What is chemical dependency and how is it treated?
The simplest definition of chemical dependency is a physical or mental need for the continuous application of an illegal or legal substance. When you look at it in more depth, chemical dependency goes beyond occasional social use. It indicates the need for substance abuse treatment from trained professionals.
What are the signs of chemical dependency?
The most common signs of chemical dependency include: The need to increase your dosage of the substance to feel the effect. Low doses are no longer sufficient to ease your physical symptoms or provide mental satisfaction. You go through withdrawal symptoms if you go without the substance for any length of time.
What is the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM)?
In the United States, substance use treatment centers adhere to a standard of care put forth by the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM). The ASAM standard features a “continuum of care,” defined by four broad levels of treatment and an early intervention level.
What is chemical dependency and how does it affect the brain?
Chemical dependency generally begins with the voluntary act of using drugs but over time a person’s judgment when it comes to drugs becomes more clouded due to chemical changes in the brain and body. Eventually taking the drug can become compulsive due to the long-term effects of drug exposure on brain function.
What is the best treatment for chemical dependency?
What are the best ways to treat addiction?
What is relapse in addiction?
How does drug addiction affect the brain?
How long does it take to detox from a drug?
What are some examples of co-occurring issues?
Is chemical dependency a mental health problem?
See more
About this website
What are the 4 levels of the addiction process?
While there are many factors that contribute to drug and alcohol addiction, including genetic and environmental influences, socioeconomic status, and preexisting mental health conditions, most professionals within the field of addiction agree that there are four main stages of addiction: experimentation, regular use, ...
What are the 5 levels of care for substance abuse?
Levels of CareLevel 0.5: Early Intervention.Level I: Outpatient Services.Level II: Intensive Outpatient/Partial Hospitalization Services.Level III: Residential/Inpatient Services.Level IV: Medically Managed Intensive Inpatient Services.
What does NA stand for in addiction?
Narcotics Anonymous was established in response to the success of Alcoholics Anonymous. NA is support group for those attempting to recover from drugs other than just alcohol. NA was officially founded in Los Angeles in 1953, and has spread to thousands of locations in 129 countries.
What does Naadac mean?
National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse CounselorsThe organization evolved and became the National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC) in 1982, uniting professionals who worked for positive outcomes in alcohol and drug services.
What is a 3.1 level of care?
Level 3.1 programs are appropriate for patients whose recovery is aided by a time spent living in a stable, structured environment where they can practice coping skills, self- efficacy, and make connections to the community including work, education and family systems.
What are the levels of treatment?
The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) has established five main levels in a continuum of care for substance abuse treatment: Level 0.5: Early intervention services....Stage 1—Treatment engagement.Stage 2—Early recovery.Stage 3—Maintenance.Stage 4—Community support.
What is the goal of NA?
History of NA 2 The goal of NA is to create a community where people with substance use issues help each other on the road to recovery. Meetings include people of every demographic and at various recovery levels, from many years to just a few days of sobriety.
How does personal recovery depend on NA unity?
Tradition One: “Our common welfare should come first; personal recovery depends on NA unity.” This tradition tells us that our personal recovery is what is at stake. Unity of purpose can only be achieved when we are willing, as NA members and as subcommittees, to consider our common welfare.
What does the NA symbol mean to you?
Narcotics Anonymous Symbol The NA symbol is made up of a circle with a diamond in the center of it. The outer circle represents freedom and the universal nature of the program. The four sides of the diamond represent self, God, society, and service.
Who founded NAADAC?
Bill White: This book was Mel Schulstad's vision. Mel was a co- founder and first president of NAADAC, and believed that no profession has come of age that lacks a history of its own development.
How many addiction counselors are there in the US?
National estimates for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors:Employment (1)Employment RSE (3)Mean annual wage (2)310,8801.0 %$ 53,490
What does NCC AP stand for?
National Certification Council for Activity ProfessionalsWelcome to the Certification Standards of the National Certification Council for Activity Professionals (NCCAP). Activity Professional Certification. NCCAP was created by the National Association of Activity Professionals (NAAP) in 1986 as the official credential of the Activity Profession.
What is the best treatment for chemical dependency?
Therapy . Therapy and counseling in both group and individualized settings is one of the most common forms of treatment for chemical dependency. During these sessions, patients will learn many things about addiction including their specific triggers, biological effects of addiction, tips to prevent relapse, and more.
What are the best ways to treat addiction?
There are a number of treatment methods that can be used for those struggling with addiction, most treatment facilities elect to use many options including. Counseling and therapy. Detoxification and medical devices to treat withdrawal symptoms. Treatment for co-occurring mental health issues.
What is relapse in addiction?
Relapse is the return to drug use after an attempt to stop. Due to this, most patients will likely struggle with sobriety their entire lives. Addiction treatment will aim to help patients stop using drugs, stay drug-free, and be a positive influence at the family, at work, and in society.
How does drug addiction affect the brain?
Drug addiction can have a major impact on the brain’s functioning and can lead to a number of side effects and symptoms. Some of these symptoms include urges to use, increased drug tolerance, withdrawal symptoms when not on the drug and more. Severe drug abuse increases the risk of overdose and death. Luckily, there are treatment options ...
How long does it take to detox from a drug?
Depending on the severity of the issue, detoxification can be an option for some. Detox will generally take place of a number of days and is there to ensure that patients will safely get through the withdrawal symptoms that are associated with newfound sobriety. Some types of chemical dependence, such as alcohol or heroin can cause incredibly harsh side effects when substance abuse is stopped. If the problem is serious enough it can even lead to death. Because of this, treatment centers give patients the medical supervision they need to safely get off of these substances.
What are some examples of co-occurring issues?
For example, depression and anxiety are two of the most common types of mental health problems that substance abusers suffer from.
Is chemical dependency a mental health problem?
Chemical dependency and drug addiction used to be thought of as a social problem in which an individual lacked the necessary willpower to stop using a substance . Today, however, addiction is considered a mental health problem and chronic disease characterized by uncontrollable, drug-seeking behavior that leads to lasting and harmful changes in ...
Signs You or a Loved One Need Chemical Dependency Treatment
It’s important to get familiar with the signs of addiction so you can determine when chemical dependency treatment is necessary. Here are some things to look out for:
What Is Chemical Dependency Treatment?
Chemical dependency treatment involves getting the person to a point where they are no longer medically and physically dependent on the drug. There are various types of treatment that can be used alone or in combination with one another.
Types of Chemical Dependency Treatment Atlanta Recovery Offers
There are many chemical dependency treatment centers out there, but Atlanta Recovery takes an approach that sets us apart.
What Is Chemical Dependency Treatment?
There are various types of chemical dependency treatment programs. The type of program and treatment intensity offered at the treatment facility will vary depending on your unique treatment needs.
How Rise in Malibu Treats Addiction Effectively
At Rise in Malibu, we understand that addiction is a unique disease, meaning although two people may experience an addiction to the same substance, the symptoms, and struggles they will experience while using and while trying to get clean will be different.
What is the ASAM standard for substance abuse?
The ASAM standard features a “continuum of care,” defined by four broad levels of treatment and an early intervention level.
What is the continuum of care for substance use disorder?
Treatment for substance use disorder involves a flexible continuum of care, allowing people with the condition to move through various levels as needed. Seeking treatment for substance use disorder (SUD) can feel like an overwhelming task, and part of this concern may be fear of the unknown: What will treatment be like?
How many hours of outpatient treatment is level 1?
Level 1 outpatient treatment involves fewer than 9 hours a week for adults and fewer than 6 hours per week for adolescents. The regularly scheduled sessions take place at a nonresidential treatment center or a practitioner’s office and are administered by addiction professionals or trained clinicians.
What is a 24-hour nursing program?
This program for adults and adolescents provides 24-hour nursing care in an inpatient setting with an available physician. People in this level require medication and have had recent experience with not being able to complete a withdrawal management program. This level is appropriate for those with severe medical, emotional, behavioral, or cognitive problems.
How do I contact the SAMHSA?
You can also call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) helpline at 1-800-662-4357.
What is 24-hour care?
This is an adult-only level of 24-hour care in a residential setting designed to stabilize imminent danger among people with cognitive disability or other impairments. It involves a lesser degree of social and group treatment.
Is substance use disorder a one size fits all solution?
Treatment for substance use disorder (SUD) is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Every person who enters treatment for substance use has unique needs. Some may require intensive inpatient care, while others can find success in a part-time outpatient setting. And some may need both types of treatment at different times.
What is the best treatment for chemical dependency?
Therapy . Therapy and counseling in both group and individualized settings is one of the most common forms of treatment for chemical dependency. During these sessions, patients will learn many things about addiction including their specific triggers, biological effects of addiction, tips to prevent relapse, and more.
What are the best ways to treat addiction?
There are a number of treatment methods that can be used for those struggling with addiction, most treatment facilities elect to use many options including. Counseling and therapy. Detoxification and medical devices to treat withdrawal symptoms. Treatment for co-occurring mental health issues.
What is relapse in addiction?
Relapse is the return to drug use after an attempt to stop. Due to this, most patients will likely struggle with sobriety their entire lives. Addiction treatment will aim to help patients stop using drugs, stay drug-free, and be a positive influence at the family, at work, and in society.
How does drug addiction affect the brain?
Drug addiction can have a major impact on the brain’s functioning and can lead to a number of side effects and symptoms. Some of these symptoms include urges to use, increased drug tolerance, withdrawal symptoms when not on the drug and more. Severe drug abuse increases the risk of overdose and death. Luckily, there are treatment options ...
How long does it take to detox from a drug?
Depending on the severity of the issue, detoxification can be an option for some. Detox will generally take place of a number of days and is there to ensure that patients will safely get through the withdrawal symptoms that are associated with newfound sobriety. Some types of chemical dependence, such as alcohol or heroin can cause incredibly harsh side effects when substance abuse is stopped. If the problem is serious enough it can even lead to death. Because of this, treatment centers give patients the medical supervision they need to safely get off of these substances.
What are some examples of co-occurring issues?
For example, depression and anxiety are two of the most common types of mental health problems that substance abusers suffer from.
Is chemical dependency a mental health problem?
Chemical dependency and drug addiction used to be thought of as a social problem in which an individual lacked the necessary willpower to stop using a substance . Today, however, addiction is considered a mental health problem and chronic disease characterized by uncontrollable, drug-seeking behavior that leads to lasting and harmful changes in ...
What Is Chemical Dependency?
Treatment Options
- Drug addiction and chemical dependency is complex but can be treated, however it is not easy. Due to the fact that addiction is a chronic disease, people can’t just stop using substances for a few days and be cured. Most patients will need long-term care to stop using. It should be known that drug addiction is a relapsing disease. Relapse is the return to drug use after an attempt to s…
Treatment of Co-Occurring Issues
- Many, but not all, treatment facilities will make it a priority to treat co-occurring mental disorders that are commonly associated with substance abuse. For example, depression and anxiety are two of the most common types of mental health problems that substance abusers suffer from. Physicians will work to identify and treat these problems. Dealing with these underlying issues c…
in Conclusion
- At Landmark Recovery, we offer patients access to our holistic and evidence-based approach to chemical dependency treatment at one of our state-of-the-art facilities. Our staff is equipped with the knowledge and tools to help patients safely detox and get past the first stages of sobriety. Once getting safely detoxed and through the withdrawal symptoms, patients will be exposed to …