Drug Addiction

Drug Addiction

If you are one of the more than 25 million Americans living with drug addiction, or Substance Use Disorder, life can feel unmanageable. Specialized treatment options are available from licensed addiction counselors with their own personal stories of recovery from addiction. Call (317) 754-0808 or schedule an appointment online today.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is drug addiction?

According to the American Society for Addiction Medicine (ASAM), "Addiction is a treatable, chronic medical disease involving complex interactions among brain circuits, genetics, the environment, and an individual’s life experiences. People with addiction use substances or engage in behaviors that become compulsive and often continue despite harmful consequences. Prevention efforts and treatment approaches for addiction are generally as successful as those for other chronic diseases."

Substance abuse causes symptoms and behaviors including:

  • Feeling a need or urge to use the substance regularly
  • Needing more of the substance to feel the effects
  • Making sure you have a steady supply of the substance or spending money you don’t have on the substance
  • Failing to meet your personal and professional obligations and responsibilities
  • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms

Continued misuse of a substance changes your brain chemistry, making your cravings more intense and difficult to control. Substance abuse also changes the parts of your brain responsible for judgment, decision making, memory, and impulsivity.

What causes drug addiction?

A variety of factors contribute to your risk of developing a substance use disorder. Your genetics and family history also play a role.

Other risk factors for substance use disorders include other mental health conditions, peer pressure, a personal history of neglect, abuse, or trauma, and using drugs at an early age.

How is drug addiction treated?

The Counseling Center offers customized individual therapy sessions to help you resolve any underlying issues that contribute to your substance use disorder and to teach you strategies and tools to control your cravings and impulses. We understand addiction to be a disease that has the potential to affect the entire family. That's why we also offer therapy specifically for the family members of those struggling with the disease of addiction.

We can also direct you toward medical resources for additional support including medication that can help control your physical cravings and withdrawal symptoms. While medicine isn’t a miracle treatment to resolve your addiction issues, it can provide mental clarity so you can focus your energy on learning how to live with sobriety during your therapy sessions.

Call us today at (317) 754-0808 to schedule an appointment. Our receptionists are available 24/7 to assist you.

Learn More About Substance Use Disorders

Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide (Third Edition)

Opioid Dependency Medications

Medicated-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is the use of FDA-approved medications, in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, to provide a “whole-patient” approach to the treatment of substance use disorders

Methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone are used to treat opioid dependence and addiction to short-acting opioids such as heroin, morphine, and codeine, as well as semi-synthetic opioids like oxycodone and hydrocodone. People may safely take medications used in MAT for months, years, several years, or even a lifetime. Plans to stop a medication must always be discussed with a doctor.

Methadone

Methadone tricks the brain into thinking it’s still getting the abused drug. In fact, the person is not getting high from it and feels normal, so withdrawal doesn’t occur. Learn more about methadone.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women must inform their treatment provider before taking methadone. It is the only drug used in MAT approved for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Learn more about pregnant or breastfeeding women and methadone.

Buprenorphine

Like methadone, buprenorphine suppresses and reduces cravings for the abused drug. It can come in a pill form or sublingual tablet that is placed under the tongue. Learn more about buprenorphine.

Naltrexone

Naltrexone works differently than methadone and buprenorphine in the treatment of opioid dependency. If a person using naltrexone relapses and uses the abused drug, naltrexone blocks the euphoric and sedative effects of the abused drug and prevents feelings of euphoria. Learn more about naltrexone.