Addiction, also known as substance use disorder (SUD), affects millions of Americans, regardless of age, wealth, or background.
Addiction commonly involves substances like alcohol, opioids, prescription drugs, and stimulants, but it can also include behaviors such as gambling or excessive social media use.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, Harmony Treatment and Wellness of Stuart is here to help you navigate the path to recovery and build the life you deserve.
What Is Considered Addiction?
Addiction is a chronic condition marked by compulsive drug seeking, continued use despite negative consequences, and lasting changes in the brain. This condition is also called substance use disorder, or SUD.
Substance use disorders develop when substance use starts to interfere with health and daily life, affecting a person’s ability to function at work, at home, or socially.
While it often begins with voluntary use, repeated exposure to substances can alter brain function, leading to a loss of control.
Addiction can affect anyone, regardless of age, background, or lifestyle, significantly disrupting relationships, daily routines, and overall well-being.
What Are the Causes of Addiction?
Addiction has many causes, often rooted in a mix of genetics, environmental factors, and personal experiences.
If someone has a family history of addiction, they may be more vulnerable due to genetic factors. Life experiences like trauma, stress, or mental health struggles — such as anxiety or depression — can make people more likely to turn to substances for relief.
Environment matters too. Growing up in a place where substance use or addictive behaviors are common, or having friends who engage in these activities, can make it easier to fall into unhealthy patterns.
Over time, substances can change how the brain’s reward system works, making it hard to stop even when it starts causing harm. It’s a complex cycle, but understanding it is the first step to breaking it.
Who Is at Risk for Addiction?
Addiction risk is influenced by various factors that can increase a person’s vulnerability. Here are key risk factors for developing addiction:
- Genetics: About half of a person’s risk for addiction comes from their genetic makeup. Other biological factors, like gender, ethnicity, and mental health conditions (e.g., depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder), also play a significant role in increasing risk.
- Environment: Conditions like peer pressure, physical or sexual abuse, stress, and quality of parenting impact the likelihood of drug abuse.
- Age of first use: Starting drug use at an earlier age significantly raises the risk of developing addiction, as young brains are still developing critical areas responsible for decision-making and impulse control.
- Developmental stage: Adolescents, whose brains are not fully mature, are more susceptible to risky behaviors and may have a higher risk for addiction when exposed to drugs during this period.
Rates of Addiction in the U.S.
Addiction affects millions across America, demonstrating its reach across different demographics.
Some statistics that show the scope of different types of addiction in the U.S.:
- In 2021, around 46 million adults aged 12 and older experienced a substance use disorder.
- More than 29 million individuals were specifically diagnosed with alcohol use disorder and 24 million had a drug use disorder.
- Native American as well as multiracial communities face higher addiction rates compared to other racial and ethnic groups.
What Are the Warning Signs of Addiction?
Knowing the signs of addiction can help you get the right care for yourself or a loved one.
Here are the top signs of addiction.
Mental signs:
- Increased preoccupation with substance use
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Heightened anxiety or mood swings
Physical signs:
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Neglecting personal hygiene and appearance
- Withdrawal symptoms when not using the substance
Behavioral signs:
- Social withdrawal or isolation
- Engaging in risky behaviors
- Unsuccessful attempts to cut down or quit
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders or DSM-5, substance use disorder (SUD) is diagnosed based on the presence and severity of symptoms: mild (2-3 symptoms), moderate (4-5), and severe (6 or more).
Recognizing these signs can be crucial in addressing addiction early.
Different Types of Addictions
Addiction can be either substance use disorders (SUD) or behavioral addictions. Knowing which type of addiction you or your loved one is facing is essential for effective treatment and support.
Substance use disorders (SUD), often referred to as drug addiction, include the misuse of various substances:
- Illicit drugs: Heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, cannabis (marijuana), fentanyl
- Prescription drugs: Opioids (e.g., oxycodone, hydrocodone), benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax, Valium), amphetamines (e.g., Adderall), sedatives
- Inhalants: Substances like glue, paint thinners, and nitrous oxide
Addiction to drugs, medications, or other substances looks like being preoccupied with use, being unable to stop use even when experiencing harmful effects, withdrawal, and other harmful effects on health and life.
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) pertains solely to drinking alcohol but varies in severity:
- Mild: 2-3 symptoms
- Moderate: 4-5 symptoms
- Severe: 6 or more symptoms
Common symptoms of AUD include:
- Inability to cut down or control drinking
- Cravings for alcohol
- Continued use despite negative consequences
- Withdrawal symptoms when not drinking
Understanding these symptoms can guide appropriate treatment options.
Common behavioral addictions include gambling, social media or internet use, and shopping. These can interfere with daily life and well-being.
Also called process addictions, these health conditions cause a person to become addicted to a behavior and be unable to stop performing it, even when it causes damage to their health and life.
Note: Our facility does not treat behavioral addictions as a primary disorder. However, we do treat addiction and most mental health issues that co-occur with it.
Complications of Untreated Addiction
Untreated addiction can lead to various long-term harmful consequences, which may differ by substance but include:
- Physical health problems: Chronic diseases like liver damage (commonly from alcohol), respiratory problems (from smoking), or infectious diseases (intravenous drug use). Additionally, the risk of overdose, particularly with opioids, is a life-threatening concern.
- Mental health effects: Increased risk of anxiety, depression, and other psychiatric conditions.
- Relationship strain: Damage to personal and professional relationships due to behavioral changes and neglect.
- Financial problems: Legal issues, job loss, and increased healthcare costs associated with addiction.
Addressing addiction early is crucial to preventing these serious complications.
Addiction Treatment Options in Stuart, Florida
In Stuart, Florida, you can access a range of comprehensive treatment options at Harmony Treatment and Wellness. Our programs are designed to address both alcohol and drug use disorders.
Recovery services are tailored to meet the unique needs of each person and include:
Medical detox is the first crucial step in the treatment process. This involves the supervised withdrawal from substances in a safe environment.
Our healthcare professionals monitor patients to manage withdrawal symptoms and provide necessary interventions. These can include medications to ease cravings, bringing down high blood pressure or heart rates, and monitoring breathing.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) combines medications with counseling and behavioral therapies. This approach is particularly effective for opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorders, helping to reduce cravings, prevent opioid overdose, and maintain recovery.
At Harmony Treatment and Wellness, we will find the right medication for your needs, help you work through withdrawal, and monitor your progress throughout your program.
Outpatient programs offer flexibility for people seeking treatment while they maintain daily responsibilities. These programs typically include therapy sessions and group support, allowing patients to engage with their community while working on their recovery.
The main types of outpatient treatment we offer at Harmony include:
- Partial hospitalization programs: therapy, counseling, and education 3-5 days per week, 4-6 hours per day
- Intensive outpatient treatment: similar services to PHPs, but with less of a time requirement and more suited to people who are further in recovery
- Outpatient services: Available as needed to people in long-term recovery, including therapy, support groups, counseling, and other services
Therapy is one of the most important elements in our comprehensive treatment programs for both addiction and mental health.
Some of the most effective therapies we offer include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) which helps you stop negative thought patterns and behaviors and replace them with ways to cope
- Individual therapy for one-on-one support
- Group therapy for peers to connect and support each other
- Family therapy to help families heal from shared issues and effects of addiction
- Twelve-step facilitation therapy which helps you recover through reliance on a higher power
- Trauma Recovery/EMDR Therapy to help you heal from the trauma that may contribute to addiction
- Holistic approaches: that promote overall well-being by integrating physical, mental, and emotional care such as mindfulness meditation, yoga, and adventure therapy
Comprehensive mental health treatment is essential, as many people with substance use disorders also experience co-occurring mental health conditions. Treatment includes therapy and psychiatric support to address these complex needs.
At Harmony Treatment and Wellness, we tailor your treatment program to address your addiction as well as your mental health.
Now is the perfect time to begin to heal!
Find Quality Addiction Treatment at Harmony Treatment and Wellness
At Harmony Treatment and Wellness in Stuart, Florida, you can find high-quality addiction treatment that’s built to your needs. Our facility offers a holistic approach, combining medical detox, medication-assisted treatment, and a variety of therapeutic programs.
With a focus on personalized care, Harmony’s dedicated healthcare providers design treatment plans that address both substance use and co-occurring mental health issues.
At Harmony Treatment and Wellness, support is readily available to help you become your best self. Contact us today to get started.
Most Insurance Accepted
We work with most major insurance carriers and offer a range of options to fit your lifestyle and financial means
Addiction FAQs
Addiction treatment typically involves a combination of treatments, such as medical detox, therapy, medication-assisted treatment, and support groups.
Treatment plans may include individual therapy, group therapy, and involve family members through family counseling to address underlying issues and promote recovery.
While addiction is not considered curable in the traditional sense, it can be managed effectively. Many individuals can achieve long-term recovery and lead fulfilling lives with ongoing support and lifestyle changes.
The duration of addiction treatment varies based on individual needs, the severity of addiction, and the type of treatment program. Some may complete treatment in a few weeks, while others may require several months or longer for comprehensive care.
Success rates for overcoming addiction can vary. Studies suggest that approximately 40-60% of individuals may relapse after treatment, but ongoing support, therapy, and lifestyle changes can significantly improve recovery odds.
Sources
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. “Drug Misuse and Addiction.” Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction. Accessed October 18, 2024. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/drug-misuse-addiction.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (n.d.). Understanding drug abuse and addiction. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved from https://nida.nih.gov/sites/default/files/understanding.pdf
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2022). 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Detailed tables. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/reports/rpt39443/2021NSDUHFFRRev010323.pdf
- Drexel University College of Medicine. “Diagnostic Criteria for Substance Use Disorders.” National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Module 2: Introduction to Substance Use Disorders. Accessed October 18, 2024. https://webcampus.med.drexel.edu/nida/module_2/content/5_0_AbuseOrDependence.htm.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (n.d.). Drugs, brains, and behavior: The science of addiction – Treatment & Recovery. Accessed October 21, 2024 Retrieved from https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/treatment-recovery
Let’s talk about how we can help.
A Life in Recovery Can be Yours.
You deserve to become your best self. With decades of combined experience in the field of addiction medicine, our staff knows what it takes to build a foundation for recovery.