No one sets out with the intention of falling into the trap of addiction. Often it happens through forces that are well beyond our control. No matter the reason, when substance use turns into a disorder, it’s time to seek addiction help from a professional rehab center in Georgia.

Agreeing that it’s time to seek addiction help takes courage and strength. It might even be a little frightening, but that’s OK. 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.

Don’t waste any additional time wondering about the need for addiction help. Your future is too precious. We have various treatment options, including an intensive outpatient program that allows you to continue your life outside of treatment while still getting the help you need.

What is Addiction?

In the simplest possible terms, addiction is a disease of the brain — no different, really, than the disease of any other organ. 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 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.

But 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 “use disorder.”

Addiction is considered a brain disease because by drinking or using drugs, you are altering the natural chemical balance of your brain. Your brain comes to depend on the drugs or alcohol and — if they aren’t forthcoming — triggers withdrawal symptoms.

Withdrawal Symptoms — What are They?

Withdrawal is a 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 — even life-threatening. 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

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 and Other Parts of Treatment

Detox represents the first stage of addiction help programs. It is fundamental to being able to take the next steps toward recovery. The reason: Having drugs or alcohol in your system will interfere with counseling and other support.

The process of detox takes many forms and will depend on your own situation. Some addictions are harder to break than others. But 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.

The Addiction Help You Deserve

Having the courage to admit you need addiction help is an important step toward recovery. Because the forces of addiction are so strong, you’re right to consider professional help. The experienced team at Georgia Addiction Treatment Center is here for you. We focus our care on you as a total individual, supporting your physical and mental well-being at every step. We also devote ourselves to your safety and comfort, in a non-hospital setting designed to help you progress.

Georgia Addiction Treatment Center staff provides a full set of rehab and recovery services, including intensive outpatient treatment, outpatient treatment, and partial hospitalization. Contact a counselor at [Direct] for a confidential consultation to get started.

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