Deaths caused by heroin, meth, and cocaine all continued to rise in Texas in 2021.1 As drug rates trend upward across the country, it’s important to understand why addiction happens and how treatment can help. Addiction is a serious, chronic disease that affects the brain and body. People with addiction often cannot control their use of drugs or alcohol, even when it causes them problems. Over time, addiction can lead to physical and mental health problems, job loss, financial instability, and damaged relationships. But addiction is treatable, and recovery is possible.
If you or a loved one struggle with substance abuse or addiction, there are options for a residential care program in Austin, Texas. At The Arbor, our team of medical professionals provides around-the-clock care to help break the cycle of addiction in a luxury environment. You will find a community of supportive recovery specialists using evidence-based therapies to help you learn the skills needed to succeed in sobriety. Call 844.413.2690 today to start drawing your map to the road to recovery.
The Addiction Cycle
Substance abuse and addiction cause changes in the brain that can be long-lasting. These changes make it difficult to stop using drugs even when people want to. They can also lead to cravings and a strong desire to use drugs again. Addiction typically follows a cycle that looks like:
Substance Use
People begin using drugs and alcohol for different reasons. Some people use them to self-medicate or cope with mental health problems, trauma, or stress. Others use drugs recreationally to feel good or fit in with a particular group.
Brain Changes
Drug and alcohol use changes the brain. These substances cause the release of dopamine, which creates pleasurable feelings. Over time, the brain starts to expect these substances to feel normal.
Tolerance Increases
As addiction progresses, people need more and more of the substance to get the desired effect. They may also start using more dangerous methods, such as injecting drugs intravenously. This intravenous use can lead to an increased risk of overdose.
Dependence Grows
Addiction takes over a person’s life. They may start neglecting their responsibilities at home, work, or school. Their relationships suffer as they prioritize drug use over everything else.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Once addiction is severe, it can be difficult to stop using drugs without professional help. Detox and withdrawal can be uncomfortable and even dangerous. Residential addiction treatment can provide the structure and support people need to get sober and stay sober.
Recognizing the Signs of Substance Abuse
Substance abuse and addiction often progress slowly, making it hard to identify the problem early on. There are, however, some common signs that can indicate a problem:
- Neglecting responsibilities at home, work, or school
- Using substances in dangerous situations
- Continuing to use despite negative consequences
- Feeling unable to stop using
Recognizing the signs of substance abuse can be critical to breaking the addiction cycle as early as possible. Residential addiction treatment can be a supportive environment to learn the skills for sobriety.
What Is Residential Treatment?
Residential treatment is a type of addiction treatment in a live-in facility. This facility can be a hospital or a rehab center. People in residential treatment have 24-hour access to care and support.
Residential treatment is often the next step after detox and withdrawal. It’s also an option for people who haven’t been able to stay sober in outpatient treatment. Residential treatment can last for a few weeks or months, depending on each person’s needs.
Residential Addiction Treatment at The Arbor
The Arbor is a luxury residential treatment center in Austin, Texas, next to the San Gabriel River. We provide evidence-based care in a peaceful and supportive environment. Our team of addiction specialists offers around-the-clock care to help you through every step of recovery.
At The Arbor, we believe that addiction is a chronic disease that requires lifelong management. We use a whole-person approach to treatment, which means we address your physical, mental, and emotional needs. We also provide family support and care.
The Arbor’s evidence-based therapies include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)
- Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
- Equine Therapy
- Art Therapy
Residential treatment at The Arbor is individualized to meet your needs. We understand that everyone’s experience with addiction is different. That’s why we create a unique treatment plan for each person.
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, we can help. Call us today at 844.413.2690 to learn more about our residential addiction treatment program.
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