Types of Drug Addiction We Treat

At Elevare Behaviorial Health, we understand how difficult it can be to navigate drug addiction, whether dealing with your own or a loved one’s addiction.

Our addiction treatment programs at our Colorado and Illinois locations treat addictions to ALL types of drugs, from opioids to stimulants to the latest synthetic options. So if you suspect you’re addicted to a substance, no matter how benign it may seem to others, give us a call. You are not alone, and we can help you begin the journey to recovery.

The Onset of Drug Addiction

Drug addiction is a complex issue, and how it begins can be traced to a variety of factors, such as genetics, environmental influences, and personal experiences. While some people may be more vulnerable to addiction, anyone can become dependent on and addicted to drugs.

Drug use affects brain chemistry, altering areas of the brain that control memory, reward, and decision-making. Over time, changes in the brain will make it very, very difficult to choose to stop using substances.

Also, people develop habits and a routine around drug use that become difficult to break. The people they use with, the lingo used to talk about drugs, the paraphernalia involved–all contribute to drug misuse and make it hard to stop using.

Drugs Associated With Addiction

When people talk about drugs with a high addiction risk, they typically mention substances that cause physical and psychological dependence, such as:

Opioids (such as heroin and prescription painkillers),
Stimulants (such as cocaine and methamphetamine)
Sedatives (such as benzodiazepines)
Marijuana

Substances like hallucinogens, bath salts, kratom and others are not as likely to create dependence, but that doesn’t mean they are safe–or that you don’t need a treatment program to stop using them.

Let’s look at some of these substances in more detail.

Opioid Addiction

Opioids are a class of drugs that are commonly used for pain relief. They work by binding to receptors in the brain and spinal cord, blocking the transmission of pain signals. However, they can also produce euphoric effects, making them highly addictive.

Many people who use opioids for legitimate medical purposes can become dependent on them if they take them for an extended period of time. This is because the body can develop a tolerance to the drug, requiring higher doses to achieve the same level of pain relief. As a result, individuals may start taking more than prescribed or seek out stronger opioids to experience the desired effects.

Commonly abused opioids include:

Heroin
Kratom/7-OH*
Prescription pain killers
Fentanyl

*Note: Kratom is not an opioid, but it acts as an opioid in the brain.

It is also possible, though rare, to develop addictions to medications used to assist in recovering from opioid use disorder:

Buprenorphine (Suboxone)
Buprenorphine long acting injectable (Brixadi and Sublocade)

Heroin Addiction

Heroin is an illegal, highly addictive drug. It is a processed form of opium, which comes from the poppy plant. Heroin is usually a white or brown powder. It can also be a black sticky substance known as “black tar heroin.”

It is typically injected, sniffed, or smoked, and can quickly create tolerance and dependence, leading to addiction.

Kratom & 7-OH Addiction

Kratom is a plant-derived substance that is sometimes used for its stimulant or opioid-like effects. Some people use it to manage pain or improve energy, but regular or heavy use can lead to dependence, withdrawal symptoms, and negative impacts on physical and mental health.

A highly concentrated derivative of kratom, 7-OH, poses significant risks to both physical and mental health. People who develop a dependence on 7-OH can experience severe withdrawal symptoms, liver damage, and mental health challenges like anxiety and depression.

Prescription Painkiller Addiction

Prescription painkillers are a type of medication for moderate to severe pain relief. They work by binding to certain receptors in the brain and spinal cord. This reduces your perception of pain. Prescription painkillers can be effective at treating pain, but they also carry a risk of addiction and overdose. When taken as prescribed, painkillers are relatively safe. When they are misused or taken in large doses, they can be highly addictive.

Commonly abused prescription pain killers include:

Fentanyl
Oxycodone (OxyContin)
Hydrocodone (Vicodin)
Hydromorphone (Dilaudid)
Codeine
Morphine

Fentanyl Addiction

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is up to 100 times more potent than morphine. It’s typically prescribed for severe pain, such as that associated with cancer. But fentanyl is also used illegally. Its high potency makes it especially dangerous. When misused, fentanyl can lead to opioid addiction and overdose.

Fentanyl works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain. This reduces pain and can produce a sense of euphoria. However, repeated use of fentanyl can cause the brain to become tolerant to the drug. You require higher doses to achieve the same effects. This can quickly lead to addiction.

Stimulant Addiction

Stimulant addiction involves the misuse or overuse of illicit and prescription drugs. Substances in the stimulant drug class are highly addictive and can have serious consequences on a person’s physical and mental health.

Commonly misused stimulants include:

Cocaine
Methamphetamine
Prescription amphetamines

Meth Addiction

Methamphetamine is a powerful and highly addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system. The drug is commonly known as:

Meth
Speed
Crystal meth
Crank

Meth is typically sold as a white or translucent powder that can be snorted, smoked, or injected. Meth users often become addicted after just one use. This is because the drug creates a strong sense of pleasure and well-being.

Cocaine Addiction

Cocaine is an illegal drug and powerful stimulant made from the leaves of the coca plant. It is usually sold as a white powder that can be snorted, smoked, or injected.

Cocaine produces a short-lived, intense feeling of euphoria followed by feelings of restlessness, paranoia, and anxiety.

Amphetamine Addiction

Amphetamines are a type of stimulant drug that can be highly addictive when used incorrectly. They are typically prescribed for medical conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy, but they are also commonly abused as a recreational drug.

Amphetamines include drugs such as:

Methamphetamine
MDMA (Ecstasy/Molly)
Speed
Bath salts

Prescription amphetamines, while helpful when prescribed by a doctor and used as prescribed, can create addiction when misused or used illicitly. Prescription amphetamines include, among others:

Adderall
Ritalin
Dexadrine
Concerta

Benzodiazepine Addiction

Benzodiazepines are a class of psychoactive drugs used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and other related disorders. They work by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that helps to calm down the activity of nerve cells in the brain.

Benzodiazepine medications are commonly prescribed for short-term use due to their potential for addiction and abuse. However, many individuals may find themselves relying on these drugs for longer periods of time, leading to physical and psychological dependence.

Commonly misused benzodiazepines include:

Xanax
Valium
Ativan
Klonopin

Addictive Drug Categories

To learn more about a specific substance, follow the links below:

Signs of Drug Addiction

Symptoms of drug addiction will vary depending on the drug or drugs the person is using. But in general, addiction can cause:

Physical changes: Weight loss, insomnia, needle marks, frequent vomiting, complaints of pain, and shaking have all been associated with drug use.
Behavioral alterations: Rapid mood shifts, paranoia, social withdrawal, and an enhanced need for privacy could all point to drug use.
Paraphernalia hoarding: Most drugs need equipment for ingestion. Needles, candles, matches, tourniquets, shot glasses, or flasks could all be part of a drug-taking kit. If you find any of these items in your loved one’s possession, it could be a sign of drug use.
Financial problems: People with addiction may have trouble keeping up with bills or managing their money properly. They may also borrow or steal money to support their habit.
Legal issues: Drug abuse can lead to legal troubles such as DUIs, theft, or possession charges.
Relationship strain: Addiction can cause individuals to neglect responsibilities and prioritize drug use over relationships with family and friends. This can lead to strained relationships and conflicts within the family dynamic.

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Help for Drug Addiction

If you or a loved one is struggling with drug addiction, Elevare Behavioral Health is here to help. At Elevare, we provide comprehensive, individualized treatment for people struggling with drug dependence.

Our programs begin with a thorough assessment to determine each client’s unique needs and may include medically supervised withdrawal management, buprenorphine micro-dosing or traditional induction, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), individual counseling, group therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), relapse prevention planning, and treatment for any co-occurring mental health conditions.

We also offer education, family support, and aftercare planning to help clients build a strong foundation for long-term recovery. For more information on our drug addiction treatment programs and services, reach out today!

References

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