Substance Abuse

People Turn To Drugs Or Alcohol For Many Reasons

Some may be curious and experimenting with different substances, while others are looking to lessen the impact of trauma and other painful life experiences. Drugs and alcohol may seem like an enjoyable escape or provide temporary relief at first, but over time the body begins to rely on them to feel normal and it becomes difficult to function without them. This is how addiction often develops, from humble beginnings that ensnare unsuspecting individuals before they realize that they’ve become dependent.

Addiction Is A Disease That Affects the Mind, Body & Spirit

Hijacking the processes that promote overall health and driving an individual to use despite the harm it causes. Once it reaches this point, any semblance of control vanishes and escaping from the cycle of substance use becomes more and more difficult. At Burning Tree, we recognize the complexity of addiction and know that the decision to seek treatment isn’t easy. We also know it’s a turning point, representing a desire to get more out of life and rediscover what it means to be free from substance use. To help individuals achieve long-term recovery, first, we must restore their purpose and sense of self. Sobriety without relapse needs a strong foundation, built upon hope, honesty and self-awareness that is supported by a dedicated team of professionals. Combined with high-quality treatment and fueled by a passion that has remained strong for 20 years, Burning Tree provides a transformational experience that guides each patient towards long-term healing with a level of expertise and commitment that sets us apart.

Substance Abuse Disorders

We treat a variety of substance use disorders at Burning Tree to ensure that our services are relevant for a diverse group of men and women. According to a 2014 survey from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), more than 20 million adults in the U.S. had used drugs in the last year, representing a wide array of demographics and affecting individuals regardless of age, income, education, race or gender.

• Since addiction comes in all shapes and sizes, we believe it’s important to give everyone seeking help the chance to heal and reclaim their sobriety from substances such as:
• Alcohol
• Methamphetamine
• Prescription drugs
• Opioids
• Heroin
• Hallucinogens
• MDMA/Ecstasy/Molly
• Cocaine
• Crack cocaine
• Synthetic and designer drugs

Although the adverse effects of many drugs are similar, once addiction takes hold, careful consideration must be made to particular substances when developing an individualized treatment plan to ensure that patients can achieve lasting recovery. It’s also important to understand how and why addiction took hold in the first place to effectively address not only the physical aspects of substance use, but the mental, emotional, and social aspects as well.

What Is Addiction

Addiction happens when someone cannot stop using drugs or alcohol even if they want to, despite the negative consequences. Addiction overshadows everything else and disrupts a person’s life, making it difficult for them to meet daily responsibilities, maintain healthy relationships or perform certain duties. What usually begins as an escape or stress reliever turns into something they depend upon to feel normal, and function or simply get through the day.

The shift from recreational or occasional use to dependency happens because repeated exposure to drugs or alcohol triggers changes in the brain which makes it difficult to stop using. By releasing large amounts of dopamine and activating the brain’s reward system, drugs and alcohol become associated with pleasure and certain pathways such as those that affect memory, motivation and reward are altered. The brain is rewired and “learns” that substance use is a shortcut to feeling good. As the brain adapts to the presence of drugs or alcohol, powerful cravings develop, and the brain begins to rely on them to function.

These changes demonstrate that addiction is not a sign of poor willpower or a lack of strength or morals, but rather a disease that alters brain chemistry. Like other diseases, such as diabetes or cancer, addiction is caused by a combination of environmental, behavioral and biological factors that increase an individual’s risk. One of its most defining symptoms is a loss of control, with many of those affected being both physically and psychologically unable to stop or decrease their use without professional help.

Signs Of Addiction

When drugs or alcohol are used for a long period of time, physical dependence and addiction may develop, which results in numerous physical and psychological effects.

• Although the signs of addiction vary depending on the individual and substances being used, they might include:
• Declining health
• Financial problems
• Isolating from friends and family
• Dangerous or reckless behavior
• Legal troubles
• Increased tolerance
• Withdrawal symptoms
• Abandoning hobbies and other activities
• Poor hygiene
• Abandoning work, school and familial obligations

As addiction deepens and tolerance increases, these effects often worsen. The risk of dangerous incidents such as an overdose also rises over time, making it crucial to seek help for a substance use disorder as early as possible. If you or a loved one needs help with addiction, Burning Tree provides personalized treatment programs that address the full scope of each patient’s mental, physical and emotional needs for lasting recovery.