What is Drug Addiction?
Drug addiction is a complex but treatable disease of the brain that alters functionality and behavior. Although addiction treatment is recommended, no specific treatment approach is a one-size-fits-all solution. Each individual is different, therefore, recovery from addiction requires an individualized treatment plan that caters to the unique needs of the person. The alteredSTATE platform for recovery was created upon the idea that we all have things we can recover from and drug addiction may be your obstacle. We believe that the cessation of drugs, alcohol, or any other addictive behaviors is the first step in recovery, but certainly only the beginning. As you work one-on-one with Tony through the program, the focus will shift from one pillar to the next as you immerse yourself back into school, work, hobbies, or social activities.
Physical Signs of Drug Addiction
In order to truly understand how to recover from drug addiction, it is important that you first understand that addiction is a complex disease with symptoms and patterns of behavior that can vary from person to person. However, The Diagnostics and Statistical Manual Fifth Edition (DSM-V) has come up with criteria for identifying substance use disorders. The diagnosis is manifested by at least three or more of the following:
- Taking the substance in larger amounts or for a longer period of time than intended
- Inability to cut down or stop using the substance
- Spending an excessive amount of time getting, using, or recovering from using the substance
- Obsessions and cravings to use the substance
- Neglecting work, home, school, and other responsibilities because of substance use
- Continuing to use despite conflict within relationships
- Neglecting social, occupational, or recreational activities because of substance abuse
- Continued substance use despite potentially dangerous consequences
- Tolerance
- Withdrawal
- Continuing to use the substance despite the physical or psychological problems that have been made worse by the substance
Behavioral Signs of Drug Addiction
The signs and symptoms of drug addiction can vary depending on a number of factors such as the individual, substance of use, environment of the user, underlying mental health conditions, age, family history, and many other factors. However, there are common symptoms of addiction that tend to resonate across the board for almost all addicts such as:
- Lack of control
- Inability to avoid detrimental and destructive behaviors
- Isolation
- Abandoning commitments
- Conflict within interpersonal relationships
- Ignoring risk factors such as sharing needles, potential overdose, and other dangerous consequences.
- Withdrawal symptoms/Tolerance
- Lack of interest in hobbies or other important activities
- Missing work, school, or other scheduled obligations
- Risky behavior
- Ignoring or minimizing the negative consequences associated with behaviors
- Drastic changes in sleeping/eating patterns
- Increased secrecy and frequent deceptive behaviors
Addiction Recovery Coaching
If you believe you or a loved one may be struggling with addiction, with the help of a recovery coach, recovery from substance abuse is possible. Recovery coaching is a one-on-one relationship in which one person facilitates the well being of the other. Addiction recovery coaching focuses on treating the individual as a whole as the coach focuses on the individual’s strengths rather than the problems. Professional recovery coaches help their clients find ways to combat addiction, as well as gain insight on the patterns in their lives that stand in the way of reaching their goals and creating a better life.
Professional recovery coaches do not serve the role as counselors or therapists but rather help their clients bridge the gap between their addiction and creating a successful, happy life in recovery. Recovery coaching helps individuals engage in treatment through motivational techniques rather than planning traditional interventions. Motivational interviewing has been shown to improve engagement in recovery and outcomes while also educating each individual about which approach to addiction recovery is evidence-based and which are not. A professional recovery coach will help you create a customized plan that outlines your individual goals and objectives in your personal and professional life while encouraging you every step of the way.
Recovery coaching can be utilized to help any individual overcome any obstacle in their life – including addiction. Client-directed recovery coaching enables an individual to decide what he/she will or won’t work on. This concept has been shown to be an important element of effectively motivating individuals who are resistant to change. Recovering individuals will also benefit from the accountability, education, support, resources, and commitment of an addiction recovery coach. The main goal of a recovery coach is to help you form solid recovery groundwork in order to overcome any challenges you may face.
