It is estimated that more than 20 million people battle substance abuse disorders costing Americans billions in healthcare expenses, workplace disruption, and legal fees. The National Institute on Drug Abuse carefully monitors and substance abuse disorders in the United States and the trends in the most commonly used addictive drugs. Drugs and alcohol interfere with the brain’s normal function and produce high dopamine levels, encouraging users to repeat pleasurable activities and continue to engage in drug use. Dopamine sends powerful surges of pleasure and euphoria to the brain, which then teaches the brain to seek out drugs at the expense of healthy behaviors and habits. A person’s ability to experience pleasure from naturally rewarding activities is reduced, and the misuse is reinforced and continues. At BrightView, our experienced addiction specialists are well versed in the symptoms of chronic drug use and have developed programs to help patients recover from drug addiction. Find out more about drug addiction treatment by calling 888.501.9865.
The Top Five Most Addictive Drugs
Drug addiction is considered a disease that is treatable like many other mental health issues. A person who has been using drugs may find it impossible to stop using as their brain’s normal function is short-circuited by the extreme highs when using and the very low lows when not. While it is common for dependency and addiction to take hold, some drugs possess greater addictive qualities than others. Cocaine creates an intense yet short-lived high as it floods the brain with dopamine. As a stimulant, it quickly provides feelings of euphoria and alertness, but also a very rapid crash. Users frequently come back for more or “binge” as they become accustomed to those feelings. Heroin provides users with an “out of body” experience like no other. It promotes relaxation, reduces pain, and stimulates pleasure. The brain quickly becomes rewired as it craves more to activate these feelings. Methamphetamine is an illegally produced substance that, when smoked, snorted, or injected, immediately increases focus, decreases the need for sleep, and increases pleasure. Tolerance is developed very quickly, prompting users to increase their dosage to feel the same euphoric effects. Alcohol is the most regularly used substance as it improves mood, calms the central nervous system, and relaxes inhibitions. It is commonly used as a form of self-medication. Nicotine is not only highly addictive, but it is also one of the most difficult drugs to stop using without assistance due to its addictive qualities. It activates pleasure sensors in the brain within seconds of inhaling and improves both mood and cognition. Despite the consequences of drug use, many users are driven to dependency and addiction as these drugs activate the pleasure sensors and create a compulsion that is not able to be broken without help.
How Medication Assisted Treatment Can Help
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is an approved method of treating drug addiction that is used in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies. It serves to ease the symptoms of withdrawal as it works with the dopamine receptors to still stimulate feelings of pleasure while reducing cravings, compulsion, and negative patterns of behavior. With MAT, patients experience a significant reduction in the need for inpatient detoxification services and improved chances of long-term recovery. At BrightView, we understand the challenges that users face with addiction and have designed drug addiction treatment programs to meet the needs of every patient. We offer immediate care to those who suffer, and no one is turned away. Reach out to an addiction specialist to learn more about how you or a loved one can benefit from medication assisted treatment and get on the road to lifelong sobriety by calling 888.501.9865.
Learn More About Drug Addiction Treatment in Ohio
Finding the right drug addiction treatment center is no easy task but it is essential to long-term recovery. While there are many options available for patients seeking recovery, an outpatient program provides users the treatment that they need while not disrupting their families or livelihood. The experienced, trained counselors at BrightView treat every patient with the respect, empathy, and understanding that they need to overcome addiction, establish positive behaviors, and define goals for the future. Addiction specialists are available 24/7 to answer your questions about how one of our 22 outpatient addiction treatment programs throughout Ohio may be right for you or a loved one looking to begin the journey of recovery from drug addiction. Schedule an appointment online or give us a call today at 888.501.9865.
