What To Know About Drug Use Disorder And Addiction

No one ever plans on struggling with a drug use disorder, but this complex disease affects millions of Americans every year. Drug use disorders change your mind and body and can ruin your life. Thankfully, there is assistance for those dealing with drug use. Expert drug addiction treatment is available in the Millbury area and can help you take back control of your life. Read on to discover more about drug use disorders and addiction and how individuals and families can overcome these conditions with professional guidance.

What Is A Drug Use Disorder?

Many people use illicit drugs for social reasons or powerful prescription drugs to treat medical conditions. But at what point does drug use transform into a life-impacting disorder?

Generally, drug use becomes a disorder when someone displays troubling patterns of drug use and can no longer regulate their use. Drug use disorders are mental health conditions that range from mild to severe. These conditions unsettle your life and severely affect your health.

There are distinct facets of drug use disorders:

• Dependence begins when your system becomes so used to a drug that it struggles to perform in its absence. You will experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms if you discontinue use of the drug.


• Addiction is a mental dependence. Addictive drugs modify your brain chemistry so that you persistently crave those substances and feel urged to use them increasingly. You are unable to regulate your mental state and behaviors. Addiction is the most serious element of substance use disorders.

All levels of drug use disorder are hurtful to your body, mind, relationships, and wellbeing. If you think you or a person you care about has a drug use disorder, find specialized support for recovery. Everybody deserves help.

What Drugs Are Habit-forming?

Habit-forming drugs possess powerful chemicals that alter your brain. Some are hazardous enough to be outlawed. Others are approved prescriptions but can turn dangerous when misused or consumed too frequently. Below are some of the most common addictive drugs in the US:

• Narcotics dull the senses, which makes them effective pain relievers. However, some also use them to decrease other uncomfortable feelings and can become addicted swiftly. Narcotics can be categorized as opiates or opioids. Opiates are naturally derived substances. Opioids are manufactured. Heroin is a widespread illegal narcotic. Legal drugs like OxyContin, Vicodin, Percocet, fentanyl, and morphine have medical uses but are habit-forming and commonly misused.


• Benzodiazepines are mood-changing drugs frequently recommended for mental disorders. But, they can give rise to addiction when not managed properly. Their tranquilizing qualities make you feel relaxed. Valium and Xanax are well-known benzos.


• Stimulants include prescriptions like Ritalin and Adderall, as well as prohibited drugs like meth and cocaine. They energize your central nervous system, causing you to become focused, exhilarated, and invigorated. Overdosing of stimulants can be fatal.

Every one of these types of drugs can result in a drug use disorder. They all carry the ability to derail your life and cause life-threatening medical conditions. Get assistance for yourself or someone close to you at the first signal of dependence.

How Does Drug Addiction Start?

There are many reasons why individuals turn to addictive drugs. Numerous do so for enjoyment because they enjoy the effects those chemicals create. Some people become dependent on prescriptions they're using for medical reasons. Another group of people begin using drugs to self-treat unmanaged mental illnesses and find brief comfort.

No matter the primary factor for first trying these substances, the path to addiction is usually the same. Your body starts to be dependent on the drug, and you become sick when you don't take it. You use more just to get by. You may slowly require higher amounts for the drug to work. You like how its effect feels. You feel distressed without it and keep taking it. Eventually, those chemicals dominate the reward system of your brain, and you can no longer feel good unless that drug is in your system.

When you're addicted, getting a steady supply of the drug becomes all that matters. Many people endure medical issues, destroy relationships, forfeit jobs, and take great risks due to drug addiction. Your addiction controls you and all aspects of your life, and you are powerless to stop without specialized help.

What Are Some Signs Of Drug Addiction?

It might seem a drug use disorder would be apparent. But, these disorders can manifest differently among individuals, and loved ones will commonly try to conceal their drug use from you. If you are uncertain if you or a friend have a drug use disorder, consider these warning signals:

• Experiencing an uncontrollable urge to consume the drug


• Failed attempts to slow down on or stop using the drug


• Spending much energy and time obtaining the drug, using it, or coming down from its effects


• Taking a prescription drug for longer timeframes or in greater amounts than ordered


• Having difficulty meeting commitments due to drug use


• Giving up once-liked activities to take drugs


• Continuing to use the drug even when it affects relationships


• Persistent use of the drug even when it adversely impacts your physical and psychological health


• Needing more of the substance to experience its effects


• Going through withdrawal when trying to quit


• Putting yourself at risk to obtain or use the drug

Drug use disorders often look different between people. If you or someone close to you are showing any signals of drug addiction near Millbury, speak with a local doctor or addiction treatment expert.

Where To Obtain Drug Addiction Treatment In Millbury

Drug use disorder treatment is a multi-step process. The majority of individuals will endure relapses and need to revisit steps many times. You may never be “cured” of drug use disorder, but countless individuals acheive recovery and implement what they learn during treatment to build a healthy, sober life. The key is finding skilled, reseach-supported treatment that fits your needs.

Everybody’s recovery journey will be unique. Even so, treatment typically includes the these steps at authorized treatment facilities:

• Drug detox is the method of letting your body clear itself of drugs. Your system will do this automatically as long as you don’t take more drugs. However, if you have a drug dependency, your body will encounter withdrawal without using. To complete detox in a safe fashion, you should go to an inpatient detox treatment center that offers 24/7 medical support and takes measures to keep you comfortable.


• Drug rehab programs also give you inpatient support. During rehab, you’ll keep living at a treatment center and get access to medical care for any lingering withdrawal symptoms. You go to different types of psychotherapy every day with the purpose of understanding your addiction, developing new healthy habits, and managing any existing mental disorders. You should continue in rehab until you feel physically and mentally strong enough to leave that sober environment.


• After you leave rehab, you should still get specialized addiction treatment. Outpatient addiction and mental health therapy will help you live your life without addictive drugs. These programs give you ongoing therapy and medication management. At first, you might attend outpatient support daily and head home in the evenings. Eventually, you won’t need as much therapy and may only participate in therapy once a week or less.

Every individual deserves specialized, caring addiction treatment. No matter how serious your addiction might be, recovery is possible. Seeking professional treatment at an accredited treatment facility is critical for your future. There’s no need to face addiction on your own. You will find many options for drug addiction treatment near Millbury.

How Can Families Support A Loved One Grappling With Drug Addiction Near Millbury?

People with a drug use disorder need all the support they can get. Family and friends can be crucial to addiction recovery. If you care for someone with a drug use disorder, here are several ways you can assist them:

• Help them enter a treatment center


• Help them pay for treatment


• Participate in family counseling with them


• Take part in aftercare planning


• Provide a safe, drug-free setting to reside in


• Don’t pass judgment


• Set boundaries around their drug use


• Help them get to outpatient treatment appointments

Get Help For Drug Use Disorders Near Millbury Today

No one should face drug use disorders by themselves. If you or a loved one are grappling with drug addiction, there is hope for recovery. Turn to The Counseling Center At Millbury at 508-433-3866 or submit the following contact from. A member of our team will reply right away to explore treatment. All calls are free and confidential. We answer at all hours, every day of the year. Get help now. We are here for you.