What To Know About Drug Use Disorder And Addiction

No one ever expects to struggle with a drug use disorder, but this complex disease touches millions of Americans every year. Drug use disorders change your mind and body and can devastate your life. Mercifully, there is support for individuals dealing with drug use. Specialized drug addiction treatment is accessible in the Duluth area and can help you take back control of your life. Read on to find out more about drug use disorders and addiction and how people and their loved ones can overcome these conditions with expert guidance.

What Is A Drug Use Disorder?

A lot of people consume illicit drugs for social reasons or strong prescription drugs to manage health conditions. But when does drug use become a life-changing disorder?

Commonly, drug use transforms into a disorder when someone shows troubling patterns of drug use and can no longer manage their use. Drug use disorders are mental health disorders that vary between mild to severe. These health issues interfere with your life and severely affect your health.

There are differing aspects of drug use disorders:

• Dependence occurs when your body becomes so used to a drug that it struggles to operate when it’s not present. You will suffer unpleasant withdrawal symptoms if you discontinue use of the drug.


• Addiction is a mental dependency. Dependency-causing drugs modify your brain chemistry so that you constantly want those drugs and feel driven to use them more and more. You are no longer in control of your mental state and actions. Addiction is the most extreme part of substance use disorders.

All degrees of drug use disorder are hurtful to your mind, body, relationships, and wellbeing. If you think you or a person you care about has a drug use disorder, get skilled treatment for recovery. Everybody is entitled to help.

What Drugs Are Habit-forming?

Habit-forming drugs contain strong chemicals that modify your brain. Many are dangerous enough to be outlawed. Others are legal prescription drugs but can become unsafe when used improperly or overused. Below are several of the most common addictive drugs in the U.S.:

• Narcotics deaden the senses, which causes them to be potent painkillers. But, individuals also use them to decrease other unwanted feelings and can become addicted quickly. Narcotics can be grouped as opiates or opioids. Opiates are naturally derived substances. Opioids are lab-created. Heroin is a well-known unlawful narcotic. Legal substances like Vicodin, Percocet, OxyContin, morphine, and fentanyl have pharmaceutical uses but are addictive and often misused.


• Benzodiazepines are mood-changing drugs frequently given for mental disorders. However, they can turn addictive when not taken correctly. Their calming qualities cause you to feel relaxed. Xanax and Valium are well-known benzos.


• Stimulants include medications like Ritalin and Adderall, as well as illegal drugs like meth and cocaine. They activate your central nervous system, leaving you feeling focused, animated, and elated. Excessive use of stimulants can be life-threatening.

All of these kinds of drugs can result in a drug use disorder. They all have the ability to destabilize your life and trigger life-endangering medical conditions. Get support for yourself or a loved one at the initial indication of dependency.

How Does Drug Addiction Start?

There are numerous reasons why individuals turn to addictive drugs. Some do so recreationally because they like the feelings those chemicals generate. Some people get addicted to prescriptions they're consuming for medical treatment. Many people initiate the use of drugs to cope with undiagnosed mental illnesses and find brief comfort.

No matter the primary factor for first using these substances, the route to addiction is usually the same. Your body grows a dependency to the drug, and you feel unwell when you don't use it. You use more just to operate. You might progressively need greater doses for the drug to have an impact. You appreciate how it makes you feel. You feel distressed without it and persist in using it. Over time, those chemicals dominate the reward system of your brain, and you are unable to feel good unless that drug is in your system.

If you're addicted, getting a reliable supply of the drug is the only thing that matters. Many people suffer illness, damage relationships, lose jobs, and take great risks becasue of drug addiction. Your addiction overpowers you and everything in your life, and you are powerless to quit without specialized assistance.

What Are Some Signs Of Drug Addiction?

It might seem a drug use disorder would be clear. But, these disorders can manifest differently among individuals, and loved ones will commonly try to mask their drug use from you. If you have doubts if you or a loved one have a drug use disorder, consider the following warning signals:

• Experiencing an overwhelming urge to take the drug


• Unsuccessful tries to cut down on or stop using the drug


• Dedicating lots of time acquiring the drug, using it, or recovering from its effects


• Taking a prescription for longer timeframes or in larger amounts than intended


• Struggling to fulfill obligations due to drug use


• Giving up cherished pastimes to use drugs


• Continual use of the drug even when it harms relationships


• Persistent use of the drug even when it adversely impacts your physical and psychological health


• Requiring more of the drug to feel its effects


• Going through withdrawal when trying to quit


• Taking risks to get or take the drug

Drug use disorders often look different among people. If you or someone you love are displaying any signals of drug addiction near Duluth, talk to an area doctor or addiction treatment professional.

Where To Find Drug Addiction Treatment In Duluth

Drug use disorder treatment is a multi-tier process. Most people will endure relapses and need to return to certain steps more than once. You may never be “cured” of drug use disorder, but many patients acheive recovery and implement what they explore during treatment to live a healthy, substance-free life. The answer is finding expert, reseach-supported treatment that fits your needs.

Every person’s recovery journey will be uniquely their own. Even so, treatment usually includes the following steps at accredited treatment facilities:

• Drug detox is the method of letting your body cleanse itself of substances. Your body will do this on its own as long as you don’t take more drugs. But, if you have a drug dependence, your body will encounter withdrawal without drugs. To complete detox in a safe manner, you should enter an inpatient detox facility that supplies round-the-clock medical guidance and takes steps to keep you comfortable.


• Drug rehab programs also give you inpatient care. In rehab, you’ll continue to live at a treatment center and have access to clinical support for any persistent withdrawal symptoms. Every day, you participate in different sorts of counseling sessions with the purpose of understanding your addiction, cultivating new healthy habits, and managing any co-occurring mental disorders. You should continue in rehab until you are physically and mentally strong enough to exit that sober environment.


• Once you finish rehab, you should continue to receive expert addiction treatment. Outpatient addiction and mental health care will help you navigate your life without drugs. These programs provide ongoing counseling sessions and medication management. Initially, you may attend outpatient care each day and return home every evening. Gradually, you’ll require less support and might only participate in therapy weekly or less.

Every person has a right to specialized, caring addiction treatment. No matter how severe your addiction may be, recovery is possible. Getting the right therapy at a licensed treatment center is critical to reach your goals. There’s no need to fight addiction on your own. There are many choices for drug addiction treatment near Duluth.

How Can Families Help A Loved One Struggling With Drug Addiction Near Duluth?

Individuals with a drug use disorder need all the help they can get. Friends and family can be crucial to addiction recovery. If you love a person with a drug use disorder, here are some ways you can help them:

• Help them check into a treatment program


• Help them pay for treatment


• Attend family counseling with them


• Play an active role in aftercare planning


• Give them a safe, sober setting to live in


• Withhold judgment


• Set limits around their substance use


• Provide transportation to outpatient treatment appointments

Get Help For Drug Use Disorders Near Duluth Today

No individual should face drug use disorders by themselves. If you or a loved one are struggling with drug addiction, recovery is possible. Turn to The Counseling Center At Duluth at 470-444-4194 or fill out the following contact from. A member of our team will answer you promptly to discuss treatment. Every call is free and confidential. You can reach us 24-hours a day, 365 days a year. Get help today. We are here for you.