Safe haven Recovery

Addiction is characterized by an inability to consistently abstain, impairment in behavioral control, craving, diminished recognition of significant problems with one’s behaviors and interpersonal relationships, and a dysfunctional emotional response. Like other chronic diseases, addiction often involves cycles of relapse and remission. Without treatment or engagement in recovery activities, addiction is progressive and can result in disability or premature death.”

 

In other words, addiction to drugs changes your brain. It sets up a pattern of substance use and dependence that destroys lives. Not just yours, but also all those that care about you. With repeated use of substances that change the chemical balance of the brain, the brain adapts and needs the substance to function normally.  When the drug is removed the brain struggles to regain balance and withdrawal is experienced, along with cravings for the drug to relieve the symptoms. The perplexing denial that so often accompanies addictions makes the addict think that they don’t have a problem, or that this time will be different, or that they can handle it, or that no one will know, or that “I’m only hurting myself”, etc.

 

Common characteristics of people addicted to drugs and alcohol include:

• Negative feelings – Drugs and alcohol serve a purpose for users who are often looking to minimize pain and maximize pleasure. Users who become addicted often start because of negative feelings such as sadness, loneliness, discomfort, and restlessness.

• Preoccupation with using – Addiction involves spending a great amount of time thinking about, acquiring, and/or recovering from drugs and alcohol. People who are abusing drugs or alcohol may feel intense craving for their drug of choice and find it difficult to suppress their urges.

• Temporary and short-lived fulfillment – Once a person addicted uses drugs or alcohol, they receive a temporary feeling of “high”. However, satisfaction is often short-lived and followed by urges to use more. In some cases, heavy use of certain drugs, such as alcohol and opioids, can lead to withdrawal symptoms with cessation of use.

• Feeling out of control – As addiction progresses, users may feel as though they are losing control over their thoughts and behaviors. Those with an addiction often report feeling unable to refrain from engaging in drug use.

• Using despite negative consequences – A key feature of addiction is also the continued use of drugs and alcohol despite negative consequences, such as health, financial, and legal problems. People may feel unable to stop despite addiction’s negative impact on several areas of their lives.

 

Common Addictions Treated by Safe Haven Recovery

• Alcohol

• Heroin

• Fentanyl

• Crack/Cocaine

• Xanax

• Marijuana

• Designer Drugs

• Meth

• Prescription Drugs

• Painkillers

• Adderall