About Addiction
Definition of Addiction
The American Society of Addiction Medicine defines addiction as a:
Treatable, chronic medical disease involving complex interactions among brain circuits, genetics, the environment, and an individual's life experience
How Addiction Occurs
People take a substance such as an opioid (this may be illicit or prescribed)--> Dopamine levels increase in the brain --> Euphoria --> Decreased anxiety, decreased pain, extreme happiness, increased confidence and feelings of being invincible --> Reinforcing behavior happens --> Receptors in the brain become stimulated and dependence occurs --> Use continues to avoid withdrawal symptoms and to "feel"
The Impact of Addiction
Addiction can impact an individual and those around them in many ways:
Strained relationships
Financial hardships
Housing challenges
Legal troubles
Infectious disease exposure
Employment challnges
Declining mental health
Declining physical health
Addiction is Treatable
Addiction treatment should be holistic, comprehensive and personalized to the individual to encourage success. All facet's of the patient's life should be considered to aid in obtaining and maintaining abstinence from substances.
Comprehensive and multidisciplinary addiction treatment should include:
Support Groups (i.e. NA, AA)
Medication Management
Substance Use Monitoring
Assessments
Behavioral Therapy
At Revolutionary Recovery we are proud to offer medication management, substance use monitoring and the appropriate assessments while discussing the patient's mental health at each and every appointment. We encourage community involvement through support groups such as NA and AA and are happy to provide referrals for more intensive therapy options when clinically indicated or upon request. We believe in meeting patients where they are and helping them explore the different areas of treatment which may be beneficial to them as it is clear there is no "one-size fits all" approach to care