Conditions

However, when you start drinking too much, too frequently or become dependent on alcohol, drinking can become very dangerous. According to the National Institute on Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse, alcohol use disorders (AUD) affect over 14.5 million people each year.

Alcohol abuse can lead to a range of health problems and injuries, including:

• Car accidents
  
• Harming yourself or others when under the influence
  
• Mental health problems and increased risk of suicide
  
• Diabetes and weight gain
  
• Cancers of the stomach, bowel, breast, mouth, and throat
  
• Brain damage, stroke, and dementia
  
• Heart problems like high blood pressure, heart damage, and heart attacks
  
• Liver failure and cirrhosis of the liver
  

Drug addiction is a pervasive problem in the United States - over 20 million people struggle with SUD. Substance abuse can affect all aspects of a person’s life, such as health, work, and family life. It also causes extensive social and economic problems, costing over $600bn each year.

Every drug affects the body differently. However, they can be classified into four main categories:

• Depressants - These include alcohol and benzodiazepines.
• Stimulants - These include cocaine and amphetamines.
• Opium-derived drugs - These drugs include heroin and opioid painkillers.
• Hallucinogens - These include substances such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD).
  
  

Sometimes it can be hard to tell if you or a loved one is struggling with drug addiction. Here are some signs to look out for:

• Being unable to stop taking drugs when you want to, even when it’s causing you problems
• Spending a lot of time thinking about how to obtain drugs
• Losing interest in everyday activities
• Lying or stealing money to obtain drugs

These include:

• Long-term health problems, including heart, cardiovascular, and brain damage
  
• Increased risk of mental health conditions
  
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop
  

Some of the most common kinds of behavioral addiction are:

• Gambling addiction
  
• Shopping addiction
  
• Sex addiction

According to research by SAMHSA, almost half of people with a substance use disorder also struggle with a co-occurring mental health condition. Mental disorders like anxiety, unresolved trauma, and depression can be driving factors behind addictive behavior. They can also complicate treatment, deplete your energy, and affect your ability to communicate openly with a therapist.

Treating co-occurring disorders alongside addiction is crucial to successful recovery. If left unaddressed, mental health issues can restart addictive behavior even after long periods of abstinence.

At Empowered Recovery, our dual diagnosis program offers expert-led and evidence-based treatments for mental health conditions. We are committed to providing exceptional, personalized care that facilitates holistic healing and lays the foundations for life-long recovery.

Drug, alcohol, and behavioral addictions can be devastating, but there is a way out. No matter how severe their problem, most people benefit from some kind of treatment.

At Empowered Recovery, we provide you with an evidence-based, individualized treatment program to help you develop the skills to overcome your addiction. Our expert team delivers top-tier medical care tailored to your unique needs. Our treatment approaches include:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• Complementary therapy
• Experiential therapy
• Individual therapy
• Support groups
• Family therapy

We offer three levels of compassionate care, depending on your needs. These are:

• Partial hospitalization (PHP)
• Intensive outpatient
• Outpatient programming

Some clients start in PHP and progress through the other stages, while others begin in outpatient programming. In each instance, we ensure that you receive the support you require while offering you the flexibility you need to fulfill responsibilities outside of the center.

We understand that recovery is more than just overcoming addictive behaviors - it’s about empowering you to reclaim your life. We stay by your side throughout your journey to offer guidance and support as you develop the skills you need to build your future. We provide individualized life skills training throughout your time with us and a year of free recovery coaching at no extra cost.

Recovery from addiction can be challenging, but we’re here to help. We provide you with the authentic, professional experience you need to overcome your addiction and achieve your full potential. Contact us today to make the change.