What is Addiction?
Addiction is a complex disease of the brain. It focuses on the brain’s reward system in particular. This condition manifests in compulsive behaviors, most often around consuming drugs or alcohol; however, addiction is also associated with behaviors that trigger the reward system, such as sex or gambling. When you are addicted, you’re compulsively using a substance, or exhibiting compulsive behavior.
In that sense, it’s important to recognize that addiction does not really have anything to do with quantity — how much you drink or how many drugs you consume. Of course, excessive use of these substances can set the forces in motion that lead to addiction. When you continue to drink, or use drugs, even when bad things happen — troubles with the law, at work, at school — you meet the definition of addiction. In the language of doctors, you have what’s called a “Substance Abuse Disorder.” Once addicted treatment will most likely be needed to break the chains of the addiction.
Why Do People Become Addicted in Canada?
No one sets out with the intention of falling into the trap of addiction. There can certainly be indicators that one person may be more susceptible to becoming addicted than another person but even that is not an exact science. Accidents or injuries where prescription drugs have been prescribed, childhood traumas or abuse, PTSD or even genetics can play a role in creating an addiction to drugs or alcohol but no one really truly knows why some people cross over the line and become addicted and others do not. Often addiction happens through forces that are well beyond the control of the person using. No matter the reason, when substance use turns into a disorder, it’s time to seek addiction help from a professional drug or alcohol detox and treatment centre in Canada.
An addiction can leave a person feeling lost and alone. They may feel as though no one really understands them and what they are going through. They may be convinced that they are the only person dealing with this illness and may not even recognize it as an illness. Many Canadians who are addicted will feel ashamed, defeated and demoralized.
When is Treatment and Intervention Required?
Signs that Addiction Treatment is Needed:
- Taking more of a substance than intended, and/or taking it for longer than intended
- Wanting to quit but being unable to stop using the drug
- Spending a lot of time acquiring and consuming a substance, and then recovering from the comedown or hangover
- Continual urges to use the substance
- Inability to perform regular tasks at work or school due to substance use
- Continuing to abuse drugs or alcohol even when there is a negative impact on relationships
- Giving up hobbies, activities, social events, or other aspects of life to abuse more of a substance
- Abusing drugs or alcohol repeatedly despite legal, financial, and/or physical danger
- Experiencing negative physical and/or psychological effects associated with the substance, but continuing to abuse it anyway
- Needing to take more of a substance to feel the original level of intoxication (tolerance)
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit or when unable to take the substance
Agreeing that it’s time to seek addiction help takes courage and strength. It might even be a little frightening. In taking that first step, you are setting forces in motion that will bring you to a better day. Addiction help consists of proven processes to help wean you off drugs or alcohol and guide you to a deeper understanding of the forces surrounding you.
Withdrawal Symptoms — What are They?
By drinking alcohol or using drugs, you are altering the natural chemical balance of your brain. Your brain comes to depend on drugs or alcohol and if they aren’t forthcoming will trigger withdrawal symptoms.
Withdrawal is the function of addiction that makes treatment so challenging. When the brain is deprived of the chemicals it is looking for, it leads to periods of withdrawal. Withdrawal manifests itself through physical symptoms and can be extremely painful with some drugs even life-threatening (especially if one is detoxing from alcohol).
Withdrawal symptoms vary according to the type of drug or alcohol, but generally include things like:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fevers
- Difficulty sleeping
- Agitation and anxiety
- Diarrhea
- Dilated pupils
- Full-body chills
Private Drug and Alcohol Detox in Canada:
Addiction help requires a stage known as “detox,” where your withdrawal symptoms are carefully managed medically to keep you safe and as comfortable as possible.
Detox represents the first stage of addiction help programs. It is fundamental to being able to take the next steps toward recovery from drugs or alcohol. Having drugs or alcohol in your system will interfere with counseling and other support you will need in and out of treatment.
The process of detox takes many forms and will depend on your own situation. Some addictions are harder to break than others. Detoxing from some substances (alcohol included) can be deadly if not done in a medical setting. During detox, your medical care team will monitor your condition and address any withdrawal symptoms threatening to cause serious health problems.
A common step in detox is making sure clients remain hydrated, for instance, even in the face of severe vomiting or diarrhea. Drugs can also be used to add comfort and eliminate the anxiety that can come from detoxing. Our goal is to make the detox process as comfortable as possible for you.
Private Drug and Alcohol Treatment and Rehabilitation in Canada:
As with detox, you may need inpatient residential rehabilitation, outpatient rehabilitation, or a combination of both. It is recommended that everyone attend some form of behavior-focused rehabilitation for at least three months after detox is complete to ensure a long term recovery from drugs and alcohol.
Every person is different with different needs. If after your consultation you still feel safe living at home, or you cannot leave work or move away from your family, you may be suitable for a private outpatient treatment program in Canada. However if you don’t have a safe home environment or supportive family and friends a private inpatient treatment is usually the best option. Private drug and alcohol rehab and treatment centres can be found locally or all over the world. We work with only the most accredited and proven centres so you can rest assure you are getting the best individualized treatment for your addiction as possible.
Private Outpatient Treatment Options in Canada:
In this form of treatment clients are expected to attend programs for 9 to 10 hours a week (sometimes more sometimes less); go to work, live at home, and attend safe social events. Most rehabilitation in this option focuses on group therapy, although some individual therapy may be available.
Private Inpatient Residential Treatment Options in Canada:
Residential rehabilitation is where the clients can live at the treatment centre from a few weeks to a year or more. Much of the day is spent in either group or individual therapy. Private treatment centres in Canada and around the world offer many of the comforts of home like private rooms, bathrooms and TVs, along with extra luxuries and services. (gyms, trainers, pools, massage therapy, art therapy, yoga, nutritious meals – the list can be endless). A reputable private drug and alcohol facility should be equipped with medically trained professionals and offer individualized programs catered to the needs of their clients. The centres we work with have all of this and more. Residential rehab can be a good option for people who don’t have a stable home situation, or who need a complete break from their environment.
Long Term Recovery and Aftercare:
Recovery is the final portion of treatment and needs to be able to last a lifetime. When you reach the recovery portion of addiction rehabilitation, you will have most of the tools that you need to remain clean in the future. When you are ready to leave rehab and return home our staff (including counsellors, interventionists and doctors) work with you to ensure you do not relapse once you exit the treatment program. It is important to choose a private rehab centre that has an aftercare program that will work best for you. A good centre will also include family as part of your aftercare plan so they too can understand the addiction and how they can help.
Getting Private Addiction Help for Canadians:
The forces of addiction are strong so having the courage to admit you need help for your addiction is an important step towards your recovery. Our experienced Canadian drug and alcohol professionals are here for you. We focus our care on you as a total individual, supporting your physical and mental well-being at every step. Whether you just need a private treatment centre or a private detox and treatment centre we will help guide you through the process and options available to you.
Keep in mind what treatment option works for one person may not work for another. Sometimes an inpatient treatment option is best and sometimes an outpatient treatment option is a better way to go. Recovery and treatment in Canada should not be a one size fits all system. That is another reason we believe in the private approach to drug and alcohol rehab in Canada. We devote ourselves to your safety and comfort, in non-hospital settings designed to help you progress and get your life back on track.
Our team of local Canadian professional addiction interventionists, believe in supporting you and your family not just while you’re at treatment but after you check out as well. Once you have established a relationship with us, we will be there for you always. Whether you simply have questions or concerns or whether you need additional support in your recovery process we dont turn our backs on you or your family. We are committed to not just get you well, but to help you establish a path that will let you create the life you have always wanted to live free from the chains of addiction.
Do not hesitate to reach out and call us today for your free consultation 1-888-963-9116 or at support@andybhatti.com. We are waiting to help you now and can be meeting with you anywhere in Canada in person within 48 hours.
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