Home
Trying to recover without the help of a medical professional is never advised. This is due to many different reasons. The primary reason being that it is not safe for that individual to try at-home detox. Attempting to detox at-home carries a heightened risk of relapse, which could lead to an overdose and be potentially fatal. During medically assisted detox with a medical professional, an individual is able to be monitored. This keeps an individual safe, as well as comfortable as possible. You will be properly supported during this time and your withdrawal symptoms will be monitored, keeping you in a safe environment.
After the initial detox period, you will still have access to support and a safe environment. Your medical professional will provide you with an individualized treatment plan. This will help to keep both your mind and body healthy as you journey down the road of recovery. On top of having access to medical professionals to keep your health monitored, you will also be able to engage in healthy activities and group sessions. These activities are geared towards helping individuals develop healthy goals and hobbies. In addition, you will also learn how to handle potentially triggering situations and life coping skills that will benefit you once you complete rehab. Going through this process at home means that you are subjecting yourself to an unsafe environment and you will not have access to these important tools that help to lower your risk of relapse and will enhance your life in recovery.
Helping a Loved One Get The Help They Need
When faced with addiction, one of the first responses is often denial. This can lead to feelings of guilt and shame if our loved one is suffering from this disease. But, there are ways you can help. Leave judgement out of the equation when speaking with your loved one and instead only present them with facts. Always be honest and loving when you speak to them. Continue to speak to them about the positives that you see in their future and how you will be there for them every step of the way. Keeping the conversation open helps to establish trust between you and your loved one, making it more likely that they will come to you when they are ready to seek out professional help.
Addiction Requires Treatment
Addiction is a disease and therefore, needs to be treated as such. If you had a heart disease, you would go seek treatment in order for that heart disease to get better. The same applies if you are suffering from addiction. Without treatment, addiction can lead to potentially life-threatening and life-altering effects. Specialized addiction treatment that focuses on the individual is most effective and the safest option for those seeking recovery. Individuals can set up an initial consultation with the recovery center of their choosing, meet with the health professionals, and get a tour of the environment.
A professional treatment center can help you turn over a new leaf and get on the road to recovery today. Our counselors are available 24 hours a day. Call 833-820-2922