Knowing the level of severity allows a doctor to formulate the best treatment plan for each person suffering from a substance use disorder. Knowing the best course of action for the level of severity is crucial towards properly addressing the substance use disorder. They would likely end up actively using substances again, or while still at that level of care. Someone with a mild substance use disorder or even in the at-risk level of severity could benefit from a less intensive treatment program.
As the treatment progresses for substance use disorders, the person should be stepped down to less intensive levels of care. Stepping down levels of care is the best way to reintegrate into living without the use of substances. Understanding severity helps to allow for the best treatment to be utilized for every individual that is dealing with a substance use disorder. If you or someone you know is suffering from any level of substance use disorder, reach out to GateHouse Treatment today at GateHouse remains open during this critical time, dedicated to fighting addiction.
Addiction: Understanding Severity. This increase is largely attributed to the worsening opioid epidemic , which is gripping communities nationwide.
Vulnerability to addiction differs from person to person and is impacted by both environmental and genetic factors, including mental health, family history of addiction or social environment. As addiction takes hold, individuals exhibit certain behaviors, according to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence. The first step to addiction is trying the substance. It can be as fast as taking the first drink or smoking a cigarette.
Or, people may have used drugs in the past without developing a dependency, but are now moving on to a more addictive substance. Part of the challenge is when the first exposure to drugs is through legal means.
Opioids, for example, are often prescribed to patients as a way to deal with persistent pain. The first dose may relieve that pain temporarily, but over time as the body grows accustomed to the drug, relief no longer comes, sometimes prompting individuals to take more of the drug than is medically recommended or seeking a stronger dosage. As people become regular users, they begin to display a pattern. Sometimes they may use only on the weekends or just at night while spending time with friends, but oftentimes these individuals will begin to show the signs of addiction as the substance becomes more important in their lives.
One of the biggest differences is that when a person develops an addiction, their drug use is no longer a conscious choice. Up until that point, it remains at least a shadow of one.
Individual s at this stage feel as though they can no longer deal with life without access to their chosen drug, and as a result , lose c omplete c ontrol of their choices and actions. The behavioral shifts that began during Stage 4 will grow to extremes, with the user likely giving up their old hobbies and actively avoiding friends and family. They may compulsively lie about their drug use when questioned and are quickly agitated if th eir lifestyle is threatened in any way. U sers , at this point , can also be so out of touch with their old life that they do not recognize how t heir behaviors are detrimental and the effects that it has had on their relationships.
Another term for addiction is a substance use disorder, which is an accurate description because it is a chronic disease that will present risks for a lifetime. Even after a person quits using a drug and has undergone treatment , there will always be the danger of relapse. This means, one must commit to an entire lifestyle change, in order to maintain their life of recovery. It is sometimes referred to as the crisis stage , because at this point the addict is at the highest risk of suffering a fatal overdose or another dramatic life event.
Of course, while crisis is the worst-case scenario for this stage, there is also a positive alternative that fits here instead. Either on their own or as a result of a crisis, this is when many individuals first find help from a rehab center to begin receiving treatment. As a result, this stage can mark the end of their addiction , as well as the start of new life without drug s and alcohol, that is filled with hope for the future. Have you been able to identify with any of the seven stages discussed today?
If so, it may be time to reach out for professional help from an a ddiction treatment center. At Brookdale Addiction Recovery , we can provide you with the individualized care you deserve, through our patient-centric approach to treatment. As each patient enters our program, they undergo a thorough evaluation by our medical and clinical team to construct comprehensive treatment plans tailored to fit their needs.
Overcoming a substance use disorder is no easy feat, but it is not impossible. With the proper help and support, you or your loved one can be well on your way to a new, vibrant life …recovered. Please call our trusted Admissions Specialists today at to find out more about our program and the admissions process. Powered by. The 7 Stages of Addiction. Some of the common changes to watch out for in a drug user include: Borrowing or stealing money Neglecting responsibilities such as work or family Attempting to hide their drug use Hiding drugs in easily accessible places like mint tins Changing peer groups Visiting multiple doctors or rapidly changing doctors if using a prescription drug Losing interest in old hobbies.
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