The American Society of Addiction Medicine and the American Medical Association are just a few of the medical organizations in our society that consider drug addiction to be a disease. The reason for this is that biology plays as big of a role in causing addiction as environmental and behavioral factors. In fact, genetics may raise the likelihood of developing an addiction by almost 50% in at-risk individuals.
There are also physiological abnormalities in the brain that contribute to addiction. In some cases, the functioning of the brain may expose the individual to addiction. In other cases, the brain may function normally but will be altered through the use of drugs. Either way, the functioning of the brain is affected by drug use, creating a situation in which the individual is more likely to become addicted. Additionally, prolonged addiction acts to cause other physical and emotional disorders, so it’s often considered a co-occurring condition.
How is Addiction Treated in Florida Rehab Centers?
Addiction treatment employs a variety of therapies aimed at helping addicts address the causal factors for their addiction. They begin by recognizing the triggers that pushed them to abuse drugs. A trigger might be something physical, such as a favorite bar or a group of drug-using peers, or it might be an internal trigger, including stress or chronic pain. These issues are primarily addressed in one on one therapy sessions, allowing the individual to feel free to discuss the issues that contributed to his or her addiction. By understanding what caused the addiction, the recovering addict will be better prepared to apply the coping mechanisms taught in other types of therapy. Another phase of treatment is learning how to cope with those triggers without using drugs.
Therapy may include one on one sessions with a therapist or peer group support meetings. Recovering addicts share their healthy coping mechanisms for dealing with triggers. Each trigger may require a different type of coping mechanism from avoiding a particular part of town to practicing yoga and other stress management techniques. Even chronic pain can be managed naturally through specific exercises and a range of relaxation practices. If you are struggling with addiction, you may not realize that professional help can assist you in your recovery. Our counselors are available 24 hours a day to answer your questions and address your concerns about addiction treatment. Call us at 833-846-5669 anytime to learn more about your treatment options.