Addiction Treatment: Causes, Effects, Symptoms & Recovery Options

Struggling with a drug or alcohol addiction? Addiction treatment is critical toward recovery from substance abuse. Virtue Recovery Center’s addiction treatment programs offer comprehensive, evidence-based rehab tailored to meet individual needs — including individual therapy, group sessions, and holistic approaches. Call 866-461-3339 or verify your insurance to get started today.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Addiction?

Addiction is a disease that is defined by the continued use of drugs or behaviors that are rewarding despite the negative consequences that result. It is a chronic health disorder that has biological, psychological, and social factors and is widely thought to be a brain disease. The cause of its development is often attributed to genetic and environmental factors, which are nature and nurture respectively.

Traditionally, addiction was a term used to describe the dependence on and abuse of drugs, but today, it encompasses other behaviors such as gambling, internet use, gaming, shopping, and other activities that do not involve substances. Addiction treatment programs, like those offered at Virtue Recovery Center, can assist in the management of addiction. Our addiction treatment and rehab programs are comprehensive and include therapy elements for recovery. Getting the right treatment and support can help you get back to living a happy, healthy, and productive life without the effects of addiction.

Substance Use and Abuse

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) is the American Psychiatric Association’s standard reference for recognized mental disorders, including addictions. The DSM-5 defines addiction as “continuing to do the same behavior even though negative consequences result.” When non-addicts experience problems because of drug or alcohol use, they change their behavior. Conversely, addicts often see negative consequences as flukes and continue the same patterns while expecting different results.

Addiction to drugs is a disease — it produces physical changes in the brain. Like any other disease, addiction must be treated professionally. A person cannot simply “will” an addiction away, just as someone with cancer or diabetes cannot will their disease to go away. That is where Virtue Recovery Center comes in — as professionals in addiction recovery.

What Are Substance Use Disorders?

The DSM-5 recognizes substance-related disorders resulting from the use of 10 separate classes of drugs: alcohol; caffeine; cannabis; hallucinogens; inhalants; opioids; sedatives, hypnotics, or anxiolytics; stimulants (including amphetamine-type drugs, cocaine, and other stimulants); tobacco; and other or unknown substances.

The activation of the brain’s reward system is central to problems arising from drug use. The rewarding feeling people experience as a result of taking drugs may be so profound that they neglect other normal activities in favor of taking the drug. There are two groups of substance-related disorders: substance-use disorders (patterns of symptoms from substance use despite related problems) and substance-induced disorders (including intoxication, withdrawal, and other medication-induced mental disorders).

Criteria for Substance Use Disorders

The DSM-5 spans 11 criteria for substance use disorders:

1. Taking the substance in larger amounts or for longer than intended.
2. Wanting to cut down or stop using but not managing to.
3. Spending a lot of time getting, using, or recovering from the substance.
4. Cravings and urges to use the substance.
5. Not managing responsibilities at work, home, or school because of substance use.
6. Continuing to use, even when it causes problems in relationships.
7. Giving up important social, occupational, or recreational activities because of substance use.
8. Using substances again and again, even when it puts you in danger.
9. Continuing to use, even when you know a physical or psychological problem could be caused or worsened by the substance.
10. Needing more of the substance to get the same effect (tolerance).
11. Development of withdrawal symptoms, which can be relieved by taking more of the substance.

Severity of Substance Use Disorders

The DSM-5 allows clinicians to specify severity based on how many symptoms are identified. Two or three symptoms indicate a mild substance use disorder; four or five indicate a moderate disorder; and six or more indicate a severe substance use disorder.

Substance/Medication-Induced Mental Disorders

Substance/medication-induced mental disorders are mental problems that develop in people who did not have mental health problems before using substances. They include:

1. 1. Substance-induced psychotic disorder
   2. Substance-induced bipolar and related disorders
   3. Substance-induced depressive disorders
   4. Substance-induced anxiety disorders
   5. Substance-induced obsessive-compulsive and related disorders
   6. Substance-induced sleep disorders
   7. Substance-induced sexual dysfunctions
   8. Substance-induced delirium
   9. Substance-induced neurocognitive disorders    

Intoxication

Drug intoxication, a group of substance-induced disorders, details the symptoms that people experience when they are “high” from drugs. Disorders of substance intoxication include:

• Marijuana intoxication
• Cocaine intoxication
• Methamphetamine intoxication (stimulants)
• Heroin intoxication (opioids)
• Acid intoxication (other hallucinogen intoxication or “acid trip”)
• Substance intoxication delirium

Is There a Cure for Addiction?

Addiction is described as a “persistent compulsive dependence on a behavior or substance — a chronic disease of the brain that leads to individual biological, psychological, social, and spiritual dysfunction.” Because what motivates an addict is their drug or behavior, the only real prevention is abstinence. Recovery doesn’t happen overnight — it requires time, patience, and professional support.

Among the most quickly addictive substances are narcotic pain relievers such as opioids — including codeine, fentanyl, hydrocodone (Vicodin), methadone, morphine, and oxycodone (Percocet, OxyContin). These are often prescribed in around-the-clock dosages, allowing the body to develop dependence rapidly.

Highly addictive street drugs including heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine are also easily attainable, and once a physical dependence develops, withdrawal becomes painful enough to drive continued use. Addicts who are brave enough to enter recovery are given a second chance at life — and once through the early stages, they begin the slow but real process of healing.

Behavioral Addiction Information

Can an addict control their addictive behavior with the right information on addiction or therapies? What leads to addiction and is it possible to avoid it? ‘Yes’, ‘no’, and ‘it depends’ are the answers to these questions because addiction is a complex brain disease. An addict is a person who has an uncontrollable desire to use drugs or engage in a certain activity.

Addiction is described as the “uncontrolled and persistent desire to engage in a specific behavior or use a particular drug that is detrimental to the individual’s physical and psychological well-being, a chronic brain disease that results in the breakdown of the physical, psychological, social, and spiritual aspects of the individual in the pursuit of the reward or relief from the substance or behavior.” Since an addict is driven by their drug or behavior, the only way to prevent it is by staying away from it. However, in the real world, some addictions are worse than others, but all of them have their level of pursuit and degree of necessity for the addict.

Due to the nature of this disease, the process of fighting it and its effects becomes the primary objective for most addicts. Let us look at various degrees of abuse and the effects it has on the addicts and the people around them. Opioids, which are narcotic pain relievers, are among the drugs that are most likely to lead to the development of dependence within a short time. Some of the most frequently used opioids are codeine, Fentanyl, Hydrocodone (Vicodin), Methadone (used in the treatment of heroin addiction), Morphine, and Oxycodone (Percocet, OxyContin). These drugs are used by doctors to relieve moderate to severe pain. These drugs are usually prescribed in around the clock dosages and many people get hooked on them very fast because the body gets used to the opiate very fast. People with addictive personality should not take these drugs.

Eating Disorders and Addiction

Eating disorders such as body dysmorphic disorders can quickly compromise physical health, leading to malnutrition, dehydration, hypotension, respiratory infections, organ failure, and in severe cases, death. These complex conditions require an integrated treatment approach that heals the mind-body disconnection and explores root causes.

Dual Diagnosis and Addiction

A dual diagnosis is a common result for those struggling with addiction to alcohol or drugs alongside a co-occurring mental health condition. Addiction is a nondiscriminatory disease — it affects people of all races, genders, ages, education levels, and economic backgrounds. Both conditions must be treated simultaneously to reduce the risk of relapse and achieve sustainable recovery.

Prolonged drug use can also cause severe physical health consequences, including STDs, hepatitis, cardiovascular problems, malnutrition, and dental decay. Recovery means addressing all of these — physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

The Drugs of Abuse

Depending on their drug of choice, many addicts not only have to recover from the initial after-effects of not using their drug of choice, but they now are experiencing a broad range of other related health problems caused by so many years of using. Many addicts contract STDs, hepatitis, or severe heart problems because of their prolonged drug use. Prolonged use of these drugs has even caused many addicts to have a heart attack or stroke, yet they continued to use it. Most don’t even realize the extent of the damage they have done to their bodies until they get clean. Addicts who used these types of abusive drugs become malnourished from not eating enough. They develop tooth decay and skin irritations due to the compulsive digging and scratching of the skin. They have done permanent damage to their bodies that have changed how they look and feel about themselves. Through recovery, this can be dealt with, and addicts can begin to feel like themselves again. Acceptance plays a big part in understanding the changes that have taken place in the body of the user. Addicts must resign themselves to the fact that they may never look the way they once did. It is challenging for addicts to come to terms with this.

A dual diagnosis is a typical result for those suffering from being addicted to alcohol and illegal street drugs. We must remember at all times that this is a nondiscriminatory disease that can affect anyone regardless of race or color. This can impact a chronic user irrespective of ethnicity or creed, whether you are a man or a woman, husband, father, mother, or wife. It doesn’t care how old you are or how educated. Addiction could care less about your sexual orientation, whether you’re straight or gay. It doesn’t matter if you are rich or poor, famous or unknown; it is a disease that affects an individual’s mind, body, and soul.

Recovering from a Life of Addiction

Many people struggling with addiction also have mental illness, compounding the complexity of recovery. The process of forgiveness — including self-forgiveness — is one of the most challenging parts of recovery. An addict must understand that the whole process takes time. After all, the addiction didn’t develop overnight, and neither does recovery. Patience is necessary to recover fully.

Alcoholism is the most common addiction in the United States, affecting over 20 million people. Over 60% of alcoholics have a family history of alcoholism. Alcohol is one of the most dangerous substances to stop abruptly — severe withdrawal can cause hallucinations, convulsions, and potentially fatal delirium tremens (DTs). For this reason, medical supervision during alcohol detox is essential.

Are You Ready to Take the Steps Toward Recovery?

Whether entering treatment voluntarily or through court-ordered treatment, an addict cannot kick the habit of drug and alcohol abuse alone. Help is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call Virtue Recovery Center at 866-461-3339. Our free assessment is 100% safe and confidential.

Virtue Recovery’s Substance Addiction Treatments

• Alcohol Addiction Recovery — Our alcohol treatment program combines medical detox, therapy, and holistic care to help clients safely manage withdrawal and build a foundation for lasting sobriety.
• Drug Addiction Recovery — Personalized care addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of recovery through evidence-based treatment.
• Opioid Addiction Recovery — Medically supervised detox and therapy to help clients safely overcome dependence on prescription painkillers, fentanyl, or heroin.
• Stimulant Addiction Recovery — Comprehensive treatment for cocaine and methamphetamine addiction that stabilizes the body and restores mental and emotional health.
• Fentanyl Addiction Recovery — 24/7 medical support and therapy to safely detox from one of the most powerful opioids.
• Heroin Addiction Recovery — Safe detox, relapse prevention, and therapeutic support to rebuild a life free from dependency.
• Cocaine Addiction Recovery — Helping clients manage cravings, repair brain chemistry, and learn healthier coping mechanisms.
• Meth Addiction Recovery — Compassionate, structured treatment for methamphetamine addiction to heal physically, mentally, and emotionally.
• Benzo Addiction Recovery — Gradual, medically managed detox and therapy to help clients safely regain stability and independence.
• Psychedelic Addiction Recovery — Evidence-based therapies and holistic care to restore balance from psychedelic misuse.

Our Addiction Treatment Facilities Near You

• Virtue Recovery Las Vegas, NV — Corbett (Inpatient)
• Virtue Recovery Las Vegas, NV — Montessouri (Outpatient)
• Virtue Recovery Houston, TX — Inpatient Treatment
• Virtue Recovery Killeen, TX — Luxury Treatment
• Virtue Recovery Chandler, AZ — Addiction Treatment
• Virtue Detox Sun City West, AZ — Detox Treatment
• Virtue At The Pointe Astoria, OR — Inpatient Treatment
• Virtue At The Pointe Milwaukie, OR — Outpatient Treatment

Guides on Specialized Recovery Treatment Near You

• Alcohol Addiction Treatment
• Drug Addiction Treatment
• Medical Detox Program
• Residential Treatment Center
• Dual Diagnosis Treatment
• Addiction Hotline Number
• Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
• Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
• Intensive Inpatient Program (IIP)
• Holistic Recovery Center
• Veterans Rehab Program
• State Funded Rehab
• Aftercare Program