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.
