Ending the Stigma of Addiction Together

Many people believe that addiction is related to moral problems, and that people with substance abuse disorders choose to abuse drugs or alcohol. Unlike other people with chronic illnesses, addicts are blamed for their condition. This kind of stigma creates fear, guilt, and shame that prevents thousands of people from seeking help and getting the proper addiction treatment.

Stigma is the most formidable form of an obstacle when it comes to effective addiction treatment. Addicts have a much better chance of recovery when they feel supported and understood.

Establishing What Stigma Is

Stigma can be defined as a set of negative beliefs in a society about a topic or a particular group of people, and it is mostly fueled by misinformation. It is also a significant cause of discrimination, as it contributes to the abuse of human rights. Stigma not only affects the individual dealing with addiction but also:

  • Their friends
  • Their families
  • Their employers and colleagues 
  • The members of the justice system
  • Health care providers

People with substance abuse disorders are generally discriminated against and excluded because of their health status. Friends and family or the general public that have a negative feeling about drug abuse, may use derogatory terms to refer to them. These labels and negativity can quickly perpetuate stigma. Studies have found that the general public is more likely to have a negative feeling or attitude towards people dealing with substance abuse than those with mental illness.

What Is the Stigma Surrounding Addiction?

The stigma surrounding addiction is fueled by the lack of information about the subject. While scientists have found and helped us understand that addiction is chronic, society is yet to catch up, as most people still believe that addiction is a personal choice. No one chooses to get addicted. Addiction can be caused by many factors, like environmental influences and general vulnerability.

People who don’t understand the medical part of addiction may view it as a willpower problem and may assume that the addict brought it upon themselves. However, like any other health problem, addiction requires proper medical treatment, and adicts require the same support, respect, and treatment as a chronic health patient.  

How Can We Prevent This?

No one likes to be devalued or negatively judged, no matter the situation. To help addicts start their treatment and recovery journey from drug abuse, it’s up to us to get rid of the stigma surrounding addiction. Since the stigma of addiction is closely linked to lack of understanding and proper education, there is no simple way of stopping it, but there are steps that we can take to hasten and make progress in the area. 

When we start speaking up against the stigmatization of addiction, we shed some light on the society about their perception. Some of the most effective ways of reducing stigma include: 

  • Displaying kindness to people dealing with addiction  
  • Offering compassion or being compassionate
  • Listening without subconsciously judging a person
  • Avoiding hurtful labels and speaking out about them
  • Viewing people for who they are and not the kind of substance they use
  • Doing adequate research about drug or substance dependency 
  • Speaking up when you see people being mistreated because of drug use
  • Treating people who are struggling with addiction with respect and dignity
  • Replacing negative comments and posts with evidence and facts
  • Sharing stories of addiction

Reducing stigmatization is a collective effort from the people dealing with addiction and nonaddicts. Everyone has a role to play in bringing positivity in the world of addiction recovery.

We Can Help

Addiction today is a growing problem. With proper treatment plans and support, anyone struggling with addiction can make a full recovery. Don’t let stigma prevent you or people you care about from getting help. 

At Lake Arrowhead Recovery Resource, we are here for you because we care about you and the people you love. Reach out to us if you or someone close to you is looking for a suitable addiction recovery center, and we will help connect you with our holistic centers who will offer you the best addiction treatment plan based on your needs. Our support teams will also be with you throughout your recovery journey. Make your call and start your journey to sobriety today!

The Importance of Detox Treatment Programs

The first part of addiction treatment is often detoxification, or as it is simply called, “detox”. This is the process of actually allowing your body to process and clear out any drugs and alcohol in your system. The goal is to get completely sober and not allow any new toxic substances to enter your system. Your body’s cravings for drugs and/or alcohol will subside, and you will be able to move forward into a healthy, refreshed life without drug abuse. In a nutshell, detox is the first key step towards long-term sobriety. 

How Does Detox Work?

Upon checking into an addiction treatment program, the time of the detoxification process starting will depend both on the substance being abused and the severity of addiction. For heavy users of heroin or crystal meth, for example, detox may begin within just a few hours of the last use. For lighter abusers of prescription pills or alcohol, it may take longer for the body to start entering the detoxification process. The amount of time detox takes depends on the person and their addiction.

During detox, your body will go through withdrawal. The symptoms of withdrawal can be difficult to deal with, but it is important to remember that they are temporary. The exact withdrawal symptoms you may experience will vary for everyone, but they can include:

  • Sweating
  • Fever-like symptoms
  • Physical discomfort and sometimes pain
  • Nausea
  • Mood swings (violent outbursts may occur)
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Feelings of anxiety and/or depression

Detox can feel unpleasant, but you will be put in a comfortable place to rest and try to stay as relaxed as possible. It is also important to stay hydrated during this time. When you do eat, it will be simple, healthy foods that will not interfere with the body’s ability to flush out toxins. Occasionally, medication is used to help ease physical symptoms of withdrawal and make the process smoother. 

The detox process is considered complete once you are no longer experiencing symptoms of withdrawal. But that doesn’t mean that treatment is complete. Instead, it means that actual addiction recovery can begin. 

Why You Should Never Detox Alone

Very few people are able to successfully detox alone (much less manage to overcome addiction all on their own), and there’s a reason for that. Not only is the road to sobriety full of challenges, but detox itself can actually be dangerous without professional supervision. This is especially true for those with benzodiazepine or alcohol addictions, as the associated withdrawal symptoms can be more severe. If left unattended, some of these symptoms may result in permanent damage or, in extreme cases, death. 

At a rehab center, your withdrawal symptoms will be addressed and handled in the order of their severity. Experienced medical staff members can intervene when needed and make sure that your detox is going safely. 

Even if you do not consider your addiction to be that intense, the truth is that you are far more likely to make it through detox with professional supervision than on your own at home. On your own, it is often all too tempting to quickly ease your discomfort by using again. This is prevented at a rehab facility or, at the very least, with professionals checking in on you regularly. 

What Comes After Detox?

Once you successfully complete detoxification, you are ready for the real change to begin. Your addiction treatment will be tailored to meet your specific needs, and it may include a combination of counseling, classes, exercise, re-building relationships with loved ones, etc. 

Many people view addiction recovery as a life-long practice of making healthy choices and finding happiness in things not tied to drug abuse. You will make your own decisions about your future, but it’s wise to wait until after you get through detox to think more clearly about what you want out of life. 

Where Can I Go Through Detox?

Depending on your type of substance abuse, its severity, and your location may have quite a few addiction treatment options available to you. For those in Southern California, our team at Lake Arrowhead Recovery Resource is here to help you navigate this sometimes confusing world. We will examine your situation and your specific needs in a detox program, and we will use that information to pair you up with appropriate treatment options. We provide comprehensive treatment matching services that encompass everything from admissions and insurance verification to transportation assistance. And because we also provide care management, you can rest assured that you will not be alone throughout the detox process and your stay in treatment.

Signs Your Loved One May Be Addicted

Addiction is a complex condition, a brain disease that is manifested by compulsive substance use despite harmful consequences. The term is most often used with regard to drug abuse or alcohol use, but it can be any activity that is carried to an extreme and can’t be stopped without causing great distress, even though the activity may itself be causing great harm. Someone who is addicted needs professional help and usually doesn’t know it. There are also a variety of treatment programs available in the United States so it can seem daunting trying to find the right program. Lake Arrowhead Recovery Center is here to help you identify if your loved one is suffering from addiction and how they can get help. 

Signs Your Loved One May Be Suffering From Addiction

The signs of addiction may be subtle at first. The two most common reasons for this are that in the early stages, the physical damage of drug or alcohol abuse hasn’t taken place yet and the addicted individual can still keep their usage a secret. However, over time, the addiction becomes more powerful and their life becomes unmanageable. 

Work or School

A student who has previously made good grades may suddenly start failing or coming close to failing. They lose interest in sports or other school activities. Truancy and an overall decrease in academic performance is an issue. They stop hanging out with their friends and socializing. 

A working professional may start calling in sick at work or just now showing up at all. Someone addicted to drugs can also become confrontational with coworkers or clients. Their quality of work will decrease and they probably don’t care about their appearance anymore. 

Secrets and Lies

Your loved one may disappear for long periods of time and refuse to say where they have been, or even lie about it. They may deny using drugs or alcohol when confronted and start hiding their use so you don’t see it. They may make promises to stop using drugs or alcohol and you find that they haven’t kept the promise. Money from your wallet may randomly disappear or your loved one will frequently ask to borrow money even though they have a job.

Volatile Moods

Your loved one who has previously been easy-going may suddenly exhibit bursts of rage. They may be happy one minute and suddenly seem depressed the next. Things that once brought them enjoyment may no longer interest them and they become irritable if questioned about why. You’ll try to force them to attend an event that takes time away from their substance abuse, so they refuse to go. You feel like you no longer know who your loved one is and they know nothing about you anymore.

How to Get Them Help

Help is out there for suffering drug or alcohol addicts. If you think someone is struggling, you can confront them and tell them you’re worried about them. You can let them know they’re hurting themselves and need to stop using. You can also use the help of a trained interventionist to do this.

Whether you are confronting your loved one alone or in an intervention, it’s important to remain calm and non-judgmental. You don’t want your loved one to feel attacked, you just want them to know you’re here to help. Reassure them that they aren’t alone and you will stand by them as they undergo treatment.

Let us Help

We know how scary watching someone battle addiction can be. Lake Arrowhead Recovery Center is here to answer all your questions on what to do and help guide you in figuring out the first steps.

We’re an addiction treatment matching service that will work with you to find the best possible help for your loved one. Our help is available 24/7 and most importantly, free. Today could be the start of a wonderful future. Contact us now!