Addiction is a complex illness that causes you to compulsively seek and use a substance or engage in a behavior, even when it is harmful to your health and well-being.
It is usually classified as a brain disorder because there are changes in the brain that remain, even when you have stopped using the drug. Addiction typically causes changes in the parts of the brain that affect self-control, stress, and feelings of reward.
An addiction can be physical, psychological, or both. Psychological addiction is when you feel that you can’t cope with life without drugs. Physical addiction is where your body is dependent on drugs to function normally.
Both types of addiction are equally devastating and can be extremely dangerous if left untreated.
If you have an addiction, it can seem like recovery is an impossible goal. But with commitment and support, lifelong recovery is possible for anyone.
At Cirque Lodge, our individualized recovery programs combine behavioral therapies, experiential therapy, and support groups to offer you the most effective treatment experience.
Our luxury facilities, situated in the spectacular Rocky Mountains, are the perfect place to overcome your addiction, develop new self-management skills, and reconnect you with your love of life.
There are two main types of addiction:
Substance abuse is when you use an illegal drug or use a legal drug not as prescribed.
Taking illegal drugs like heroin and cocaine, or taking prescription drugs at higher doses than prescribed or mixing them with another substance to enhance the effects is substance abuse. If you take prescription drugs to experience pleasurable feelings rather than for their medical benefits, this also constitutes substance abuse.
Overdose is always a risk of substance abuse. This is when you use more drugs or alcohol than your body can handle. It is extremely dangerous and can be fatal. Overdose was the leading cause of injury-related death in the United States in 2019.
Addiction is being unable to stop taking a substance despite knowing it’s harming you. Whatever your reasons for using drugs or alcohol, when you continue to abuse them or continually increase the quantities because your tolerance has increased, this can eventually become an addiction.
Once caught in the cycle of addiction, it’s tough to break the habit alone; however, it is possible. We’ve seen miraculous recoveries – and people with decades of addiction leave us filled with positivity and new hope for the future.
Long-term substance abuse and substance abuse disorders cause serious health problems, and overdose can result in hospitalization or even death.
The side effects of addiction may leave you tired and unmotivated, causing you to be late or absent from work and make it difficult to hold down a steady job. Long-term drug or alcohol abuse also affects your mental ability, and you may find it hard to concentrate and complete tasks effectively. If your job involves driving, a conviction can result in a loss of employment.
If you become addicted to drugs or alcohol, it often becomes the most important thing in your life. You may begin to isolate yourself from others and push away close friends and loved ones.
All tasks that are undertaken while under the influence of drugs or alcohol will carry some risk. Cooking, for example, can result in serious burns and even fire. Driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol also has its own potential risks. While penalties for driving under the influence vary from state to state, most will result in a criminal record and jail time, even for a first offense, and worst case can result in severe injury or death.
Addiction Treatment Recovery from addiction is usually in three stages:
At Cirque Lodge, our treatment program offers you expert support through all three stages.
Rehabilitation takes you through identifying thought patterns and behaviors that cause your addiction and developing the skills to change and overcome them. At Cirque Lodge, our individualized treatment program combines individual and experiential therapy with support groups to offer you the most effective treatment experience possible.
Rehabilitation takes you through identifying thought patterns and behaviors that cause your addiction and developing the skills to change and overcome them. At Cirque Lodge, our individualized treatment program combines individual and experiential therapy with support groups to offer you the most effective treatment experience possible.
After a rehabilitation program, continued support is crucial to help you maintain abstinence from drugs or alcohol
as you continue your recovery journey and return to everyday life.
At Cirque Lodge, we provide you with a
personalized aftercare plan to guide you towards this. We also connect you with local or online groups that you
can attend to expand your support network.
If you or your loved one is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, please call us today at 1-800-582-0709.
