By filling out our recovery consultation form you have taken the first step towards positive change.

If you would like to get alcohol or drug treatment information immediately please don’t wait for our response, instead call us directly at 1-800-565-0577. We are here to help you!

Our substance abuse resource articles provide the important information you need to know about drug and alcohol addiction. Whether you are interested in helping friends stay off drugs and alcohol, or you want to learn how to break the cycle of addiction if you have already developed a dependency, we’re here to help. In these pages, you can get the facts to educate yourself about important issues such as:

• How someone can overcome alcohol or drug addiction
• Treatment options for drug and/or alcohol addiction
• How to maintain recovery after rehab
• Where to reach out for help when you need it

The Journey to Recovery

Recovery isn’t a finite destination but rather a lifelong journey. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), addiction is an enduring disease for which there is no absolute cure. Like other chronic diseases, recovering addicts must continually manage their addiction disease, in order to ensure they remain free of setbacks and relapse. The chronic nature of addiction shouldn’t discourage you from long-term recovery though. Many recovering addicts achieve lifelong sobriety through the help of effective treatment. Addiction is a battle you can win; you just need the proper resources to help you.

Depending on the nature of your addiction, your recovery may begin with a stay in a detox facility. Alcoholics and certain types of drug addicts require a detox stay to allow the body to achieve a healthy balance as the substance leaves it. It is imperative that you seek detox in a medical facility as many complications can arise during the detox process. You should never attempt to detox on your own at home; your body has become accustomed to the foreign substances and a sudden cessation of use could lead to serious health conditions and even death. Addictions to certain types of drugs and various behavioral addictions or mental health issues do not require detox.

The next stage of your rehabilitation journey will involve therapies, often in both individual and group settings. Therapy is the time when you will get to the root issues that led to your addiction in the first place and you’ll learn coping mechanisms that can help you avoid substance abuse in the future.

Your recovery is not over once you have reached the end of your rehab treatment. It’s imperative that you participate in aftercare in order to bolster your sobriety. Aftercare comes in various methods – 12-step meetings, group therapy sessions, meditation practices – and can go a long way toward giving you the support you need following treatment.

Get Help for Addiction Now

When you are ready to get treatment for yourself or a loved one, you can find a quality addiction treatment program by calling 1-800-565-0577. Get the facts about all the options available to you, including outpatient clinics, private treatment facilities and long-term residential care. Or if you prefer, you can answer a few simple questions on our online form, and we will contact you with more information.

Don’t let another day stand between you and the healthy, sober life you deserve. No matter what type of addiction you are suffering from, there are high-quality treatment facilities all over the US that have successfully treated people with your exact issue. There is hope.

You can take the first step toward recovery today by reaching out for help. Call our toll-free number or fill out our online form. Treatment that works is available; all you need to do is ask.

One of the biggest lies that drug addicts tell themselves is that they can stop using drugs any time they want to. Addicts underestimate the influence that drugs have on them.

The truth is that if you’re an addict, you don’t have control over your use of drugs. You might have every intention of cutting back on your use but you are just unable to do so without help. In fact, an inability to stop use of a substance is one of the hallmark signs of addiction. Drug addiction is not a matter of willpower; it is a disease that alters brain function, making it incredibly difficult for addicts to stop using on their own. According to the American Society of Addictive Medicine (ASAM), addiction causes cognitive, emotional and behavioral changes which result in the addict continually seeking drugs, even when they know they are causing themselves and others severe harm.

Here are a few reasons why trying to quit on your own is seldom successful:

• Drug use alters your brain chemistry to make you crave more of the substance.
• Stress can trigger a relapse and lead to further drug use.
• Environmental factors, such as certain locations, sights or smells can remind the addict of prior use and make him or her vulnerable to using again.

Drug addiction, which affects both adults and kids, needs to be stopped in its tracks before it gets any worse. If it’s not treated, drug addiction can lead to a wide range of negative consequences, including serious health issues, financial repercussions, legal troubles and relationship problems. The health effects of drug use will vary greatly, depending on the substance abused. There are, however, certain commonalities across all drug addictions, such as damage to the kidneys, heart, liver, digestive system, brain, respiratory system and hormonal levels. In addition, drug addiction can lead to various types of cancers as well as sudden death from a range of factors.

Due to the nature of addiction, it’s most often too difficult to stop using drugs on your own. In fact, attempting to detox from certain drugs without medical assistance can endanger your life. Most often those who attempt to cease drug use without professional help end up returning to drugs when cravings strike, and they ultimately relapse quickly. Only professional treatment programs offer the best possible way out of an addiction.

In an addiction treatment program, you’ll have professionals leading you down the path to recovery. If you need to detox from drugs, you’ll have medical professionals on hand to help you through difficult withdrawal symptoms. You may receive medication assistance during detox, depending on the drug in question. There are also holistic options available, if you prefer a completely natural approach to detoxification.

In therapy, you’ll address the causes behind your drug addiction and learn new methods for dealing with life’s stresses so you don’t return to drugs when times get tough. You’ll also build a support system so you know where to turn for help once you’re out of treatment. Ultimately, drug rehab can give you the foundation you need to leave drugs behind forever and live a full life.

How to Get Help for Drug Abuse

If you want to stop using drugs, you need to get professional help. When you’re ready, you can start by calling us here at 1-800-565-0577. A trained counselor will tell you about different treatment options available that can help you to effectively stop using drugs. You don’t have to do this alone; real help is available.

All you need to decide before you make the call is that you want to stop using drugs. Call now and get the help you need to get sober today. Your life is on the line.

The cost of drug rehab programs doesn’t need to be a barrier to getting help to stop a drug addiction. When you consider how much the addict has already spent on his or her habit and the money friends and/or family members have shelled out to help the addict, the cost of getting drug treatment is a good investment.

If you are uncertain how to pay for drug addiction treatment, contact us today at our toll-free number. We are happy to discuss your payment options with you, to ensure you get the help you need today.

How to Manage Rehab Costs

Costs associated with drug addiction treatment programs vary greatly, depending on the specific program in question. Inpatient treatment programs – where the addict lives at the facility full time – are generally more expensive options since the patient’s room, board and meals must be included in the program cost. Outpatient programs – where the addict attends treatment during the day but returns home at night – are often less expensive since these costs do not need to be included. Luxury rehab programs are the most expensive option as they often include various high-class amenities, such as gourmet meals, personal training sessions, private yoga sessions and posh accommodations.

While the cost of addiction treatment can be high, you shouldn’t be dissuaded from seeking the help you need because of your financial situation. There are various options available to help make rehab treatment a feasible solution for any financial situation.

In fact, there are many ways that the cost of a drug treatment program on the individual can be lessened or financed, including:

• Coverage provided through a health insurance plan
• Employer reimbursement packages
• Financing arrangements with the facility

If you think that all drug treatment centers are private facilities that cater to the rich and famous, you would be mistaken. Some drug rehab facilities work on a sliding scale and charge only what their clients are able to pay. Other addiction treatment centers are publicly funded; however, these programs often have long waiting lists.

Before you enroll in rehab, check with your insurance provider. Some plans offer partial coverage for addiction treatment and this can go a long way to offsetting the costs of rehab. It’s then important to talk with the facility in question to ensure that they work with your insurance provider. You should also check with your employer regarding any partial coverage they may offer for employees who seek addiction help.

Most drug treatment centers offer financing options for patients. This allows you to receive treatment now, when you need it, and then pay off the cost of your treatment on a manageable payment plan. Since most addicts are not in a good position financially due to their addictions, they are most often in a better financial position after treatment. A long-term payment plan allows these individuals to pay off the cost of treatment once they are sober and better able to get a good job or perform their duties at work.

While it is only natural to worry about the costs associated with rehab, parents and family members should keep in mind the high cost of doing nothing about their loved one’s addiction. Drug addiction brings with it the potential of dire health effects, career ruin, criminal or legal issues, and the destruction of relationships. You can’t put a price tag on this level of devastation to a person’s life. Needless to say, the consequence of standing idly by is much higher than even what the most expensive rehab programs charge.

Find an Addiction Treatment Program Now

Finding a drug rehab center or an alcohol treatment center is as easy as calling our toll-free number at 1-800-565-0577. Our trained operators will ask you a few questions and recommend treatment centers that fit your need and your budget. You can also fill out our online form to find a drug abuse rehab center right away.

You know your loved one best, and changes in his or her personality or daily routine may be signs of drug abuse. Discovering drug paraphernalia, like pipes, roach clips or syringes, is one of the most obvious signs of drug addiction. According to Mayo Clinic, here are some other signs to be on the lookout for:

• Confusion or disorientation
• Cycles of increased energy and little sleep
• Dental problems (associated with methamphetamine use)
• Sudden weight gain or loss
• Persistent cough and/or bronchitis
• Sinus issues, like nosebleeds and infections (from snorting drugs)
• Sleeping more than usual
• Memory problems
• Depression
• Sudden disinterest in regular activities

Seek Help Before It’s Too Late

While drug abuse often leads to addiction, your loved one could be abusing drugs but not actually addicted at this point. Hallmark signs of addiction include the inability to stop using drugs despite the desire to do so and feeling like the drug is needed in order to function in daily life. If you suspect your loved one is abusing drugs but hasn’t yet crossed over into addiction, talk to them about their drug use now. You may be able to stop them from forging forward into a full-blown addiction.

If your loved one is already in the throes of a drug addiction, know that denial is a key component of any addiction. As a result, your loved one may not believe that they actually have a problem. In fact, they may have many justifications for the signs of abuse or addiction you have noticed in them. They may say they are stressed with school or work and that is causing them to sleep more than normal. They may simply dismiss your concerns altogether and say you are paranoid.

It is, however, imperative to seek help for your loved one if you notice the signs of addiction present in their life. While your loved one may not respond to your attempt at intervention initially, they have heard what you have to say and it may have made a greater impression on them than you think. Drug abuse and addiction carry serious consequences, including the possibility of death, and the sooner help is sought, the less likely it is that long-term damage will occur.

If you need help formulating how to approach your loved one or if you’d like advice on where they should seek addiction treatment, contact us today at our toll-free number. We can help guide you in the best direction to get your loved one the help they need.

It is absolutely important that you know how to spot the signs of drug addiction in a loved one, so you can sign them up for an addiction treatment program before it’s too late. Take some time to familiarize yourself with the specifics of the particular drug you suspect they are using. For example, the signs of marijuana addiction (paranoia, lethargy, decreased reaction times, etc.) are different than signs of methamphetamine addiction (increased energy, decreased appetite, violent behavior, etc.).

Find an Addiction Treatment Center Near You

If you see signs of addiction in a loved one, you want to encourage them to get help to deal with their addiction issues. Drug rehab facilities are staffed by people who understand how to treat addiction and care for addicted men and women. The first step towards finding the right drug treatment facility is to call our toll-free number at 1-800-565-0577. By answering a few simple questions, we can give you some options for getting your loved one help for their drug addiction. Alternatively, you can fill out our online form to get this valuable information. Don’t wait to get help for a loved one struggling with addiction; call today. We are here 24 hours a day to answer any questions you may have.

If you find pills or an unknown substance in a loved one’s possession, how do you know if you’ve found drugs? And how do you know what drugs they are taking? You may suspect that these substances are illicit drugs, but you want to be absolutely sure before pursuing an intervention for that individual. If you falsely accuse your loved one of possessing or taking illicit drugs, it could irreparably damage your relationship. If your loved one is using drugs but you incorrectly identify a particular substance, they may feel vindicated by your faulty assessment and use it as an excuse to not get the help they need.

What Common Drugs Look Like

To help you identify certain drugs, like pills and other substances, here are descriptions for some types of the most commonly abused drugs:

• Marijuana can appear brown, gray or green. It may contain leaves, stems or flowers from the plant.
• Heroin can look like a white or off-white powder. “Black tar” heroin is darker in color and may be sticky or hard. Largely, the color of the heroin will depend upon the variety in question. Heroin can also come in a light brown, powdered form.
• Cocaine is a fine, white powder that is usually snorted or injected (after being mixed with water). Crack cocaine looks like a rock or crystals; it is generally white or off-white and can vary greatly in size. Crack cocaine is generally smoked.
• Amphetamines (”uppers”) can look like tablets, crystals, capsules or white powder. Amphetamine capsules or tablets come in a wide range of colors and sizes. Generally, amphetamines are taken orally or snorted.
• Barbiturates (”downers”) can come in a liquid form, as well as capsules or tablets of various colors. Barbiturates are usually taken orally.
• Crystal meth has no color or odor. It comes in chunks or crystal-like forms.
• LSD usually comes on small squares of paper, known as “blotting paper.” These pieces of paper are often brightly colored or have images printed on them. LSD is also available in liquid form.
• Mushrooms look like what they are – dried mushrooms. Hallucinogenic mushrooms look nearly identical to dried mushrooms you would find in a grocery store.

Knowing what the most common illicit drugs look like is very important. If you find a substance in your loved one’s possession, first take the steps necessary to identify it, and then talk to them about it. If you suspect your loved one has an addiction, it’s important to get them the help they need. Contact us today for information on effective addiction treatment; we are here 24/7 to answer your questions.

While it’s possible to spot the most common pills and substances of abuse, more vigilance is required for spotting look-alike pills, which present the same dangers inherent in the drugs they try to look like. These look-alike pills are cheaper replicas of street drugs, and people purchase and ingest these pills, thinking they’re getting the real thing. These look-alike pills often contain dangerous and even deadly combinations of over-the-counter medications and caffeinated substances.

Any time you find an unidentified pill or substance, err on the side of caution. Talk to your loved one about what you’ve found; you could be opening the door to a conversation that could change the course of their life.

Get Help From a Drug Addiction Center

If you are concerned about a loved one’s drug use, help is available. The first step to finding that help is to call 1-800-565-0577 to find out about drug abuse rehab facilities and the kinds of services they offer. From exclusive facilities to residential programs for long-term care to outpatient clinics, there is an option for all addicts who want to become sober.

There may be no guaranteed, definitive way to spot a drug user, but there are some classic signs that you need to be aware of if you suspect that someone you know may have a drug problem. Someone may only exhibit one or two of the following signs and symptoms of drug abuse:

• Changes in sleep patterns (insomnia or sleeping more than usual)
• Depression
• Grades suffer or a lack of interest in school
• Issues at work
• Lack of personal hygiene
• Loss of appetite
• Lying or stealing
• Personality changes (anger, paranoia, confusion, moodiness, etc.)
• Poor concentration
• Secretiveness
• Skipping school or work
• Withdrawal from normal activities

Should you observe that your loved one is manifesting some of the signs listed above and you suspect drug use is the cause, conduct an intervention before he or she becomes just another drug statistic.

Be aware that the signs and symptoms of drug abuse will vary according to the particular drug being used. For example, regular marijuana use may cause the user to become lethargic or paranoid, whereas regular cocaine use will result in increased energy and sleeplessness. Take note of the specific symptoms you notice in your loved one, and then compare them against the particular symptoms of the drug you suspect they are using.

Some individuals may be able to hide their drug use well – for a while. Just because someone is still managing their day-to-day commitments, such as work, social and familial responsibilities, does not necessarily mean they aren’t addicted. Keep an eye out for signs of use, and remember that most addicts don’t exhibit all the signs of use or addiction.

What to Do When You Know Someone Is Using Drugs

Once you firmly suspect that someone is using drugs, it can be difficult to know how to proceed. Oftentimes, family members or friends ignore the issue in hopes that it might improve over time. This is rarely the case.

When someone is using drugs with regularity, they could literally be altering the structure of their brain. It’s not a matter of the person exercising self-control; addicts are often unable to stop using drugs without professional help.

Drug addictions don’t improve on their own. Instead, it’s wise to take steps to intervene on your loved one’s behalf. You could approach your loved one individually about their drug use, or set up an intervention where those who care about the person gather to confront them on their drug use. A professional interventionist can help organize the event and ensure that it runs smoothly.

The goal of any intervention is for the addict to see that they have a drug addiction, and to seek out the help they need. It’s important that you make treatment arrangements for your loved one prior to the intervention. This allows them to leave the event and immediately enter treatment, before they have time to change their mind at a later time. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), addiction is most effectively treated with a combination of behavioral therapy and medication.

Find a Drug Treatment Center Now

If you discover that someone you care for is on drugs, you will want to learn about the treatment options available. Call 1-800-565-0577 to get information about drug abuse treatment centers and the amenities they offer to their clients. You also have the option of filling out our online form with some basic information so we can recommend a drug addiction center that will meet your needs. Don’t wait another minute; contact us today.

Someone can stop taking drugs for a period of weeks, months or even years, but that isn’t the same thing as being cured from addiction. In fact, according to the National Institutes of Health, an addiction to drugs or alcohol is like having diabetes; it is a chronic condition that can be successfully managed, but there is no cure.

The belief that addiction is a continuing disease is largely based on the fact that addiction causes structural and functional changes in the brain. These alterations make it much harder for addicts to resist certain actions – their addictive behavior – than it is for non-addicts to do so. While addicts can retrain their brains, they can’t simply erase the damage that has been done. Instead, addicts learn new behaviors that allow them to live healthy, sober lives.

When Is Recovery Over?

Recovery is an ongoing process for most addicts. It’s not something that is automatically achieved after a set period of time. Instead, it is something that is continually achieved every day that the addict stays sober. While the journey to recovery will undoubtedly feature tough times, sobriety isn’t a constant uphill battle for most recovering addicts. You don’t have to fear an endless, painful struggle against your impulses; most addicts find that their addictive behaviors are more easily controlled the longer they remain in treatment and commit to their ongoing recovery.

Many 12-step groups, such as AA and NA, debunk the old notion that addicts are forever chained to their addictive actions. Instead, they believe that addicts ultimately have the choice – and the power – to conquer their addictions. Recovery isn’t a straight line; it often involves setbacks along the way. It’s important to know that relapse is not failure. According to the NIDA, relapse occurs with addiction in a similar way that it occurs with other chronic diseases. Rather than viewing relapse as a failure, it should be viewed as a motivating factor to re-enter or re-commit to treatment.

While it cannot be officially cured, addiction can be treated. With the proper professional help, an individual can maintain sobriety for the rest of their life. The steps involved in treating addiction look like this:

• Detoxification to break free from the physical effects of drugs and/or alcohol
• Getting counseling and therapy from a drug or alcohol abuse rehab center to address the root causes of addiction
• Follow-up care at a sober living house and other methods of aftercare to help stay on track and transition back into the “real” world

The success of these treatments, however, depends solely on one person: the addict. No amount of detox, counseling and aftercare will have any long-lasting effect if the patient is not fully dedicated to getting clean for the rest of their life.

Start on the Road to Recovery Now

People who are addicted to drugs or alcohol are described as being “in recovery” when they are living sober lives. Being in recovery means you have power over your addiction. You are able to live a healthy, fulfilling life, free from the stranglehold of addiction. You aren’t cured but you are in control. To take the first step toward recovery, call 1-800-565-0577 to get information about drug abuse treatment options. Whether the right fit for you is an inpatient program, an outpatient clinic or a luxury facility, help is available. Just pick up the phone and call now. You also have the option of answering a few questions on our online form. Don’t wait; get help for your drug addiction today.

There is no single way to treat drug addiction. In fact, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), addiction treatment should be continually assessed and modified to meet the individual needs of the specific addict in treatment. This means the treatment should address where that particular addict is at that specific time in treatment. As a result, an addict’s treatment plan may change many times throughout the course of their treatment, depending on their progress.

Along the same line, there is no one-size-fits-all drug addiction treatment. What works for one addict may not work at all for another. Some addicts find a traditional therapeutic model – that incorporates both one-on-one sessions with a professional therapist and group therapy sessions with other addicts – to be best for them, whereas other addicts may benefit more from progressive, holistic treatments, such as art therapy, equine-assisted therapy or meditation practices.

It’s important to find a drug addiction treatment program that appeals to you. If you feel comfortable in treatment, you are more likely to stick with it and you then have a better chance at maintaining your long-term recovery. Thankfully, there are plenty of options available so there is undoubtedly one that is a good fit for you. Contact us today at our toll-free number and we’ll be happy to discuss these options with you.

Stages of Addiction Treatment

Drug addiction treatment won’t be effective as long as the drug addict is still using. He or she must get “clean” before the work of dealing with the addiction can begin. There are three steps found in most drug addiction treatment programs that help accomplish this goal:

• STEP #1: Going through drug detox to remove the physical effects of drugs or alcohol from the body
• STEP #2: Checking into an inpatient drug treatment facility or getting help from an outpatient clinic
• STEP #3: Continuing the treatment process by checking into a sober living house to reduce the risk of a relapse or taking part in other forms of aftercare

Certain types of addictions, such as those to marijuana or cocaine, may not require detox. When you check into an addiction treatment facility, you’ll go through an in-depth assessment process, including a physical exam and an interview. Your treatment team will then devise the best treatment plan for you. Feel free to speak up during this process; your input is important to the recovery process.

Scientists and researchers are continually conducting studies that could potentially help make drug addiction treatment work faster and more efficiently. Most high-quality treatment centers incorporate the latest findings in the addiction field into their treatment approach. While the three steps outlined above remain the most essential parts of the addiction treatment process that the patient must undergo on the road to drug rehabilitation, many centers offer additional, complementary treatments to their patients. These treatments might include adventure therapy, yoga and exercise classes, massage therapy, and other experiential therapies. Luxury rehab centers are more likely to offer a more comprehensive list of additional treatments and activities.

Get Help for Drug and Alcohol Addiction

The first step in getting help is to find the right addiction treatment program for you. Call 1-800-565-0577 now to find out about facilities available to you or your loved one who is struggling with addiction. Trained counselors are available at all hours to provide you with information about all of your options, including exclusive facilities providing private treatment on a residential basis and outpatient clinics that allow you to continue to go to work or school while getting the help you need. Reach out today to get help for addiction.

A person who is attempting to stop using drugs can’t rely on willpower alone to achieve sobriety. In fact, very few people are able to break the cycle of addiction on their own. The first step in overcoming addiction is to realize that you have a problem and that if you want to stay sober over the long term, you are going to need some kind of professional help.

For many addicts, this first step of admitting that an addiction exists is the biggest step in their recovery process. Denial often has a strong hold on addicts, allowing them to continue their destructive behavior, despite the ill effects it is having on their lives. Once they step away from that denial and admit that a problem is present, they can then begin to learn how to overcome their addiction.

Treatment Is Needed

According to the NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse), long-term drug use alters the brain. The changes that occur reinforce the addict’s behavior, motivating them to continue taking drugs, even when serious consequences become apparent in their life. Addiction isn’t a matter of personal strength. In fact, many addicts desperately want to stop using drugs; they just aren’t able to do so without professional help.

When a person has been using drugs for a long period of time, it can be dangerous to attempt to cease use on their own. This is because the body becomes accustomed to the presence of certain levels of the drugs. An abrupt stop in usage leads to a serious imbalance in the body and severe withdrawal symptoms may occur. Addicts can even die when attempting to go “cold turkey” on their own.

Instead, detox should always be done under the watch of medical personnel experienced with the detox process. In some instances, medications may be administered to offset the uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms associated with detox. When addicts attempt to detox on their own, they often return to the drugs when the painful withdrawal symptoms appear. In a detox facility, medical personnel ensure this doesn’t happen, so the addict can safely make it through the detox process.

Entering a drug addiction treatment center is key to a long-term recovery because:

• Withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable or painful, and the addict may be tempted to relapse without professional supervision.
• A medically-supervised detox program may include prescription medications to keep the client comfortable during the withdrawal period.
• A person going through drug detox who receives emotional support is more likely to stick with it and move into a treatment center for the recovery phase of rehab.

Remember that detox is only the first step in the addiction treatment process. Counseling and recovery are further steps to be taken to achieve a complete rehabilitation. Anything less could put the patient at risk for relapse, and the whole cycle starts all over again. Most drug addiction treatment facilities offer in-house detox as well as a complete recovery program that includes individual and group therapy as well as complementary treatments and therapies to bolster life skills and overall wellness. In addition, rehab centers offer complete aftercare programs and plans, ensuring that addicts have a place to turn when they return to their normal lives. Aftercare planning is essential to ensure that the addict remains sober and supported after they leave the facility.

Find a Drug Treatment Center Near You

The first step to finding the right treatment center is to call 1-800-565-0577. You can talk to a trained staff member who will ask you a few simple questions. Based on the information you provide, they will recommend an inpatient facility, private treatment center or an outpatient clinic. If you have any questions about the drug treatment process, we’re also happy to answer those for you. Call now.