With fentanyl and other dangerous substances on the streets, drug addiction (of any kind) is nothing to play around with. Over 71,000 Americans died of drug overdoses in the first nine months last year, which is 50% higher than pre-Covid levels.

Consequently, if you believe your loved one is abusing drugs, there’s no time to waste. To help, you’ll first have to learn the signs of drug addiction. Here’s what you need to know.

Behavioral Signs of Drug Addiction

Not everybody addicted to drugs will behave the same way, especially when using different substances. However, here are some common behavioral signs to watch out for:

• Financial troubles
• Lying about whereabouts
• Spending time with the “wrong crowd”
• Poor grooming
• Covering body parts (i.e. needle marks on arms)
• Poor work performance
• Loss of interest in hobbies
• Defensiveness about substance use

Of course, these don’t necessarily spell “drug abuse” on their own. Let’s talk about the physical signs of drug issues.

Physical Signs of Drug Addiction

Behavioral signs on their own don’t necessarily mean much. For a clearer picture, here are some physical signs to look out for:

• Bloodshot eyes
• Constant or sporadic illness
• Shakiness
• Drowsiness
• Weight fluctuation
• Loss of appetite
• Changing skin tone
• Lack of energy or motivation
• Depression or anxiety

As you’d expect, different substances will carry different physical signs. Also, everybody’s bodies respond differently to substances.

Therefore, don’t expect your loved one to exhibit 100% of these symptoms, but if you notice a clear pattern, you may want to look into hosting an intervention.

What to Do About Your Loved One’s Drug Addiction

Finding treatment and talking to your loved one is the best thing you can do, but you have to be careful. Even the most kind-hearted person can erupt when challenged on their addiction. It’s simply the nature of the disease.

Find treatment ahead of time and choose a time when your loved one is sober. Sit them down and explain why they should consider treatment, and do your best to avoid judgment. Don’t invite anyone to this intervention who may cause unnecessary tension, regardless of how they may feel about it.

Once you have treatment options available, have a backup just in case. If they refuse to seek treatment, don’t follow them or press them. You’ve planted the seed, so give them space for now and avoid making it worse.

There are many treatment options available, such as an inpatient program. With an inpatient program, your loved one can have all of the care they need, around-the-clock access, and a controlled, substance-free environment. From there, they can focus on rebuilding their lives sober.

If inpatient isn’t an option, Excel Treatment Center offers a wide variety of treatment programs. Take a look at what we have to offer, or call us for more information.

Choose the Right Treatment Today

Now that you know the most common signs of drug addiction, keep an eye on your loved one. The clock is ticking, and the sooner they get treatment, the better. If you believe they are abusing drugs, intervene as soon as possible, and make sure you have the treatment plan they need.

Keep reading our blog for our latest recovery tips, and contact us with any questions or for help finding a program to help your loved one.

Substance use disorder (SUD) is one of the most serious problems facing the US today. Believe it or not, 1 in 10 Americans suffer from SUD at some point, and 75% never receive treatment.

Fortunately, help is available for those in need. However, choosing the right program with so many options can be difficult. Let’s compare outpatient and inpatient rehab to see which is right for you.

What Is Outpatient Rehab?

Outpatient addiction treatment can come in many forms. These can include therapist appointments, doctor visits, support groups, and more. One of the most common examples of this is Alcoholics Anonymous, or AA, with over two million active members.

Sometimes, outpatient programs can be cohesive and tailored more toward your specific needs. Some can be intensive, taking up most of your schedule, whereas some can be voluntary and on your own time.

Regardless, outpatient programs mean that you live at home. This allows you to seek treatment with minimal disruptions to your daily life.

What Is Inpatient Rehab?

Inpatient programs can also take many forms. They may even include everything an outpatient program could offer. The critical difference is that you live at the inpatient rehab facility throughout your treatment.

Moreover, this is likely what you think of when you hear the word “rehab.” The benefit of an inpatient program is that you can have around-the-clock access to treatment services while living in a controlled, substance-free environment.

For 30, 60, or even 90 days, you can fully dedicate your time to learning new skills, enjoying recreational activities, and building a sober and fulfilling life.

Which Is Better?

Of course, different types of rehab may suit different people’s needs better. Without being overly nuanced, let’s explain which option is right for each person.

If you are in early recovery, especially during the detox phase, inpatient programs are likely better. This is the most intensive part of recovery and also the most dangerous. Therefore, having constant access to medical services can potentially save your life.

Also, you don’t have the option to relapse during the most critical period. Inpatient facilities are strictly substance-free. Having a dedicated period away from temptation can help certain people.

However, that’s not to say that outpatient treatments have no value. That’s especially true for intensive outpatient programs or IOPs.

Outpatient programs are excellent for maintaining sobriety after the detox and early recovery stages. Remember, maintenance is the longest (and arguably most challenging) part of recovery.

Also, any treatment is better than no treatment at all. If your busy schedule doesn’t allow you to take 30 days away, an outpatient program can still save your life!

Choose the Right Treatment Program Today

Now that you know the difference between outpatient and inpatient rehab, you can make an informed decision as to what’s right for you. This is one of the most significant decisions of your life, so treat it that way by finding the help you need.

Keep reading our blog for our latest recovery tips, and contact us with any questions or for help finding the right program today!

Alcoholism affects both the person suffering from addiction and their loved ones. The addiction is a common one and often leads to financial strain, relationship breakdowns, and mental health battles.

Through the right kind of treatment, alcoholism is overcome and a happier, healthier life awaits. Below are some alcoholism treatment options available in Dover, NJ.

In-Person Therapy

In-person therapy aids addiction recovery because the person suffering can talk freely. They may be in denial, feel depressed, or feel fear. Whatever they wish to speak about, a trained therapist will show empathy and listen.

During in-person therapy, a patient may undergo Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or CBT. The addict can then challenge and move past these behaviors.

A therapist will work with the person receiving CBT to build a treatment plan based on particular exercises. Excel Treatment Center in Dover, NJ offers one-to-one therapy as part of an alcohol addiction treatment option.

Holistic Therapies

Holistic therapies are an excellent way to both distract from withdrawal and heal from trauma. Trauma has links to addiction, including alcoholism. Holistic therapy enables a patient to find a way to move toward a healthier future.

Some common holistic therapies include art therapy, meditation, and music therapy. These work in conjunction with therapy to explore where the alcohol problem began. They also help those suffering from an addiction to find a new purpose that surpasses the desire to drink.

Inpatient Rehab

During an inpatient rehab program, the person suffering from addiction goes to a residential facility. They stay there for treatment. The facilities make the patient feel welcome and at home.

Detoxification is the most frightening step on the journey to healing from addiction. With the right therapy, those suffering from alcohol addiction are encouraged to give up alcohol for good. Anyone going through detoxification is medically supervised so they have consistent support.

Inpatient rehab is usually intense. However, it is one of the best ways for a person to begin healing from their addiction under professional care.

Following an inpatient treatment plan, patients receive outpatient care. Doing so allows their journey toward recovery to continue.

Group Therapy

Group therapy opens up an empathetic platform for those struggling with alcohol issues. Counselors will encourage those attending to open up about their experience. They can say as much or as little as they like without fear of judgment.

Group therapy is often nerve-wracking for those new to treatment. However, by being around those with shared experiences, people suffering from alcoholism learn to feel comfortable speaking about their addiction.

Learn More About Your Alcoholism Treatment Options

There are plenty of alcoholism treatment options available. They work to rebuild the life of an addict. From in-person therapy and CBT to intensive rehab, alcoholism can be treated and overcome.

For more alcoholism treatment options in Dover, NJ, reach out to our team here.

Medical Article Sources:

Holistic Therapy: Treating Body, Mind, and Spirit for Whole Person Healing, https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/holistic-therapy

Alcohol Detox and Rehab Programs: What to Know, https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/alcohol-detox-programs

Group therapy is as effective as individual therapy, and more efficient. Here’s how to do it successfully, https://www.apa.org/monitor/2023/03/continuing-education-group-therapy

Did you know that 16% of Americans say they smoke marijuana currently and almost half say they’ve tried it? More Americans smoke weed than cigarettes now, but that raises the question: Can you get addicted to cannabis?

If you think you or a loved one might need cannabis addiction treatment, there are a few ways to know for sure. The following guide will cover 5 telltale signs of cannabis addiction to monitor.

Before you take another puff, read on to learn more about weed addiction.

1. Weed Interferes with Daily Life

It’s a sign of cannabis addiction if smoking hurts a person’s usual performance at home, work, or school. Also, if smoking marijuana prevents a person from attending social events or enjoying hobbies, it’s a sign.

Interference in daily life activities is the easiest way to tell if you have an issue with marijuana and might need inpatient rehab.

2. Intense Cravings

If cannabis isn’t available, a user might get a strong urge to use it or experience frustration. Both of those symptoms are signs that the person’s marijuana usage is an issue in their life.

If someone has constant cravings and loses control around using weed, then it’s time for them to pursue the help of a professional.

3. Continuing Problematic Usage

If someone knows they have problems caused by marijuana usage and they continue to do it regardless, it’s a sign of addiction. Ignoring symptoms and making excuses about smoking weed usually means a person is dependent on cannabis.

You might notice that a user no longer keeps up their hygiene or personal appearance. They might also appear tired all the time from lack of sleep and have bloodshot eyes. If the person regularly drives while high on marijuana, it’s another sign of addiction.

4. High Tolerance

You might notice that you or someone you love needs bigger doses of marijuana than they used to. They might start using stronger strains of cannabis to achieve the same effect after smoking for a long time.

In this case, it’s another obvious sign that the person has built up a strong tolerance to weed. Unfortunately, this might lead the person to find other drugs to get the same result marijuana used to produce.

5. Prioritizing Cannabis

If you or a loved one puts too much priority on marijuana, pay close attention to usage and habits. Typically, devoting too much time to weed means other important areas of life get neglected.

It also demonstrates a powerful craving for weed that might hold power over the user. If cannabis becomes a top priority, it usually negatively affects the decision-making of the user.

Treating Cannabis Addiction

The earlier you identify cannabis addiction, the easier it is to treat. Remember this guide and watch out for the 5 signs of weed addiction mentioned to keep your mind, body, and relationships healthy.

You can contact us at the Excel Treatment Center if you have more questions about marijuana addiction and treatment options. Our recovery specialists always treat every patient with understanding, love, and care.

In the United States alone, approximately 2 million adults have a severe gambling addiction, and 4 to 6 million adults have mild to moderate problems. It’s important to remember that gambling addiction can affect people of all ages and backgrounds.

If you’re concerned that you or a loved one could have a gambling addiction, it’s best to take a step back and learn more about this type of addiction. Knowing the signs of a gambling addiction can help you identify these behaviors and get the treatment you need to live a healthy life.

In this guide, you’ll learn about five signs of a gambling addiction you need to watch out for.

1. Lying About Gambling Habits

Lying to hide a gambling problem is a telltale sign you must be aware of. If you find yourself or a loved one attempting to conceal gambling by hiding bank statements or receipts, you need to pay attention.

Key behaviors you’ll notice include lying and saying you’re working late, but in reality, you’re spending the evening gambling.

2. Not Being Able to Stop Gambling

It’s essential to realize that any addiction, including gambling, means that a person cannot stop or even control their behavior.

You can tell the difference when you look at experienced poker players and gamblers who can walk away when they know they’ve hit their spending limit. When gambling turns compulsive, you’re powerless to stop and lose control over the time and money you’re spending.

3. Gambling Until You Have No Money Left

Another significant sign you have gambling issues is gambling to the point that you have no money left. You’ll also find yourself trying to borrow money from other people or even engaging in criminal activities to finance your gambling habits.

Overall, compulsive gambling leads you to gamble your money and other people’s money until the problem gets to a breaking point where you’re forced to stop.

4. Denial of Your Gambling Habits

Denial is a significant sign of addiction that many people overlook, and because of this, they don’t seek the gambling treatment they need.

No matter what the addiction is, the first step in any addiction treatment program is admitting you have a problem. If gambling has taken over your life and finances, and you still won’t admit that it’s become a problem, then you’re in a state of denial.

5. Behavioral Symptoms

A gambling disorder is a condition that involves continued gambling behaviors that can significantly affect your mental health, finances, and relationships. Gambling behaviors affect your brain’s reward center like other addictions, causing you to experience problems with impulse control.

People who gamble experience strong emotions such as:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Isolating themselves
• Suicidal tendencies

In addition, when you have a gambling addiction, you’re at higher risk for mood and anxiety disorders. This is why when you go to a rehab facility, you’ll also receive treatment for co-occurring disorders like PTSD or depression.

Knowing the Signs of a Gambling Addiction

Knowing more about the signs of a gambling addiction can help you identify these signs in yourself or a loved one.

If you need help dealing with a gambling addiction in Dover, NJ, you can turn to Excel Treatment Center. We realize how a gambling addiction can take over your life and will help you overcome your addiction for good.

We’ll provide you with a personalized level of care and create a custom treatment plan that meets your needs. We also offer a comfortable and positive environment that will allow you to recover successfully.

Make sure you contact us today to start the treatment process.