Are you concerned that someone close to you might be struggling with substance abuse? It can be a challenging and distressing to navigate, but recognizing the signs early on is crucial for getting them the help they need. If you are asking yourself, ‘Does my loved one have a problem?’, then it might be time to seek help from a professional addiction treatment center.
Knowing where to begin can be the hardest part, so we’ve compiled answers to all your questions about family and addiction treatment. We’ll discuss the signs and symptoms of drug and alcohol abuse so you can recognize them in those people that you care about. By understanding these signs, you can take proactive steps to support them on their journey towards recovery.
Aliya Health Group understands that addiction can be just as hard on friends and family as it is on the person struggling with substance abuse. We offer several helpful resources to assist you in getting your loved one the help they need to reach sobriety. We employ clinical therapists, medical professionals, and addiction recovery specialists at our treatment facilities across the country who are ready to help. Our goal is to end addiction, substance abuse, or mental health disorders and help people take back control of their lives using evidence-based and holistic treatment practices.
How Do I Know If a Loved One Has a Problem with Substance Abuse?
Not knowing if your loved one is struggling with addiction can be a scary experience. You want to help but are most likely unsure about where to turn for assistance. Your loved one may resist getting help or deny that they have a problem with drinking or drug use. The best thing to do is let that person know that you are available for guidance and support. From there, you can begin to help them take steps toward a life free from drugs and alcohol.
Understanding what to look for is the best way to recognize when a loved one needs help. Here are some of those signs and symptoms so you are prepared to take action should the time come.
Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol Addiction
Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to tell when someone is using alcohol dangerously or excessively. Part of the problem is accessibility. Alcohol is widely available at grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, and more. Some may not think that their drinking is a problem because alcohol is so ingrained in our society. It can be hard to monitor a loved one’s drinking if you aren’t with them around the clock. You may need to be observant and read between the lines to see how their drinking is harming them. If asking them outright about their drinking habits hasn’t worked, there are certain signs and symptoms to look for.
Some common signs and symptoms of alcohol abuse include:
- Binge drinking (drinking a lot in a short period)
- Drinking every day
- Acting secretive or defensive about alcohol use
- Neglecting responsibilities in favor of drinking
- Isolating from friends or family
- Making up reasons or excuses to drink
- Slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, and poor coordination
- Cognitive issues like poor memory or difficulty concetrating
- Unexplained injuries
- Legal issues like a DUI or domestic violence charges
- Withdrawal symptoms when not drinking
Always approach a loved one about their drinking with empathy and understanding, as confronting a family member about their alcohol use can be challenging. Encouraging them to seek help from a treatment center like Aliya Health Group can be a crucial step in addressing their alcohol abuse and getting the support they need.
Signs and Symptoms of Drug Addiction
In much of the same way as alcohol abuse, drug addiction can be tricky to spot if your loved one is secretive with their behaviors. Many of the symptoms of drug addiction are the same as those of alcohol addiction but with a few key differences. Substances like drugs and alcohol alter the brain and body in many similar ways. However, the symptoms of drug addiction may manifest themselves differently from person to person.
Here are some common signs of drug addiction:
- Sudden changes or swings in behavior, mood, or emotions
- Neglecting responsibilities like work, family, or school
- Poor hygiene or changes in appetite
- Isolating from friends or family
- Financial issues or constantly in need of money
- Changes in pupil size, unusual smells on clothing, or weight loss
- Cognitive issues like poor memory or difficulty concetrating
- Injuries like track marks and burns on the skin
- Loss of interest in activities
- Secretive or deceptive behavior
Drug addiction is a serious issue if left untreated. Drugs like cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, opioid pain medication, anxiety medication, and more are highly addictive and disrupt the brain’s ability to function normally. Getting a loved one help is the best way to prevent long-term damage and lead them to a happy and healthy future.
What Should I Do When a Loved One Has a Problem with Drugs or Alcohol?
When notice that your loved one is struggling with drug or alcohol abuse, what should you do? Knowing where to start can be challenging. If your loved one hasn’t been open about their struggles, the journey’s beginning may look a bit different. Oftentimes, people will try to keep their drug or alcohol use private from the people they love and trust. This may be because of the stigma around addiction. Others may think they’re just having fun and their drinking or drug use is harmless.
The reality is that substance abuse can alter one’s neurochemistry to the point where stopping on their own is virtually impossible. The only way to safely and reliably recover from addiction is with professional help. You want your loved one to receive the best care, but you might be unfamiliar with what addiction treatment centers provide. Let’s explore what help for addiction looks like during rehab.
Getting Help For A Loved One Has a Problem with Drugs or Alcohol
If you have a loved one struggling with drugs or alcohol, taking the first step to help them can be daunting but incredibly important. The journey begins with open, honest conversations where your concerns are expressed without judgment, emphasizing your support and love for them. It’s crucial to research and understand the nature of addiction to foster empathy and patience in this challenging time.
Finding professional help is the next significant step. Many resources are available, including hotlines, support groups, and treatment facilities specializing in substance abuse recovery. Aliya Health Group’s nationwide rehab centers offer comprehensive addiction treatment programs tailored to each individual’s needs, ensuring a holistic approach to recovery that addresses both physical dependency and underlying emotional or psychological factors.
Encouraging your loved one to engage in therapy or counseling can also be beneficial. These services provide a safe space for individuals to explore the root causes of their addiction and develop coping strategies for long-term sobriety.
Remember, while you play a supportive role, the decision to seek help ultimately lies with your loved one. Offering consistent support without enabling their addiction is key. Finally, consider seeking support for yourself through this journey; caring for someone with an addiction can be emotionally taxing, and finding a community that understands your experience is invaluable.
What Is an Addiction Treatment Center?
An addiction treatment center is a facility dedicated to helping individuals overcome substance abuse and addiction. Also known as rehab, these centers provide a structured and supportive environment where individuals can receive comprehensive treatment, including medical detoxification, therapy, counseling, and support groups. Treatment programs are tailored to meet the specific needs of each individual, addressing not only the physical aspects of addiction but also the psychological, emotional, and social factors that contribute to substance abuse.
Addiction treatment centers offer a range of services, including inpatient and outpatient programs, dual diagnosis treatment, and aftercare support to help individuals maintain their sobriety after completing the initial phases of treatment. The goal of addiction treatment in rehab is to empower individuals to achieve long-term recovery and lead fulfilling, drug-free lives.
What Substance Use Disorders Does Rehab Treat?
Overall, many substances can lead to unhealthy patterns and addiction. Addiction treatment centers help your loved one recover from their substance use, including the following:
- Alcohol Addiction
- Opioid Addiction
- Methamphetamine Addiction
- Cocaine Addiction
- Benzodiazepine Addiction
- Heroin Addiction
- Fentanyl Addiction
- Prescription Drug Addiction
These are just some of the drugs of addiction that often require the help of a professional recovery center to overcome. There are others, as well. If you’re struggling with drug or alcohol addiction in any capacity, we are here to help you get better.
What Are the Levels of Care in Addiction Treatment?
There are different levels of care in addiction treatment. They exist to help individuals move forward between stages of growth and recovery. During the various stages of rehab, your loved one will receive addiction support and mental health help. Through a holistic approach to wellness, our substance abuse professionals will help them unpack their addiction and reach sobriety. Further, they will learn how to make sobriety a personal goal they can hold themselves accountable to.
Medical Detox
Generally, addiction treatment starts with detoxification for everyone currently using substances. Medical detox is a safe, 24/7-monitored level of care to remove drug or alcohol toxins from the body. It usually lasts about a week, during which guests may receive comfort medications to help ease withdrawal symptoms.
Inpatient Rehab
After detox, your loved one will begin inpatient treatment. This is structured programming designed to help guests unpack the trauma that may have contributed to substance abuse. Through counseling and therapy, they work through connected issues to find their way toward mind-body-soul healing.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
After inpatient rehab, guests move into outpatient rehab. As part of outpatient treatment, partial hospitalization is a flexible level of care. Individuals can live outside of their treatment facility but commute in for sessions 5 days a week. PHP typically spans a 4-week timeline.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Also part of outpatient care, intensive outpatient treatment is like a continuation of PHP. IOP is another flexible stage for those who prefer to live outside of the center. Individuals take up to 15 hours of sessions per week. IOP is a flexible option for those with responsibilities outside of rehab.
Outpatient Program
Outpatient treatment is the stage after inpatient programming. At this point, guests have reached a place of more independence. Therefore, the focus continues to be on recovery from substances, but also on preparation for the next chapter. Your loved one will learn trigger management skills and how to cope with negative feelings without turning to substances. They begin to live with more independence but still have a strong support system beside them.
What Therapies Are Used in Rehab?
Addiction treatment therapies use established evidence-based treatments that address the often many factors contributing to addiction. They are rooted in scientific discovery and traditional holistic healing practices. Some common addiction treatment therapies include:
- Individual and Group Therapy: Forms of counseling involving a therapist that explore thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and experiences in a confidential and supportive setting.
- Family Therapy: Family therapy involves the participation of family members to address dysfunctional dynamics and support the individual's recovery process.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with addiction.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): DBT focuses on developing coping skills to manage intense emotions and improve interpersonal relationships.
- Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT): A form of CBT focused on healing trauma and PTSD.
- Motivational Interviewing (MI): MI helps individuals explore and resolve ambivalence about change, enhancing motivation for recovery.
- Yoga and Mindfulness: Holistic practices that help promote relaxation, self-awareness, and overall well-being.
- Expressive Arts Therapy: Using creative modalities such as visual arts, music, dance, drama, and writing to promote emotional healing, self-expression, and personal growth.
At Aliya, we treat addiction and co-occurring disorders with a combination of counseling and therapy. Evidence-based treatments tackle the behind-the-scenes reasons for addiction and help individuals heal holistically. The following therapies are used in rehab to bring about physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional healing from lasting wounds.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rehab
It can feel scary and confusing to realize your loved one may be battling substance addiction. You might feel overwhelmed by the urge to act on their behalf to get them help. This is especially the case when you’re afraid to broach the subject because they’ve resisted help in the past. However, your support is the most important thing right now. You surely have many questions about how to proceed. Fortunately, the more information you have, the better prepared you will be. Let’s answer some commonly asked questions about substance addiction.
You are already on the right path by looking into how to help them. It can be scary to try to bring up their problem with drugs or alcohol on your own. Rather than go through the process alone, we recommend you first give us a call so we can help you. Our team will outline the best way to take the next step towards treatment. We’re here to support every part of the process so you aren’t on your own.
It depends on the individual and the substance abused. The first step of recovery may be detoxification to remove the toxins causing cravings and other painful withdrawal symptoms. Medical detox at a treatment center provides around-the-clock monitoring and support.
We know finances can be an immediate concern when considering treatment, but the cost doesn’t need to deter you from finding help. There is insurance coverage for addiction treatment! We work with most major providers. Our admissions team is happy to walk you through your coverage, as well as options outside of insurance.
The length can last different timelines for different people. The shared goal of rehab is for the individual to reach sobriety, unpack their addiction, and learn skills to prevent relapse. As such, they should receive treatment until they’re ready to live a fulfilling life of sobriety with independence. Of course, after entering treatment, they’ll still have a lifelong support network. But overall, the timeline of recovery can vary from person to person. You can speak to our admissions team to explore what treatment might look like for your loved one.
Addiction Treatment at Aliya Health Group
Aliya Health Group offers comprehensive addiction treatment services tailored to meet the diverse needs of individuals seeking recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. Our programs encompass various levels of care, including medical detoxification, residential treatment, outpatient programs, and aftercare support. We specialize in dual diagnosis treatment, addressing co-occurring mental health disorders alongside addiction.
Our multidisciplinary team of professionals provides evidence-based therapies, coping techniques, and life skills training to empower individuals in their recovery journey. Through personalized treatment plans and relapse prevention strategies, we aim to equip individuals with the tools and resources needed to maintain sobriety and achieve long-term well-being. At Aliya Health Group, we are committed to supporting individuals every step of the way towards a healthier, substance-free life.
