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Substance use disorder, or addiction, is a complex issue, and people who suffer from it can easily be overwhelmed by the power it has over their lives. If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, do not lose hope.
At Elevare Behavioral Health, we believe that every person has the potential to overcome substance use disorder, and, with the right combination of treatment and support, can sustain a long, healthy recovery.
Our compassionate, professional teams at our Colorado and Illinois locations offer comprehensive treatment programs that can help you overcome addiction and thrive. We treat all types of substance addiction.
The Types of Addiction We Treat
At Elevare, we treat all types of substance addiction. Substance addicitons are usually divided into two main categories:
- Alcohol addiction
- Drug addiction
Drug and alcohol addictions, also known as substance use disorders (SUD), are characterized by chronic substance misuse to achieve an altered state of consciousness or perception. This type of addiction often involves intense cravings for drugs or alcohol, even when there are clear negative effects.
Alcohol Addiction
Alcohol addiction is a chronic disorder characterized by intense cravings for alcohol. This is accompanied by compulsive behaviors and an inability to control your drinking. Over time, alcohol addiction can lead to physical and psychological dependence, as well as damage bodily organs.
Alcohol addiction typically develops over time, starting with occasional binge drinking or heavy drinking. In some people, alcohol addiction may have a genetic component. In others it may be the result of underlying mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression.
Drug Addiction
Drug addiction is a complex and serious issue that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by a compulsive desire to use drugs, despite negative consequences, including physical, psychological, and social harm.
Many factors can contribute to the development of drug addiction, such as genetics, environment, and personal experiences. Some individuals may be more genetically predisposed to addiction due to inherited traits. Others may turn to drugs as a way to cope with trauma or stress in their lives.
The most commonly abused drugs include:
- Opioids (such as heroin and prescription painkillers),
- Stimulants (such as cocaine and methamphetamine)
- Sedatives (such as benzodiazepines)
- Marijuana
These substances can have different effects on the brain and body, but they all share the potential to lead to addiction. When someone becomes addicted to a drug, their brain chemistry changes, causing them to crave and seek out the substance despite any negative consequences.
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How Does Addiction Begin?
Anyone can become addicted to drugs or alcohol, but some people are more at risk.
Some factors that increase the risk for substance use disorder include:
- Underlying mental health issues like anxiety or depression
- Trauma or severe stress
- A genetic predisposition to addiction
- Curiosity about trying drugs or alcohol, which leads to continued use
- Exposure to drugs or alcohol at an early age
No matter the reason, addiction is a serious disease that can have devastating consequences. Addiction often leads to job loss, financial instability, relationship problems, and physical and mental health problems.
Signs of Addiction
Signs and symptoms of addiction include:
- Tolerance: Increasing need for larger amounts of the substance to achieve the desired effect
- Loss of control: An inability to limit use of the substance despite trying to do so
- Withdrawal symptoms: Physical or psychological reactions that occur when you stop using a substance, such as:
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Restlessness
- Compulsion: An inability to resist cravings for more of the substance, despite the consequences
- Neglecting other activities: Reduction in time spent on activities previously enjoyed
- Relationship problems: Strained relationships with friends and family members
- Financial difficulties: Spending money on substances insted of paying bills
- Risky behaviors: Participating in reckless acts while under the influence. These may include:
- Driving while intoxicated (DWI)
- Unprotected sex
- Criminal activity
- Drug-seeking behavior: Searching out multiple doctors or suppliers to obtain drugs
- Denial: Refusing to admit to addictive behavior despite obvious indicators that suggest otherwise. This may include lying about drug or alcohol misuse or hiding drug paraphernalia.
- Social isolation: Avoiding friends, family, colleagues, and activities
- Inability to perform normal day-to-day tasks: Missing commitments at work, home, or school; difficulty managing responsibilities
- Psychological changes: Feeling agitated without constant access to drugs or alcohol. Psychological changes may also include:
- Difficulty making decisions
- Mood swings
- Drastic changes in personality when high vs. sober
- Paranoia
- Aggression
- Delusions
Treating Addiction at Elevare
At Elevare, we offer comprehensive substance use disorder treatment programs to help you or a loved one heal from addiction and begin the path to recovery. Our programs include:
- Residential treatment – Provides 24/7 care and distance from stress and triggers. You live at our facility and attend programming during the day.
- Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) – Our PHP provides day treatment that is similar to residential treatment, but you live at home or in a sober living residence.
- Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) – Usually a step-down treatment level from residential or a PHP, you attend treatment on three to five days a week for a few hours each day.
- Outpatient programs (OPs) – The last step in structured addiction treatment. You are fully immersed back into work, school, and home life and attend treatment one to three hours a week.
Detox and Treatment Timeline
The length of detox and addiction treatment will vary depending on the severity of the person’s addiction, their mental health needs, their home environment, and more. Generally speaking, a complete program of detox and addiction treatment can take anywhere from 30 to 90 days.
At Elevare Behavioral Health, the first phase of treatment is typically detoxification. This involves medically supervised withdrawal from the substance(s) you’re using. Alcohol and drug detox usually lasts five to seven days as your body rids itself of toxins and begins stabilizing without substances.
Once detox is complete, recovery work begins. Addiction treatment typically involves:
- Learning how to recognize triggers of substance use
- Developing coping mechanisms
- Identifying underlying causes of addiction like trauma and mental health disorders
- Setting goals
- Learning new coping skills
- Discovering your strengths and vulnerabilities
- Establishing positive relationships with other people who are struggling with similar issues
Following successful completion of a treatment program, you’ll transition into aftercare services or outpatient treatment if needed.
We are here to help. If you think you might need treatment for a substance use disorder, contact us today.
Our admissions team is available 24/7 to listen to your story and help you get started with the next steps.
