At Safe Haven Health, we support you through your healing journey from opioid abuse. Opioid use is not to be taken lightly – it's a serious, yet treatable, disease that can have a detrimental effect on various aspects of your life. Suppose your opioid use is beginning to impact your work, relationships, and personal well-being. In that case, you may want to consider online addiction treatment.
What is Substance Abuse?
Substance abuse is a medical term to describe the overuse of alcohol or drugs that lead to physical, social, and emotional detriment. Substance abuse takes many forms, and it is possible to abuse both legal and illegal substances. These may include substances such as:
· Alcohol
· Nicotine
· Cannabis
· Cocaine
· Heroin
· Methamphetamine
· Prescription Drugs, such as opiates or stimulants
Substance abuse can lead to physical or psychological dependence.
Signs of substance dependence include:
· Strong, frequent cravings
· Increased tolerance of the substance, meaning the individual needs a higher amount of the drug to achieve the desired effect
· Physical or mental withdrawal symptoms if you stop or decrease the use
· Social withdrawal
· Unsuccessful attempts at quitting or cutting back from substance use
· Continued use, even with awareness of the physical, social, emotional, or financial problems caused by abuse
· Engaging in risky behavior under the influence
If these signs sound familiar, you may consider participating in an online addiction treatment program to get your substance use back under control.
What are the Causes of Substance Abuse?
Substance abuse and dependence depend on a variety of cultural and societal factors. Public laws vary by country, state, and even local area, meaning that the definition of "normal" or "acceptable" use is highly controversial. For example, alcohol is federally legal in the United States. Yet, nearly 15 million cases of alcohol use disorder were reported in 2019. Genetics, social pressures, environmental stressors, personality, and psychiatric conditions can influence one's likelihood of developing substance abuse problems.
Why Quit? Reasons You Should Get Your Substance Use Under Control
If you are struggling with addiction, you may feel hopeless about quitting and wonder if you should try. Excessive drug or alcohol use is hazardous and poses many health and behavioral risks, such as:
· Academic or career problems
· Risky sexual behavior
· Risk of hurting others through physical altercations or driving under the influence
· Alienating friends and family
· Avoiding and numbing emotional problems
· Financial problems stemming from purchasing large amounts of the designated substance
· Legal trouble if the substance you use is illegal
· Death by drug overdose or alcohol poisoning
Compassionate, Effective Treatment with Safe Haven Health
If you struggle to manage your drug use, you don't have to go through it alone. We offer lifesaving, effective, compassionate online addiction treatment. Addiction can make you feel lonely, depressed, and out of control, but you don't have to feel that way. Our program allows you to recover from your addiction from the comfort of your home.
Medication Management
Safe Haven Health affirms that opioid use is a medical illness, not a character flaw. Suboxone has been proven to effectively treat opioid use disorder and eliminate cravings. We will work with you to manage your prescription.
Addiction Coaching
Our online addiction treatment program is tailored to your individual situation. Our addiction coaches help you build healthy coping mechanisms to eliminate the need for alcohol and drugs, allowing you to address emotional problems and improve your mental health.
Unlimited 1-On-1 Communication
Engage in unlimited 1-on-1 communication with your provider and coach as you move towards recovery. If you are ever in distress, you can expect a response within 24 business hours.
Common Substance Abuse Questions
Can Substance Be Prevented?
There is no easy, single way to prevent substance abuse, but there are many ways to decrease risk. Education, robust support systems, and awareness about addiction's realities can help reduce stigma and discourage inappropriate substance use. For example, educating teenagers on the damages of underage drinking, binge drinking, and drinking to cope with emotions can help to decrease the likelihood that they'll drink irresponsibly.
Is Binge Drinking a Sign of Addiction?
Not always, but it can lead to addiction. Some people who binge drink may go weeks or months without a drink. Still, someone who struggles with alcohol addiction may binge drink regularly. You may benefit from online addiction treatment if you binge drink frequently and cannot stop.
What Drugs Are the Most Addictive?
Drugs affect people differently–one person may try cocaine once or twice and dislike it, while another may become instantly hooked. Because of such varied preferences, it is hard to say which drug is the most addictive. Alcohol and nicotine, despite being legal, are highly addictive. On the other hand, some people consider heroin and other opiates to be the most addicting.
Can Drug Addiction Cause Other Mental Disorders?
It's common for someone to experience another mental condition alongside substance abuse, such as depression or anxiety. Sometimes these conditions can result from misuse, whereas they could also be someone's way of self-medicating to cope. Chronic use of some drugs may also trigger a psychotic episode, similar to what someone with schizophrenia might experience. Online addiction treatment can help you get your drug use under control if you are struggling with a comorbid condition.
What Is Withdrawal and How Long Will I Experience Withdrawal Symptoms?
Withdrawal happens when you have developed a physical or psychological dependence on a substance. Withdrawal symptoms vary depending on the substance but may include the following:
Depression and anxiety
Headaches
Sweating
Nausea and vomiting
Changes in breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate
Fatigue and lethargy
Pain
The withdrawal period is complex and may make you want to return to using the substance to feel better. Remember that feeling "better" is only temporary with addiction–you'll end up right where you started. Withdrawals can last several days to several weeks, depending on the substance you are detoxing from.
If you are ready to beat your addiction, Safe Haven Health is here to help with experienced, compassionate providers and coaches. Click here to regain control of your life and move toward recovery and healing.
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