No matter what you are going through, treatment and resources are available. Recovery Cove offers substance abuse treatment in Easton PA that has proven to be effective for most individuals. Evidence-based therapies are among the most effective treatments, but we also offer a wide range of complementary therapies to support the healing journey.
If you are considering substance abuse treatment for yourself or a loved one, please contact Recovery Cove today at 484-549-COVE or fill out our contact form and someone will contact you shortly. Below is more information about substance abuse treatment and what you can expect from our personalized addiction recovery services.
What is a Substance Use Disorder?
Alcoholism and drug dependence are known as substance use disorders. They are complex problems that require treatment, usually in the form of counseling, therapy and medication. At one time, people with these disorders were thought to have a moral weakness or character defect. While some people still believe this to be true, it is not the case.
Today, most researchers believe that substance use disorders are long-term disorders that require treatment, just like diabetes, hypertension or asthma. What’s difficult to understand is why some people develop substance use disorders and others do not. However, substance use disorders can affect anyone regardless of their age, race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status or employment status.
How Do Substance Use Disorders Develop?
While researchers aren’t sure exactly what causes substance use disorders, it’s believed that multiple factors are at play, including a person’s genetics, environment, psychological traits and stress levels. People typically use substances to alleviate stress, reward themselves or self-treat symptoms of mental illness, but only some become addicted.
When a person uses drugs or alcohol, changes occur in the brain. This happens because drugs and alcohol trigger the brain with an excess of dopamine - 10 times more than a natural reward. The brain remembers this and associates it with substance use, prompting the individual to repeat their actions.
Over time, the brain’s circuits adapt and become less sensitive to dopamine, making it difficult to achieve pleasure from normal, everyday activities. Achieving that pleasurable feeling is what drives the person to continue seeking out substances, and at the same time, they are also building tolerance and needing more and more of the substance to reach the desired effects.
Breaking the Stereo types
The media often portray people with substance use disorders as being unproductive, unemployed, criminal and even homeless. However, many people who are dependent on drugs or alcohol are actually leading normal lives - with jobs and families to care for. They do not fit this stereotype.
As a result, it’s easy to dismiss someone’s drinking or drug use as being casual when they’re meeting their expectations. Unfortunately, addiction is a disease that tends to progress over time. Recognizing that a person has a problem early on offers the best chances for recovery.
Symptoms of Substance Abuse
Now that you know the importance of recognizing the signs of substance use in yourself or those around you, let’s talk about what you should be looking for.
- Physical dependence or withdrawal symptoms. When a person with addiction decreases or stops taking substances, they will experience withdrawal symptoms. This is what makes it so hard to quit. Withdrawal symptoms vary depending on the drug but often include nausea, sweating, anxiety, insomnia and irritability.
- Tolerance happens when a person needs higher amounts of substances to achieve the desired effects.
- Cravings include strong desires or urges to return to substance use. It’s a primary symptom of addiction, and it drives a person to continue using despite negative consequences.
- Loss of control. Often, people with substance use disorders can’t stop once they start. They drink more or take more drugs than intended.
Outpatient Treatment Services for Substance Use Disorders
Even though addiction is not curable, it is treatable. And, with so many treatment options available, it’s possible to find the ideal treatment program for your needs. Recovery Cove offers comprehensive substance abuse treatment in Easton PA that helps clients accept their diagnosis, manage their symptoms, work through issues of trauma and build a life that embraces sobriety.
The outpatient programs we have available are:
Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
Our PHP lets you live at home while receiving a high level of care, similar to what you would receive in a residential program. You will spend your days participating in individual, group and family sessions, attending addiction education seminars and meetings and engaging in other activities that promote a healthy lifestyle.
Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
Our IOP is a step down from PHP, with the difference being that you will attend therapy fewer hours a week. However, you will still receive a structured and tailored treatment plan, as well as support transitioning to everyday life. With more time outside of treatment, many clients gradually return to work or school.
Outpatient program (OP)
The lowest level of care is our OP, which offers the most flexibility and freedom. You may only need to come to therapy a couple days a week, allowing you to start building back your life. Treatment is also less intensive and focuses more on reinforcing the skills and techniques learned in treatment.
Why Does it Take So Long to Recover from Substance Use?
Substance use disorders affect every aspect of a person’s life. This means that treatment must address all of them as well. In other words, sobriety isn’t just about quitting drug and alcohol use. It also involves learning new ways to cope with stress, anger and social situations, as well as finding new ways to have fun without substances. This can take time.
It’s also important to note that many people enter substance abuse treatment due to pressures from their friends, family, coworkers or the legal system. They may not see the extent of their problem or even be willing to make the necessary changes to stay sober. It takes time for people to admit their problem and want to change themselves.
Start Your Recovery from Substance Abuse
With the right treatment program, you can take hold of your life and overcome your dependence on drugs or alcohol. Recovery Cove offers comprehensive care for individuals in need, including group and individual counseling, family therapy, education, life skills training, relapse prevention training, orientation to self-help groups, treatment for mental health disorders and more.
With our personalized, comprehensive care, you can ensure that you get the attention you need to heal from the root causes of your addiction, as well as learn new ways to cope. To start your journey and begin building a life of sobriety, contact Recovery Cove at 484-549-COVE.
