Understand the Dangerous Cycle of Addiction

The challenge of getting through one day to the next puts a great deal of pressure on anyone dealing with an addiction to drugs or alcohol. The stress an individual undergoes leads them to drink or abuse drugs. That substance abuse, in turn, puts more pressure on their social, professional, and personal life, increasing the stress they are feeling. The cycle of addiction takes its toll and seldom leaves any prisoners unless help comes along. Surprisingly, very few people have an understanding of how addiction even begins.

This cycle of addiction is compounded when individuals are also struggling with a mental health issue like depression, anxiety, or trauma. Often, drugs or alcohol are abused as a form of self-medicating, allowing individuals to experience a momentary reprieve. Unfortunately, substance abuse only masks the issues individuals are dealing with and routinely makes the conditions worse. Therefore, individuals must find support so they can heal from the disease of addiction. At Beaches Recovery, we understand the cycle of addiction and how to break it so individuals can recover. Our dual diagnosis treatment program addresses the mental aspects of addiction and the emotional and physical dimensions of healing the whole person.

The Cycle of Addiction Explained

Understanding the cycle of addiction goes a long way towards both the prevention and recognition of the disease. It starts with a need to insulate oneself from stress, anger, or frustration. Many people have a belief that drugs and alcohol offer the opportunity for relaxation or euphoria. Who doesn’t want that when they are troubled?

Very few people start drinking or using drugs to become addicted. However, they find the relief they so desire. The next time they feel troubled, they know where to turn. Before long, the desire to escape life’s problems becomes an obsession, and drugs and alcohol become the cure.

As the brain gets massaged into thinking that’s the life it wants, the addiction sets in, leaving the individual helpless. There may be several promises to stop the behavior, but the test comes, and failure seems imminent. Unfortunately, it usually takes a personal crisis or unfortunate event before the addicted person gets the message and seeks help.

Seeking Treatment

The first step towards getting help requires that the individual admit they have a problem and want help. At that point, treatment from a reputable drug and alcohol rehab center becomes the path to recovery.

The process might require a stint in a detox to clear the brain of the physiological need for drugs and alcohol. After detox, it usually takes intensive therapy to pinpoint the reasons addiction occurred. By the time treatment has concluded, the patient should have the life skills needed for relapse prevention and ongoing sobriety.

Beaches Recovery – A Premiere Rehab Option

Beaches Recovery facility operates as a top rehab center in Jacksonville, Florida. We offer a comprehensive treatment program that includes detox services, individualized therapy and counseling, and aftercare programs to help patients stay sober. Because we choose to treat each patient as a unique individual, we use a variety of treatment options, including:

• Outpatient and intensive outpatient program
• Inpatient – primary and extended care programs
• Partial hospitalization program
• Residential drug rehab treatment
• Family counseling

With a better understanding of the cycle of addiction, we hope it has spurred you to look realistically at your addiction and seek help. If so, we urge you to contact Beaches Recovery at 866.605.0532. With the right commitment and focus, you have every reason to believe recovery and a better way of living will be yours. The good news is we are here to help you get that which you deserve.