Detox From
Drugs & Alcohol

Drug addiction is one of the most severe public health threats the country currently faces. In 2021, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported, “There were an estimated 100,306 drug overdose deaths in the United States during the 12-month period ending in April 2021, an increase of 28.5% from the 78,056 deaths during the same period the year before.”  Both illegal drugs and prescription medications are widely misused among individuals in every demographic, and the impact of drug addiction is felt throughout communities across the U.S.

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If you or someone close to you has been struggling with a substance use disorder of any type or severity, Princeton Detox & Recovery Center is available to help. Our medical detox program provides individuals with a safe, pain-free drug withdrawal while actively preparing them to take the next appropriate step on their personal journeys of recovery. We are dedicated to providing accessible and effective treatment options to those in need. If you would like to learn more about our clinical addiction treatment program or if you would like to begin healing from the devastation of drug addiction, contact us today.

Specific Substances & Illicit Drugs

Drug addiction is a chronic, relapsing health condition that affects millions of Americans on an annual basis. No one is exempt from developing an addiction — physical and psychological dependence can happen to anyone, regardless of gender, personal background, race, or income level. The type of substance you use will impact how quickly you develop an addictive disorder and the type and severity of associated symptoms you experience. The National Institute on Drug Abuse outlines the most commonly used substances, breaking them down into several categories. According to NIDA, the chemical substances which are most frequently used throughout the country include:

Drug addiction comes in many forms. Because the symptoms associated with drug addiction vary so significantly, the best treatment options will vary on a person-to-person basis. In most cases, a short stay in a medical detox center comes as a recommended first step on the road to recovery, regardless of the specific substance involved. At Princeton Detox & Recovery Center we effectively treat the symptoms of drug withdrawal while developing personalized plans for continuing care. Contact us today to learn more. 

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Drug Abuse vs. Drug Addiction

What is the difference between drug abuse and drug addiction? When a person abuses a drug, they are either using a medication other than as prescribed by a medical professional, or using an illegal drug in any capacity. When a person develops a drug addiction, it means they have become physically and psychologically dependent on a chemical substance and cannot quit without some degree of professional help. 

What Is Drug Abuse?

The National Cancer Institute defines drug abuse as, “The use of illegal drugs or the use of prescription or over-the-counter drugs for purposes other than those for which they are meant to be used, or in excessive amounts. Drug abuse may lead to social, physical, emotional, and job-related problems.” Because substance use disorders are progressive, many individuals who abuse drugs will eventually become addicted if they do not take steps to stop using their substance of choice. The duration of time it takes to develop a physical and psychological dependence depends on several factors, including how much of the substance the individual is using on a daily basis, what substance is being used, and whether or not there are any co-occurring disorders present. 

What Is Drug Addiction?

Drug addiction, on the other hand, is a diagnosable condition that will require some degree of professional treatment in order to be successfully overcome. Whereas someone who is abusing drugs can typically stop on their own or with minimal intervention, someone who is addicted to drugs will have an extremely difficult time quitting or cutting back on their own — even if they have been experiencing personal consequences directly related to their addiction. The National Institute on Drug Abuse states, “Many people don’t understand why or how other people become addicted to drugs. They may mistakenly think that those who use drugs lack moral principles or willpower and that they could stop their drug use simply by choosing to. In reality, drug addiction is a complex disease, and quitting usually takes more than good intentions or a strong will. Drugs change the brain in ways that make quitting hard, even for those who want to.” 

If you or someone you love has developed a drug addiction and is looking for help, Princeton Detox & Recovery Center is available. Our comprehensive medical detox program helps pave the road for continued sobriety while providing clients with a safe and comfortable drug withdrawal. Contact us today to learn more. 

Risk Factors for Drug Addiction

There are a number of risk factors that might make an individual more prone to the development of a substance use disorder. However, there are many chemical substances that are highly addictive regardless of who uses them and in what context. For example, methamphetamine and heroin are highly addictive, and an individual can develop a physical and psychological dependence after only several uses of these drugs regardless of whether or not they have any pre-existing risk factors. 

Risk factors include:

  • Genetic predisposition/family history of substance use or addiction. 
  • Environmental factors. 
  • Underlying mental illnesses, like depression or anxiety. 
  • Unresolved trauma or PTSD. 
  • Behavioral addictions, like gambling addiction or an eating disorder. 
  • Age of initial use (those who use drugs earlier in life have a greater risk of developing an addiction). 
  • Substance of choice. 
  • Method of substance use (those who use drugs intravenously tend to have higher rates of physical and psychological dependence, for example). 
  • Access to early prevention and education. 

Ready To Begin Your Detox?

We Offer A Safe & Effective Program

Don’t let addiction control your life.
Call us today and let’s get you started on the path to a better you.

(888) 693-1769

Signs and Symptoms of Drug Addiction

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V) outlines the signs and symptoms associated with drug addiction. If you have two or more of the following symptoms, reaching out for some degree of professional help is a good idea. 

  1. You use drugs more often than you intend to in greater amounts than intended. 
  2. You have attempted to cut back or quit on your own with limited success. 
  3. You spend a significant amount of time obtaining, using, and recovering from the effects of your drug of choice. 
  4. You often experience intense cravings for your substance of choice. 
  5. You have started to neglect personal obligations and responsibilities because of your drug use. 
  6. You have experienced interpersonal problems as a direct result of your substance use (issues with friends and family). 
  7. You neglect activities and hobbies you previously enjoyed in order to use drugs.
  8. You engage in risk-taking behaviors while under the influence of drugs, like combining your substance of choice with other chemical substances or driving while intoxicated. 
  9. You continue to use your substance of choice despite worsening symptoms of a pre-existing physical or mental health issue. 
  10.  You develop a physical tolerance, meaning more of the substance is required in order for the desired effects to be produced. 
  11.  You experience withdrawal symptoms when you abruptly stop using your drug of choice.

Mental Effects

There are both short and long-term mental effects associated with drug use. Effects depend heavily on the specific substance being used and whether or not the individual was previously suffering from a mental illness. Common mental effects of drug use or dependence include:

  • Mood swings.
  • Increased irritability and agitation. 
  • Angry or violent outbursts. 
  • New or worsening symptoms of anxiety.
  • New or worsening symptoms of depression. 
  • Panic attacks. 
  • Suicidal ideation or attempts. 
  • Problems with concentration and memory. 

 Physical Effects

There are many short and long-term physical effects of drug use. These effects range in severity, and depend heavily on several factors including the type of substance being used and the presence of any pre-existing chronic health conditions. Common physical effects of drug use and dependence include:

  • Increased risk of cancer. 
  • Liver and kidney disease. 
  • Cardiovascular issues and heart disease. 
  • Significant changes to weight. 
  • Malnourishment. 
  • Gastrointestinal and digestive issues. 
  • Severe dental problems. 
  • Skin lesions, infections, and abscesses. 
  • Increased risk of accident or injury. 

Preventing Drug Addiction

Can the development of drug addiction be prevented? In short, yes — but the only fool-proof way to avoid developing an addictive disorder is by completely avoiding all mood and mind-altering substances and maintaining total abstinence. For many individuals, completely avoiding all chemical substances is unrealistic. However, research shows that outreach and education concerning the dangers of illicit drug use have been beneficial in helping reduce addiction cases. 

The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports, “Results from NIDA-funded research have shown that prevention programs involving families, schools, communities, and the media are effective for preventing or reducing drug use and addiction. Although personal events and cultural factors affect drug use trends, when young people view drug use as harmful, they tend to decrease their drug taking. Therefore, education and outreach are key in helping people understand the possible risks of drug use. Teachers, parents, and health care providers have crucial roles in educating young people and preventing drug use and addiction.”

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Sources:
  1. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/nchs_press_releases/2021/20211117.htm
  2. https://nida.nih.gov/sites/default/files/cadchart.pdf
  3. https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/drug-abuse
  4. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/understanding-drug-use-addiction