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For the past 9 years, she additionally has been overseeing the detox area, health services, and office of family support. She has implemented a lot of new protocols for the operations of these areas to ensure the clients are receiving the highest quality of care that we are able to provide. She has a strong work ethic and it’s not unusual for her to be up at the facility at 2am or on the phone all night helping guide our staff on how to best manage whatever situations come up. In fact, leading authorities on addiction agree that substance abuse is a chronic disease similar to heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Myths about addiction or substance use disorder (SUD) are widespread and can be harmful.
Get compassionate evidence-based behavioral health treatment in Arizona. Relapse is often seen as failure, but this perspective is both harmful and untrue. Substance use disorder is a chronic condition, and relapse can be part of the recovery process. It’s an opportunity to learn, adjust treatment approaches, and strengthen one’s commitment to recovery. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released the results of the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH).
- Tricia’s personal experiences with family members who have struggled with addiction fuels her passion and compassion for working with others to achieve and sustain a lifelong recovery.
- Christina works closely with Elevate Addiction Services contracted MD and his staff who screen all clients entering the program.
- As we all know, there are a ton of stereotypes and stigma that surround addiction and recovery.
- Dispelling shame and discussing addiction’s impact are key steps to heal society’s wounds.
- According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), addiction relapse rates are similar to those of other chronic illnesses like diabetes or hypertension—between 40-60%.
Addiction Treatment
Recognizing that setbacks are normal and can be overcome allows individuals to maintain resilience and motivation in their recovery process. Providing continuous support and positive reinforcement is essential, emphasizing growth and progress rather than focusing solely on setbacks. Research has shown that addiction alters the brain’s structure and function, making it challenging for individuals to control their drug use or behavior. The brain becomes chemically rewired, leading to intense cravings and an inability to resist the substance or behavior. This rewiring affects the areas responsible for decision-making, judgment, and impulse control.
Breaking Down Common Myths About Addiction and Recovery
With over four years of dedicated experience in the behavioral health field, Lexi has worked in various treatment facilities, supporting clients through every stage of their recovery journey. Throughout this time, she has developed a deep passion for helping individuals find hope and healing. Lexi is committed to Sober living home creating a safe, supportive environment where clients can feel empowered to make positive changes in their lives. She believes in meeting clients where they are and providing compassionate, individualized care that addresses the unique needs of each person.
Let’s Take the Next Steps Together
If you’re noticing signs in yourself or a loved one, reaching out for help early on is not only valid—it’s wise. Regardless of where you are in life, it’s never too late—or too early—to take that first step toward healing. Rehabilitation programs are an essential part of recovery, but they’re just the beginning. But addiction changes how your brain’s reward and decision-making systems work.
Drug and Alcohol Treatment Facilities in California
But, waiting for rock bottom can be risky and make the addiction worse. Delaying treatment can hurt someone physically, mentally, and emotionally. Healthy lifestyle changes like regular exercise, nutritious food, enough sleep, and stress management are helpful for sobriety. Doing activities that make one happy and give life purpose can fill the void left by substance abuse.
- By providing ongoing help and understanding during relapse episodes, individuals get the necessary motivation to remain on track towards long-term sobriety.
- The sooner you reach out, the sooner you can start building a healthier, more fulfilling life.
- So, with that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the common myths about addiction.
- Over time, repeated drug or alcohol use can lead to changes in the brain, making it increasingly difficult for individuals to control their substance use.
- Misinterpreting it as a mere lack of willpower or a character flaw oversimplifies the issue and ignores its scientific truth.
- Treatment for addiction is not a cure, but rather the initial step towards wellness.
Additionally, I maintain strong interaction and good relationships with my employees, which has proven successful toward accomplishing company goals. Jesse Quaid is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor- Certified Addiction Specialist (CADC-CAS) who works in the Intake, Insurance and Clinical Records departments at Elevate Addiction Services. Jesse studied business and marketing at the University of North Florida as well as Western Governors University achieving his Bachelors of Science in Business- Marketing Management. Jesse considers the need for what is alcoholism helping people with alcohol and drug use to be a personal mission and one that he feels is necessary within the current epidemic of use throughout the country and world.
My Experience With Recovery Stigma
We can use digital platforms to disprove myths, prevent the spread of false information, and foster constructive conversations about addiction as a disease. Seeking treatment for addiction early and tailoring it to each individual is necessary for recovery. Addiction is a complicated disease and is often not understood in the medical community, resulting in stigma and shame. Addiction shouldn’t be seen as a choice, but as a result of various factors. Willpower alone can’t overcome addiction, and it can affect anyone no matter their age, income, ethnicity, religion, family, or profession.
Willpower Alone is Not Enough to Overcome Addiction
The journey to recovery typically involves multiple stages, including detoxification, rehabilitation, and maintenance. Each stage requires time and effort to address the physical, psychological, and social aspects of addiction. By recognizing addiction as a complex medical condition, we can offer compassion, support, and evidence-based interventions to help individuals on their path to recovery. The common belief has been that those who are addicted to drugs or alcohol simply aren’t strong enough to overcome it. Some people believe that there is something inherently wrong with a person who struggles with addiction.