We believe that addiction is a disease of the brain and body. The impact of alcohol and drugs on the brain is profound and can be long lasting. Abrupt cessation of alcohol and drugs without medical supervision can worsen the physical condition of a patient. Withdrawal, then, becomes the immediate crisis, and addiction (and the reasons for becoming addicted) will be addressed after alcohol or drug detoxification. Detox alone will not stop addiction or addictive behaviors. Best evidence-based practices recommend that a comprehensive, intensive substance abuse treatment program immediately follow detox.
There are hundreds of variations that comprise a patient’s addiction, whether it is alcoholism, a combination of alcohol and drugs, drug addiction, drug addiction and mental disorders, etc. The composition of every patient’s addiction is unique, including mental status, family-related dynamics, physical health, past traumas, and other relevant issues.
Our medical protocol and multidisciplinary treatment approach to detoxification and to drug and alcohol treatment provides patients with a safe, secure, confidential environment. Formally addressing life-threatening habits with trained addiction specialists is paramount to a sustainable recovery. Below is a partial list of the more common substances we treat.
Alcohol
Alcohol abuse is drinking alcoholic beverages (including beer) at a level that infers with one’s health: physical, mental (depression, etc), social, work, and family functioning.
Cocaine and Crack Cocaine
One in six Americans has used cocaine, a short-acting stimulant. Use is dangerous and highly addictive.
Crystal Meth
Crystal meth is generally created in home labs. It is addictive and extremely toxic. Substances such as acetone, lye, and battery acid can be found in crystal meth.
Heroin
Heroin, an illegal opiate, has a high potential for addiction and dependency. Medically assisted detox should occur to ease the withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
Prescription Drugs
Using prescription drugs as prescribed or in a manner other than prescribed can lead to addiction. Combining prescription drugs is dangerous. The fact that certain drugs are prescribed by a doctor does not reduce the possibility of abuse and addiction.
Ecstasy or MDMA
Ecstasy is a popular “club drug” in the “rave,” or all-night dance party scene. The substance increases body temperature and can cause overheating or heatstroke. Mixing this drug with alcohol and other drugs is a prescription for a severe medical reaction.
LSD
LSD, also known as acid, is a hallucinogenic. It produces extreme alterations in a person’s perception of reality. Years after a person’s last use, he or she can experience a dangerous and uncomfortable “flashback” from the drug’s effect.
Marijuana
Marijuana is the most commonly used illegal drug, especially among teenagers and young adults. Often called “the gateway drug,” its use often leads to the use or abuse of other illegal drugs. It is a myth that one cannot become addicted to marijuana.
PCP
PCP is a dangerous drug. It distorts perceptions and producing feelings of detachment. It can also mimic symptoms of schizophrenia. The distortion of perception can lead to feelings of invincibility and personal strength. Unfortunately, PCP users have high rates of suicide and accidental death.
Dual Diagnosis
Dual Diagnosis is defined as a condition in which a patient is suffering from a mental health disorder such as depression, bipolar, or anxiety, coupled with a drug addiction. Unless both conditions are treated simultaneously, long-term recovery is questionable.
