What Causes People To Become Alcoholics?

What Causes People To Become Alcoholics?

Asking what causes people to become alcoholics is a bit like asking whether the chicken or the egg came first. Because while there has been a great deal of research done on alcoholism and its causes, there still is not one clear-cut answer that defines what causes one person to drink alcoholically while another does not. Research has demonstrated an interplay between genetics, life circumstances, social environment, and more. Still, there is not a “2+2” equation that results in alcoholism. 

At Laguna View Detox, we understand how frustrating it can be to understand the intricacies of alcoholism and addiction. However, we also know how to treat both, and we are here to support you and your loved one on their path to recovery. 

What Is Alcoholism?

The definition of alcoholism, sometimes referred to as alcohol addiction, is tied to how alcohol is used. While Alcoholics Anonymous does not formally define alcoholism, it does describe it as a physical compulsion paired with a mental obsession.  Meanwhile, the medical and research community has added more terminology while trying to define alcoholism. You may hear it referred to as alcohol use disorder (AUD), alcohol abuse, alcohol dependence, alcohol addiction, or more. No matter what term is used, the defining factor is an inability to stop or control alcohol use regardless of the consequences. Over time, continued alcohol use changes the brain’s pathways, making it harder to refrain from drinking alcohol over the long term without seeking help. 

Symptoms of Alcoholism

The symptoms of alcoholism are much like the signs of addiction to any other drug. If you believe that you or your loved one may be drinking and abusing alcohol, you’ll want to start asking some hard questions. Symptoms of alcoholism include:

  • Spending the majority of time getting, drinking, or recovering from drinking alcohol
  • Having to drink more alcohol to achieve the same effect
  • Experiencing cravings or withdrawals when not drinking alcohol
  • Sacrificing hobbies, relationships, or obligations to continue drinking
  • Being unable to stop drinking
  • Drinking more often or a larger quantity of alcohol than intended

While what causes some people to become alcoholics while others do not remains unclear. However, when alcohol becomes the driving factor in your decision-making, no matter the consequences, then you are likely drinking alcoholically.  

 

What Causes People To Become Alcoholics?

Understanding what causes people to become alcoholics requires looking at the bigger picture. While alcoholism was initially thought to be a moral failing, researchers have found otherwise. Today we understand that the propensity to become an alcoholic or develop an alcohol user disorder depends on many factors. Researchers have found that genetics and a family history of drinking problems can contribute to an individual’s likelihood of becoming an alcoholic. Growing up watching the adults in your life abuse alcohol can lead to your believing that it is the way to cope with life’s stressors. The earlier that you begin drinking also increases your likelihood of becoming an alcoholic. 

Researchers have found that those who start drinking before age fifteen are five times more likely to develop a problem with alcohol. A history of trauma, particularly childhood trauma, also increases the risk of becoming an alcoholic. Other mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression, also increase the risk of abusing alcohol. While all of these factors can contribute to alcoholism, it’s important to note that you can find yourself facing alcoholism even when you can’t check off all of the boxes on this list. Sometimes it’s about evaluating your relationship with alcohol and how it’s impacting your life. 

How To Get Your Loved One Help With Alcoholism

At Laguna View Detox, we understand alcoholism, and we know how to treat it. We offer round-the-clock care in a luxurious, inpatient treatment setting in one of the most beautiful areas in California. We’ll ensure your loved one makes it through detox safely and then help them build a new sober life. 

Our committed and compassionate staff are some of the best in the industry, and they’ll work with your loved one to create an individualized, holistic treatment plan. We understand the interplay between mental health and addiction and are here to help. We also understand the importance of helping you build a support network for when you leave treatment.  We will care for you while you safely detox and then guide you through inpatient treatment and aftercare. So contact us today and let us help you break free from addiction!  

 

What Happens in Rehab?

What Happens in Rehab?

Many people struggle with addiction. Some want to overcome their addiction, but it’s difficult for them to take the first step in getting help. They may be dealing with stigmas, or they may be reluctant to admit they have a problem. But a lot of them may be hesitant because they don’t know what to expect from the rehab process. 

 

This article gives you a good idea of what happens in rehab so you know exactly what’s ahead of you. 

 

Signs of Drug and Alcohol Addiction

Let’s start by talking about the signs that may be telling you that you need help. 

 

For a lot of people, alcohol and drug use starts out as a recreational activity. But signs of dependency kick in when they need to take more of the drug to get the same effects. Eventually, they will need to use drugs and alcohol just to feel normal. 

 

Once an addiction forms, there will be other side effects that manifest on a physical, emotional and behavioral level. Here are some examples: 

 

  • Mood swings
  • Troubled relationships
  • Legal issues
  • Financial issues
  • Health issues such as heart conditions
  • Lack of self care

 

What Happens in Rehab?

There are various types of rehabs including outpatient and inpatient programs. 

 

Inpatient programs typically start with detox which involves the patient allowing their body to rid itself of harmful toxins. During this time, they will experience withdrawal symptoms but a medical staff will be on hand to administer medications and make sure they stay as comfortable as possible. This will also supervise the process to help prevent relapse. 

 

Once detox is completed, patients move on to the therapy phase. Therapists will evaluate the patient’s mental and physical health to determine the underlying cause of dependency. Then they will decide on a treatment plan that’s right for them.

 

Treatment plans will vary but ultimately, they will aim to get to the root of the problem and come up with healthy coping mechanisms that replace the urge to use. 

 

The final stage is outpatient treatment. During this phase, the patient gradually adjusts to the real world getting the support they need to maintain sobriety. 

 

Some patients choose outpatient as their main form of treatment rather than a follow up treatment. If this is the case, they will go about their daily lives while going to therapy sessions as needed. This option is not recommended for those suffering from a severe addiction.

 

The environment at rehab facilities changes from place to place. Some are luxury and some provide a comfortable, homey environment. Each aims to offer patients a soothing atmosphere where they can reflect on their lives and overcome their demons. 

 

Why You Should Go to Rehab if You’re Addicted to Drugs or Alcohol

Many people start off using drugs and alcohol recreationally, but when addiction kicks in, it’s time to get help. Addiction leads to troubled relationships, legal issues, financial issues and health issues. People that are addicted are rarely happy and experience a low quality of life. 

 

Some people try to overcome addiction on their own but they are often unsuccessful. They try to wean themselves off drugs and alcohol, but the symptoms of withdrawal get to be too much. 

 

Even if they successfully pass the detox stage, they are unable to deal with the demons that caused them to turn to drugs, so they end up going back to using. 

 

They are also likely to fall in with the ‘old crowd’ consisting of the people they did drugs with in the past. Without the support of therapy, it is difficult for them to resist temptation. 

 

Getting rehab is the best option for getting sober and staying sober. If you are ready to take that step, call Laguna View Detox today. We will give you the support you need to move forward with this next stage of your life. 

What Are the Factors Contributing to Drug Abuse? | Laguna View Detox

What Are the Factors Contributing to Drug Abuse?

Addiction knows no bounds and can occur in people of all beliefs and backgrounds, regardless of how a person is brought up or their morals. Drug abuse can begin with occasional, experimental use of a recreational drug but then it becomes more frequent. It can also begin with exposure to medications a person is prescribed or given from family or friends who have been prescribed medication. Some people are more prone to drug and alcohol abuse than others. There are many risk factors contributing to drug abuse.

What Are the Signs of Drug Abuse?

Although signs and symptoms of drug use may vary depending on the substance abused, below are several things to look out for. Also, just because a person exhibits any of the below signs is not indicative of definite drug use. 

Behavioral changes – behavioral changes, including exaggerated efforts to keep information about his or her life private such as keeping family members out of his or her room or where he or she goes; or drastic behavioral changes and changes in relationships with friends and family, such as sudden withdrawal. Excessive anger or aggression and problems with the law are some examples.

Neglected appearance – poor grooming habits or lack of interest in appearance or clothing.

Physical health issues – weight loss or gain, lack of motivation and energy, red eyes.

Problems at work or school – frequently missing work or school or a sudden decrease in performance.

Financial issues – frequent or sudden requests for money without a convincing or reasonable explanation; or discovery that money has been stolen or items are missing may also be indicative that items are being sold to support a drug use habit.

What Are the Factors Contributing to Drug Abuse?

First, it is important to note that not everyone at risk for drug abuse will use drugs or become addicted. Furthermore, a risk factor for one person may not be one for another.  

Family History

Having one or more family members with a history of addiction is likely the most dangerous of factors contributing to drug abuse. Children typically look up to their siblings and parents as role models. Furthermore, if they are exposed to drug culture on a regular basis, it can increase risk. Family history to drug abuse is not only a learned behavior, however. There is also a genetic risk to addiction. 

Other Familial Risk Factors

Factors such as marital status of parents, childhood maltreatment, parent-child relationships, child perception, level of parental education and familial socioeconomic status each can play a role in the likelihood for the development of substance abuse.

Age

Although any person of any age can become addicted to substances, teens face the highest level of risk due to peer pressure. This is partly due to the struggles of puberty, when adolescents strive to look cool and to fit in. If they associate with those who use drugs, they are more likely to be pressured into using as well. 

Other Environmental Factors

People who have experienced emotional, physical, or sexual abuse or any form of trauma are more likely to develop substance use disorder, in addition to those who witness people they know using drugs or alcohol excessively. 

Age of First Use

People who begin using drugs or drinking alcohol earlier in life are more likely to develop a substance use disorder compared to those who begin in adulthood.

How to Get Help with Drug Abuse

For the best possible outcome of addiction treatment, it is important to find an addiction treatment facility that cares. The compassionate staff at Laguna View Detox understand how important mind-body wellness is in achieving and maintaining sobriety. For the best possible care for you or your loved one battling substance abuse, reach out to us to get started today. 

Is Adderall a Methamphetamine?

Is Adderall a Methamphetamine?

Adderall is a type of medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is made up of the four salts of amphetamine. It contains equal parts dextroamphetamine and amphetamine, central nervous system stimulants that affect the chemicals in the brain. 

 

Methamphetamine is a highly addictive system that affects the nervous system. It is chemically related to amphetamine. We often hear about people who have meth addictions that greatly reduce quality of life. 

 

When we consider the ingredients and properties of Adderall and compare them to methamphetamine, we see a lot of similarities. So is Adderall a methamphetamine? Read on to find out. 

 

Is Adderall Methamphetamine?

The short answer is no, Adderall is not methamphetamine. Methamphetamine is an addictive stimulant. It is not used to treat any sort of medical condition. When taken, it causes a rush that makes people want more of it. Those that take it long term will experience extreme mental and physical health problems.

 

Adderall is a prescription drug that is made to increase focus. It is used to boost concentration in people with ADHD. It can also be used to treat narcolepsy as it helps people stay awake. 

 

Although Adderall and methamphetamine are very different, people confuse the two because they are both stimulants and they are both related to amphetamine. However, methamphetamine is much more dangerous because more of the drug gets to the brain producing harmful side effects. 

 

The Dangers of Abusing Adderall

Even though Adderall is much less addictive than methamphetamine, there is the possibility that an addiction may form. Students often use it as a study companion because it boosts focus. In time, they become dependent on the drug and require more of it to get the same effects. 

 

At first, Adderall may provide stimulating results. Those who use it will feel more social and more insightful. They will have increased illusions of wellness.

 

But in time, harmful side effects will start to kick in. These include the following:

 

  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Uncontrollable shaking
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Weight loss
  • Loss of sexual interest
  • Headaches 
  • Constipation 
  • Diarrhea

 

If use continues, it can lead to even more several symptoms like: 

 

  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Exhaustion
  • Numbness in the exterior body parts
  • Fever
  • Rash
  • Slowed speech
  • Changes in vision
  • Lightheadedness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Heart and respiratory issues
  • Seizures
  • Blistering of the skin
  • Swelling of the throat or facial features

 

How to Get Help With an Adderall Addiction

An Adderall addiction can greatly reduce quality of life, but there are ways to get help. The most effective treatment may be an inpatient rehab. 

 

The process begins with an assisted detox. This involves the patient allowing their body to become cleansed from harmful toxins. They are supervised throughout to ensure they are as comfortable as possible, and that relapse does not occur. 

 

Next, a customized therapy plan is worked out. The form of treatment may differ, but the goal is to target the underlying cause of addiction and replace harmful habits with healthy coping mechanisms. 

 

Once inpatient rehab is completed, patients move on to an outpatient program. During this time, they gradually adjust to sober living while keeping up with regular therapy visits. 

 

There are many inpatient rehab facilities located throughout the country, but Laguna View Detox offers an experience that sets us apart. We take a mind-body approach and believe a balance is essential in overcoming addiction. We offer a luxury setting and the best clinical team members in the industry. 

 

So, is Adderall a methamphetamine? The answer is no, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t dangerous and addictive. If you or a loved one is dependent on Adderall, stop the cycle today. Call Laguna View Detox for the help you need in moving forward. 

 

Can I Pay for Drug Rehab with Magellan Insurance?

Can I Pay for Drug Rehab With Magellan Insurance?

We at Laguna View Detox know that addiction can be a scary thing to deal with. Added to the life-altering effects of the addiction is the hesitance to get treatment. Getting the right treatment can be the difference between finally beating the addiction and getting on the path to recovery and continuing to struggle with this terrible disease. 

However, many people are reluctant to get treatment because they fear the cost will be too much of a burden or that their insurance won’t cover the cost of treatment. We’re here to help you find the right means to pay for treatment so that you can get the help you need to overcome your addiction. 

Many insurance companies now offer a number of different options for seeking treatment for addiction. Understanding the plans and programs that your insurance company provides can help you get the treatment you need without worrying about the cost.

Does Magellan Health Insurance Pay for Drug Rehab? 

Fortunately, Magellan Health Insurance does offer plans that will cover all or part of your drug and alcohol rehabilitation treatment. Every insurer has different levels of coverage as well as service providers. Depending on the plan you have you may not have to pay anything for your treatment. 

Magellan offers addiction treatment coverage through its employee assistance program plan called LifeResources. Through this program, customers may be provided with a variety of coverage options for detoxification, outpatient treatment, inpatient rehabilitation stays, and even luxury rehabilitation stays. 

Your first step is to get a referral from a medical professional for treatment. Like most insurance companies, you’ll want to find out what doctors and treatment centers are within your coverage network. Insurance companies partner with groups of medical service providers in order to provide more affordable healthcare coverage. 

You can find out from your provider what doctors and centers are covered and work with an agent to get the consultation you need to begin treatment. In most cases, Magellan drug rehab coverage will cover 100% of the costs associated with treatment once you get it approved. This usually only requires a single visit to a doctor to determine the type of treatment that is necessary. 

What Are the Benefits of Going to Drug Rehab? 

The primary benefit of going to a drug rehab treatment center like Laguna View Detox is that you get quality medical treatment for your addiction in a safe and comfortable environment where our only priority is your recovery. 

Our luxury accommodation ensures that you are welcomed into a stress-free environment that prioritizes individualized treatment that is designed to maximize success and reduce the chances of relapse. By using your Magellan drug rehab coverage, you can take the weight of financing off of your shoulders and focus on getting and staying sober.  

The recovery process typically starts with an evaluation of the person followed by detoxification. Detox is the first step in beginning your treatment plan by removing the harmful and addictive drug from your system. We have medical experts that monitor patients around the clock to make the detox process as safe and comfortable as possible. 

Our residential inpatient treatment is centered on getting you well and treating the addiction as well as the factors that led to it. By working with the person on behavior modification and positive reinforcement, we help to break the chains of addiction and promote a healthy lifestyle that will continue long after treatment ends. 

Once treatment ends and clients are ready to leave, we provide them with the tools necessary to cope with daily stressors and remain sober. Our goal is to help clients achieve a lasting recovery. 

How Laguna View Detox Can Help With Addiction Today

By partnering with your Magellan drug rehab coverage, Laguna View Detox provides you with the option for the rehab treatment you need and deserve. Our luxury inpatient care is the best way to take you out of your substance abuse lifestyle and put you on a sustainable path to recovery. 

Don’t let the fear of treatment stop you from getting well. We are here for you when you need us. Contact us today to start your healing process. 

A Comprehensive Drug Identification Guide

A Comprehensive Drug Identification Guide

It goes without saying that the more you know about drugs, i.e., what they look like and how they’re used, the better you’ll be at identifying if a loved one is using them.

To that end, here we have a drug identification guide of some commonly used drugs.

Heroin

Heroin is an illicit opioid that is synthesized from morphine, in other words, it’s a powerful illegal drug. Because it produces similar effects to prescription opioids, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) points out that “prescription opioid use is a risk factor for heroin use”.

Drug overdose deaths that involved heroin went from 1,960 in 1999 to 14,019 in 2019, with nearly 130,000 dying from 1999 to 2019.

Because there is no currently accepted medical use for heroin it’s listed as a Schedule I drug but the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

What It Looks Like

NIDA notes that “heroin can be a white or brown powder, or a black sticky substance known as black tar heroin”

How It’s Commonly Used & Ingested

The drug can be taken in several ways; injected, snorted, sniffed or smoked.

Cocaine

Cocaine is a stimulant that’s intensely addictive. It’s derived from coca leaves and was chewed for millennia by people in South America for that stimulant effect. In modern times the chemical was purified and used in elixirs, most famously Coca-Cola.

Surprisingly, as NIDA describes it, cocaine does have a legitimate medical use, “such as local anesthesia for some eye, ear, and throat surgeries”. This makes it a Schedule II drug by the DEA.

What It Looks Like

When using the illegal version, cocaine looks like a fine white powder.

How It’s Commonly Used & Ingested

It’s most commonly snorted, injected or rubbed on the gums. It can also be processed into a rock crystal and smoked, which is known as crack.

OxyContin

OxyContin is a prescription opioid used to relieve moderate to severe pain and is among the drugs at the center of the ongoing opioid epidemic in the United States. An epidemic that has claimed roughly 841,000 lives since 1999 according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In 2019, according to NIDA, “nearly 50,000 people in the United States died from opioid-involved overdoses”. As mentioned, OxyContin is one of the most common drugs involved in opioid overdose deaths, with Methadone and Vicodin rounding out the main 3, as per the CDC.

The DEA classes this as a Schedule II drug.

What It Looks Like

It comes in both pill and liquid form.

How It’s Commonly Used & Ingested

When taken as prescribed, OxyContin is generally swallowed. When abused, it is commonly crushed and snorted or dissolved in water and injected.

Xanax

Xanax, or alprazolam as it’s known scientifically, is a prescription sedative generally used to treat insomnia and anxiety. It’s one of the most common benzodiazepines out there.

Given what they’re used for, this class of drugs is known as depressants because they depress the central nervous system and work to sedate a person. Sort of the opposite of stimulants like cocaine.

A big danger with the recreational use of benzodiazepines is mixing them with alcohol, which can be fatal.

Xanax is considered a Schedule IV drug by the DEA because it has a lower potential for abuse and risk of dependence.

What It Looks Like

It comes in pill and liquid form.

How It’s Commonly Used & Ingested

As prescribed, it’s normally swallowed. When being abused, Xanax is often crushed in order to snort, smoke or dissolve in water to inject.

Learn More About Identifying Drugs & Addiction at Laguna View Detox

To learn more about these or other drugs and what to do if you suspect someone you care about is using them, reach out to us at Laguna View Detox for more information. We are ready to help you or your loved one today overcome addiction. 

12 Step Recovery in Orange County Explained

12-Step Recovery in Orange County Explained

Getting and staying sober requires a complete change in how you approach your life, and it takes ongoing support to sustain the changes. Peer support recovery groups are a vital part of long-term recovery and are open to everyone. Addiction is a very isolating disease. However, 12-step recovery in Orange County allows you to connect with others in recovery. By building a network with others on the same path, you increase your chances of staying sober. You will also begin to learn how to build friendships in sobriety and be of service to others. At Laguna View Detox, we start your treatment with your long-term recovery in mind and understand the importance of integrating 12 step recovery into treatment.

What Is 12-Step Recovery in Orange County? 

While most associate 12-step recovery with Alcoholics Anonymous(AA), there are many more groups today than when AA was established. In addition to AA, you can attend Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Cocaine Anonymous, Crystal Meth Anonymous, Marijuana Anonymous, and many more groups. There is also 12-step recovery in Orange County for those who love someone who struggles with addiction or alcoholism. Groups like Al-Anon, Adult Children of Alcoholics, and Alateen support the families and loved ones of addicts and alcoholics. Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12-step recovery programs are built on the premise that the only thing required for membership is to stop drinking or using drugs. While many struggle with the concept of God in 12-step recovery, it is essential to note that you are allowed to create your version of a Higher Power. Alcoholics Anonymous and the programs patterned after it do not align themselves with any specific religion. 

Why Laguna View Detox Incorporates 12-Step Recovery Into Our Program

Whether we’re talking about Alcoholics Anonymous or any of the twelve-step programs that have been patterned after it, we know that 12-step recovery can be an essential part of long-term sobriety. Alcoholics Anonymous was founded in 1935, and millions have used the twelve steps to break free from alcohol and drugs. In fact, researchers have found that early attendance and engagement with peer support recovery groups can lead to more success in sobriety. We rely on 12-step recovery in Orange County because it is incredibly accessible, open to all,  and free. 

 

Even during the COVID19 shutdown, 12-step recovery in Orange County was alive and well, with virtual meetings held at all hours of the day and night. By introducing you to 12-step recovery in Orange County while in treatment, we allow you to begin to get to know people in the recovery community before you are done with your treatment. Attending 12-step recovery meetings while in treatment will enable you to experience them in a safe and supported environment. When you have completed your inpatient treatment, you will already know what to expect when attending a meeting. 

How Laguna View Detox Can Help

At Laguna View Detox, you will get round-the-clock care for your addiction.  We are one of the leading private drug rehab centers in Orange County. We provide luxurious, inpatient rehab treatment in one of the most beautiful areas in California. Our staff includes some of the best in the industry, and we’ll create a holistic treatment plan tailored to you. We understand the interplay between mental health and addiction and are here to help. We also understand the importance of helping you build a support network for when you leave treatment.  We will care for you while you safely detox and then guide you through inpatient treatment and aftercare. So contact us today and let us help you break free from addiction!  

 

Why You Should Go to a Sober Living in Laguna Beach

Why You Should Go to Sober Living in Laguna Beach

Getting sober can be one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of your life. But once you get sober, you have to think about how to stay sober. The good news is that you do not have to be alone while you build this new life in recovery. Sober living in Laguna Beach may be just what you need. Researchers have found that those who reside in a sober living facility following treatment have much higher chances of staying sober and having better outcomes with employment and legal issues. At Laguna View Detox, we understand the importance of creating stability in early sobriety, and that’s why we partner with several sober living facilities in Laguna Beach. 

What Is a Sober Living Home?

A sober living home is a home that is filled with people just like you who are building a life in recovery. While the services of different sober living homes may vary, the overall goal is the same. Sober living in Laguna Beach will provide you with a supportive and somewhat structured environment to help you continue on your road to recovery. Sober living homes enable you to learn how to socialize, work, and build friendships without using drugs or alcohol. Most sober living homes require a minimum length and maintenance of sobriety for anyone to live there. Many will incorporate social outings, structure, and contributions to the household as part of their design. Some may require that you attend peer support recovery groups or have a job. When you are looking for sober living in Laguna Beach, you will want to ask many questions to ensure that you find a place that’s the best fit for you. 

 

Why Sober Living Is an Important Part of Addiction Treatment

Getting and staying sober often requires changing everything in your life. It also requires learning new skills. After a lifetime of using drugs and alcohol to cope with your life, you need to practice living life without them. It takes time to learn how to use what you have learned in treatment in the outside world. Sober living in Laguna Beach can provide you with a safe and supportive environment while learning how to navigate sobriety.  If you were training for a marathon, you would not begin the first training day with a twenty-six-mile run. Instead, you might start by running a mile or two and build your stamina from there. You might also look at supporting your training with your diet, sleep, and other habits. Living sober requires the same sort of approach. Recovery isn’t just about not using; it’s about building a life that doesn’t require an escape. Sober living in Laguna Beach will help you to create that life. 

 

Why You Should Go to Sober Living in Laguna Beach

At Laguna View Detox, you will get round-the-clock care for your addiction. We’ll create a holistic treatment plan tailored to you that includes a plan for when you leave treatment.  We are one of the leading private drug rehab centers in Orange County. We provide luxurious, inpatient rehab treatment in one of the most beautiful areas in California. Our staff includes some of the best in the industry.  We will care for you while you safely detox and then guide you through inpatient treatment and aftercare. We understand the importance of building a life in recovery, and we partner with many sober living homes in Laguna Beach. We work with all of our clients to put together a comprehensive aftercare plan before they are discharged from our facility. So contact us today!  We will help you break free from addiction and help you build a life in recovery!  

 

Are Anxiety and Addiction Linked?

Are anxiety and addiction linked?

Anxiety and addiction have a circular relationship that can be hard to separate.  You may develop anxiety from using drugs and alcohol, or you may self-medicate your anxiety with drugs and alcohol. It can be hard to tell which came first – the anxiety or the addiction. Even the researchers don’t know. 

 

While research has shown a strong connection between anxiety and addiction, it doesn’t indicate whether the anxiety or the addiction is first.  In the end, the key is to face up and get treatment for both. At Laguna View Detox, we understand the relationship between anxiety and addiction. We are here to help you discover how anxiety and addiction are impacting your life. 

What Is Anxiety? 

Anxiety may be the feeling of dread you have when you are about to walk into a job interview or the uneasiness you feel when facing a conflict with a loved one. Sometimes you can feel anxious without genuinely knowing the reason why. Anxiety can even be good in some cases. For example, the anxiety you experience before a big project or event might help you stay motivated to do the work. Whatever the cause, anxiety shows up as emotions and even as physical symptoms. You may feel fear, dread, and uneasiness. You may also feel restless, tense, begin sweating, feel like your heart is racing, and more. While everyone experiences anxiety at some point in their lives, there is a difference between anxiety and anxiety disorders. With anxiety disorders, the anxiety doesn’t go away. 

 

Anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorders (GAD), panic disorders, and phobias.  Those experiencing a generalized anxiety disorder will often have worries about day-to-day life that become excessive and may occur as often as daily. Those with panic disorders will experience sudden panic attacks, repeated periods of intense fear when there is no danger. Finally, those with phobias have an intense fear of someone or something that likely doesn’t pose a threat to them. Some common phobias include spiders, a fear of heights, a fear of small spaces, and social settings. Whatever the anxiety disorder is, it is essential to note that a mental health professional can assist you with working your way through the anxiety in various ways. 

 

What Is Addiction?

Addiction is a painful and tragic disease. The American Society of Addiction Medicine defines addiction as a treatable, chronic medical disease that involves interactions among the brain, genetics, the environment, and an individual’s life experiences. Those who suffer from addiction will use substances or engage in behaviors in a compulsive way to the exclusion of many, if not all, other aspects of their lives. 

 

Addiction results in individuals continuing to use drugs and alcohol regardless of the increasingly negative consequences. A disease of mind, body, and spirit, addiction results in a state of isolation. Many who suffer from addiction have anxiety or other mental health disorders that have led to or increased their substance use. Breaking free from addiction is a challenging yet worthy endeavor. By seeking treatment for your addiction, you may discover that you have an existing anxiety or other mental health disorder. In treating your anxiety, you may find it easier to build a life in recovery. 

How Laguna View Detox Can Help With Anxiety and Addiction

At Laguna View Detox, you will get round-the-clock care for your addiction and anxiety.  We are one of the leading private drug rehab centers in Orange County. We provide luxurious, inpatient rehab treatment in one of the most beautiful areas in California. Our staff includes some of the best in the industry, and we’ll create a holistic treatment plan tailored to you. We understand the interplay between mental health and addiction and are here to help/ We will care for you while you safely detox and then guide you through inpatient treatment and aftercare. So contact us today and let us help you break free from addiction!  

 

Dual Diagnosis Centers in California: Treating Addiction & Mental Health

Dual Diagnosis Centers in California

The intersection between addiction and mental health disorders can be confusing and overwhelming. The relationship between the two can be a bit like the relationship between the chicken and the egg. Sometimes addiction and alcoholism occur because you’re self-medicating a mental health disorder. Other times the mental health disorders occur from long-term drug and alcohol use. It can be hard to tell what started first or even to separate the symptoms. You may not even know that you are suffering from a mental health disorder. 

 

Dual diagnosis centers in California will help you navigate your addiction and any co-occurring mental health disorders. At Laguna View Detox, we understand the complexity of treating a mental health disorder and addiction simultaneously. We are here to support you with a holistic, individualized approach that puts you firmly on the path to long-term recovery. 

Dual Diagnosis Centers in California Explained

Dual diagnosis simply means that you have two diagnoses. You suffer from addiction and have a mental health disorder such as anxiety, depression, trauma disorder, personality disorder, or mood disorder. You may not even realize that you have a mental health disorder. 

 

At our dual diagnosis centers in California, we begin your treatment with a complete assessment so that we can craft an individualized treatment plan for you. Treatment for your addiction must encompass treatment for your mental health disorder to be effective. This is especially true if your substance abuse began as a way to self-medicate. We will work with you during your assessment and treatment to identify any mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and more. We understand how alcohol and drugs can be soothing, but we can also help you identify healthier ways to cope. We will help you look at how your life is structured and help you create a life that better supports your mental health. 

How Laguna View Detox Helps Treat Addiction and Mental Illness

At Laguna View Detox, we understand that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to addiction and mental health treatment. We also understand that you are more than your diagnosis. You are not depressed, and you are not an addict. You are a person who suffers from addiction and depression. 

 

Our dual diagnosis centers in California are staffed with empathetic, compassionate, licensed professionals who can support you as you sort through both with therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and more. By focusing on both your mental health and your addiction, we can treat both and create a more enhanced relapse prevention plan for you. If you have been self-medicating, we can help you identify triggers and strategies for responding to them. We will help you learn how to take action before you reach a crisis and protect your mental health. 

 

You don’t have to continue to suffer in isolation. We are here to partner with you to help you break free of your addiction and best support your mental health. 

 

Get Help Today at Laguna View Detox

At Laguna View Detox, you will get round-the-clock holistic care for your mental health and addiction.  We are one of California’s leading drug rehab centers with a wealth of experience treating addiction and other mental health disorders. We provide luxurious, individualized inpatient treatment in one of the most beautiful areas in Southern California. Viewing you and your treatment holistically, we are dedicated to helping you heal.  We help you succeed by providing you with the care you need while you’re with us and setting you up for continued success with our aftercare. So contact us today and let us help you with your mental health!