Drug Addiction

Facing a drug addiction or substance use disorder can be terrifying. However, it helps to know that you are not alone. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), more than 19 million adults reported having a substance use disorder within the past year. At Riverbank House, we are committed to helping people overcome drug addictions and develop strategies to stay sober.

Types of Drug Addictions That We Treat

At Riverbank House, we help our clients confront and overcome addictions to many types of drugs, including this partial list:

Opioids (Codeine, Dilaudid, Hydrocodone, Oxycodone, Percocet, Tramadol)
Heroin
Ecstasy
Marijuana
Methamphetamine
Cocaine
Kratom
Benzodiazepines (Ativan, Valium, Xanax)

It is common for our clients to be battling more than one substance use disorder at a time, and we are eager to help in these dual diagnosis situations.

Signs of Drug Addiction

The most glaring sign of drug addiction is the loss of control. When a substance holds power over you, you begin to make decisions solely from the reference point of obtaining and using more of that substance. You may begin to notice that you are putting off spending time with others to do more drugs, or that your professional or social obligations begin to suffer. You may begin making choices that feel out of character because you are so focused on using a particular substance.

Side Effects of Drug Addiction

The side effects of drug addiction can be severe. Many substances can cause irreversible damage to the brain and the lungs. Users may experience behavioral changes, problems sleeping, and mood concerns. Beyond these psychological effects, drug addiction can cause side effects in many other areas of the body, including the heart, stomach, kidneys, and liver.

Withdrawal Symptoms of Drug Addiction

The first step of getting treatment for drug addiction is clearing the toxic substances from your body. However, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) cautions that it can be difficult for most people with a substance use disorder to stop using drugs on their own because they can begin to feel very sick, which is a phenomenon called withdrawal.

Withdrawal symptoms vary based on the kind of substance you have been using. However, it is common to experience the following withdrawal symptoms when you stop using drugs:

Sweating and hot flashes
Gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Muscle cramps or aches
Rapid heart rate or increased blood pressure
Restlessness or difficulty sleeping
Mood changes

Depending on the type of substances you have been ingesting, your body may need support during the withdrawal period with the use of specific medications. Some types of withdrawal can be dangerous or even fatal, so getting supervision during the withdrawal period is key.