Is Addiction a Disease? | Houston TX

A message from Amatus Health CEO Mark Gold

To Our Dedicated Amatus Team Members:

As we follow the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on the global community, the health and safety of our employees and clients remains our top priority.

Our company serves a population that needs us the most during this most unsettling and unprecedented time. We, as the corporate teams, hold vital functions to support and allow our front lines, our facilities, to operate and provide quality care. Because our facilities’ services are contingent on our work, our offices will remain open until mandated otherwise by governing bodies.

Just as it is our mission to care for our clients and be there in time of need, it is on that same token that we take pride in caring for the needs of our employees. To that end, please:

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact with anyone who is sick.

Stay home when you are sick.

When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with fixed elbow or tissue, and throw away the tissue immediately, wash hands after as well.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Do not shake hands.

Maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet whenever possible.

We recognize that you may have concerns and circumstances that would make it difficult for you to work from the office. If this is the case, please reach out to your supervisor to discuss further. Depending on your role, scope of responsibilities and the reason for your absence, you may be allowed to work from home at your supervisor’s discretion. If remote work doesn’t meet the approved criteria or if working remotely is not possible, you will be asked to utilize your PTO if you do not wish to come to the office.

We have amazing teams across Amatus and its companies. This moment reminds us that we’re all connected. We’re called upon to be our best selves with patience, understanding and compassion, so that we may stay committed and persevere together in all the days and years ahead.

As we go forward, we’ll be sure to keep you updated, and know that we always value your questions and feedback.

If you have any questions, please direct them to your supervisor.

Mark Gold | Chief Executive Officer

Now more than ever, the state of Texas struggles with alcohol addiction. As the single most abused substance, individuals all over the state have begun seeking treatment for their addiction. But, they may continue to wonder, is addiction a disease? Here is some information to help you see that it is.

Addiction Disrupts Physical Health

Addiction to alcohol damages the brain and most of the organs in the body. Over time, you can become physically dependent on alcohol, causing potentially fatal effects if you discontinue using it too suddenly.

Prescription medications can also cause physical dependence. Your body develops a tolerance for these substances, requiring you to ingest more with each use to achieve the same feelings of relief or euphoria. Often, this can lead to overdose as individuals begin to abuse increased amounts of the substance over time. Overdose with prescription medication can potentially be fatal.

Amphetamine abuse can lead to high body temperatures and serious heart problems. Seizures are not uncommon for individuals who frequently abuse these substances.

Is Addiction A Disease That Affects Mental Faculties?

Methamphetamines are particularly harmful to the brain even over a short period. Individuals who regularly abuse this substance over time often develop significant anxiety, confusion, insomnia, and violent behavior.

The brain’s “reward” circuit is almost always affected by drug abuse. Part of the limbic system, it is hijacked by the cycle of abuse. Unusually large amounts of dopamine are often released when a cycle of abuse has solidified itself surrounding a drug. And additional behavioral problems often develop as a result of drug abuse, including:

Loss of self-control
Impaired judgment
Hallucinations
Aggressiveness
Paranoia

Often, someone suffering from a substance use disorder or addiction is also experiencing mental health issues. Individuals frequently are unaware they are experiencing depression, an anxiety disorder, or are going through PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). There are many reasons for this. Mental health issues still carry a stigma in many parts of the country. However, good mental health is vital in preventing and treating addiction. When an individual has both a substance use disorder and a mental health issue, they have what is termed co-occurring disorder. This disorder is treated through dual diagnosis. When an individual seeks treatment for co-occurring disorder, dual diagnosis treats both the addiction or substance abuse as well as the mental health issue causing or exacerbating it. Thus, patients get the treatment they need to make a lasting recovery.

Detox And Treatment Facilities Treat the Disease of Addiction

The existence of detox and addiction facilities offering addiction treatment helps to solidify that addiction is a disease. These facilities often utilize evidence-based techniques proven to assist with the treatment of chronic illnesses and disease. These techniques may be behavioral therapies or pharmacological therapies.

Serenity House Detox, located in Houston, Texas, can assist you with treating your disease of addiction. Whether you suffer from addiction to opioids, alcohol, or another substance, Serenity House Detox has a program we will tailor to your needs. Also, we provide the following services:

Gender-Specific Detox for Men and Women
Inpatient Rehab
Dual Diagnosis Treatment Program
Relapse Prevention Program

Don’t wait any longer to start breaking down your harmful habits. Reach out to Serenity House Detox at 866.516.8356 today to see how we can get you started on the path to wellness from your disease. There’s no better time to seek sobriety than right now.