Addictions We Treat
South Coast Behavioral Health is dedicated to providing comprehensive care for individuals struggling with a wide range of addictions.
Addiction is a complex and chronic brain disorder characterized by the compulsive use of a substance or engagement in a behavior despite negative consequences. It affects millions of people worldwide, transcending age, gender, and socioeconomic boundaries. Common substances of addiction include alcohol, drugs (both legal and illicit), and prescription medications. Behaviors such as gambling, Internet use, and even excessive shopping can also be addictive.
At South Coast Behavioral Health, our addiction treatment addresses the specific needs of individuals struggling with alcohol or drug addiction, offering hope and support on the path to recovery.
What Is Addiction?
Addiction, in the context of drugs and alcohol, is a complex and chronic brain disorder characterized by the compulsive and uncontrollable use of substances, despite negative consequences. It profoundly impacts an individual’s physical and psychological well-being, leading to a cycle of dependence that can be incredibly challenging to break.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V), outlines criteria for diagnosing Substance Use Disorder (SUD). SUD is categorized based on the severity of symptoms and includes features like:
- Taking the substance in larger amounts or for longer periods than intended.
- A persistent desire or unsuccessful attempts to cut down or control substance use.
- Spending a significant amount of time obtaining, using, or recovering from the effects of the substance.
- Craving or a strong desire to use the substance.
- Failing to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home due to substance use.
- Continued use despite social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by substance use.
- Giving up or reducing important social, occupational, or recreational activities because of substance use.
- Using substances in situations where it is physically hazardous.
- Continued use despite knowing it is causing or worsening a physical or psychological problem.
- Tolerance, or needing more of the substance to achieve the desired effect or experiencing reduced effects with the same amount.
- Withdrawal symptoms when substance use is reduced or stopped.
Understanding addiction is crucial to addressing its profound impact on individuals and society. Effective interventions include prevention, treatment, and support services aimed at helping individuals overcome substance use disorders and regain control of their lives.
Addictions We Treat
South Coast Behavioral Health is dedicated to providing comprehensive care for individuals struggling with a wide range of addictions. Our expertise extends to treating the following addictions:
Alcohol Addiction
Alcohol addiction, also known as alcoholism or alcohol use disorder, is a chronic disease characterized by a person’s inability to control their drinking habits despite it negatively impacting their life. The damage chronic alcohol consumption can do to both a person’s physical and mental health is profound, leading to long-term damage to the liver, brain, and heart.
At our treatment center, we offer comprehensive alcohol addiction treatment, combining medical detox, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), medication management, counseling, and long-term support to help individuals regain control over their lives and achieve complete and lasting recovery.
Drug Addiction
Drug addiction is a broad topic encompassing a range of substances ranging from cocaine to marijuana to opioid painkillers. Whether someone struggles with prescription medications or illicit drugs, drug addiction has a devastating toll on both the body and the mind, not to mention a person’s relationships and life prospects.
Our personalized drug addiction treatment programs focus on medical detox, medication-assisted treatment, therapy, drug addiction counseling, and holistic treatment services to promote long-term recovery. All of South Coast’s detox, inpatient, outpatient, and aftercare services work to provide the clinical guidance and support to help individuals break free from the cycle of drug addiction.
Prescription Drug Addiction
Prescription drug addiction can develop when individuals misuse medications like opioids, benzodiazepines, or stimulants, often leading to physical dependence and severe health risks. Though these medications are prescribed to treat legitimate conditions, overuse or misuse can quickly result in addiction. For those struggling to quit, our comprehensive treatment program addresses both the physical withdrawal symptoms and the underlying factors driving prescription drug dependence.
Stimulant Addiction
Stimulant addiction can occur when individuals abuse illicit stimulants like cocaine and meth or misuse prescription stimulants like Adderall or Ritalin. Unfortunately, those who use these drug often develop a stimulant addiction due to the way they alter brain function. Stimulants increase levels of dopamine in the brain, which is a neurotransmitter responsible for pleasure and reward. This surge of dopamine creates intense feelings of euphoria and energy, making users want to replicate this experience again and again. As a result, stimulant abuse often leads to a range of negative consequences, including physical and mental health problems, financial struggles, strained relationships, and legal issues.
Meth Addiction
Methamphetamine, or meth for short, is a powerful and highly addictive stimulant that severely impacts the central nervous system. Long-term use can lead to extreme weight loss, dental issues (“meth mouth”), and severe mental health problems like paranoia and hallucinations.
Our meth addiction treatment includes medically supervised detox and therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational enhancement therapy, and contingency management to address both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction.
Cocaine Addiction
Cocaine originates from the Coca plant in South America. It’s extracted from the leaves of the plant and commonly processed into powder, though it can also take the form of a rock (“crack”) or even a liquid. That can quickly lead to addiction. It’s a powerful stimulant that increases energy and euphoria but can also quickly lead to addiction. Cocaine abuse comes with a high risk of heart attack, stroke, and severe emotional disturbances.
At our South Coast, we provide evidence-based treatments to help individuals overcome cocaine addiction, including medical detox services, therapies like CBT and contingency management, and long-term recovery planning.
Opioid Addiction
Opioid addiction is a nationwide crisis fueled by the misuse of prescription painkillers and illicit drugs like heroin and fentanyl. These substances are highly addictive and can lead to overdose if not treated properly. Our opioid addiction program focuses on medically supervised detox, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and counseling to give individuals the tools they need for lasting recovery.
Heroin Addiction
Heroin is a powerful opioid drug that can quickly lead to profound physical dependence, as well as life-threatening overdoses. While generally an illegal substance, there are prescription forms such as Vicodin and Loratab that can lead people down the path of addiction if not used carefully.
Quitting heroin without professional help can be extremely challenging due to its wrenching and dangerous withdrawal symptoms. Our heroin addiction treatment program includes medical detox, MAT to manage cravings, medication management, and intensive therapy.
Fentanyl Addiction
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that has emerged at the center of the ongoing opioid crisis. It’s a synthetic drug produced in laboratories rather than extracted from an opium poppy plant. Significantly more powerful than traditional opioids like heroin, fentanyl is responsible for a growing number of overdose deaths due to its potency – it’s said an amount the size of a penny is enough to kill someone.
South Coast Behavioral Health offers a highly specialized program for fentanyl addiction, including life-saving medical detox protocols, medication-assisted treatment, and comprehensive therapy to ensure a full recovery.
Codeine Addiction
Codeine is a prescription opioid commonly found in cough syrups and pain medications. While considered less potent than other opioids, it is still highly addictive. On the street, it’s known as “purple” when mixed with promethazine. Individuals struggling with codeine addiction often require structured medical detox and behavioral therapy. Codeine addiction treatment provides the support needed to safely withdraw from codeine and avoid relapse.
Hydrocodone Addiction
Commonly sold under the brand name Vicodin, hydrocodone is frequently prescribed for pain management but carries a high risk of addiction. Prolonged use can lead to physical dependence, and withdrawal symptoms can be severe. Our hydrocodone addiction treatment program includes medically supervised detox and personalized therapy to address both the physical and psychological components of addiction.
Hydromorphone Addiction
As with other opioids, hydromorphone can lead to physical dependence, making it difficult to quit without professional help. Addiction to hydromorphone carries significant risks, including overdose, respiratory issues, and long-term health complications. At South Coast, we offer a safe and medically supervised detox process, followed by therapy and support tailored to address the root causes of hydromorphone addiction. Our goal is to help individuals break free from hydromorphone dependence and build a foundation for lasting recovery.
Benzodiazepine Addiction
Benzodiazepines are prescription drugs meant to treat anxiety or insomnia, but they can also be highly addictive. Common brands include Xanax, Klonopin, and Valium. Withdrawal from benzodiazepines can be life-threatening, requiring medically supervised detox and 24/7 care. Our benzodiazepine addiction treatment program offers a safe, controlled environment where withdrawal symptoms can be managed while therapy is used to address underlying issues.
What Causes Addiction?
The root of addiction lies in the brain’s reward system, which is responsible for reinforcing behaviors that are essential for survival. When we engage in activities like eating, socializing, or exercising, our brain releases dopamine – a neurotransmitter that gives us feelings of pleasure and satisfaction. However, when a substance or behavior triggers an abnormally high release of dopamine, it creates an intense rush of pleasure that can quickly become addictive.
In general, people engage in substance use for various reasons, including:
- Pleasure and Recreation: Many individuals initially use substances to experience feelings of euphoria, relaxation, or excitement.
- Self-Medication: Some turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with underlying mental health issues like anxiety, depression, or trauma.
- Social and Peer Pressure: Social contexts and peer influence can contribute to substance use, particularly among young people.
- Genetic Factors: Genetic predispositions can increase susceptibility to addiction.
- Environmental Factors: Exposure to a substance-abusing environment can influence behavior.
Repeated exposure to this rush leads to changes in the brain’s structure and function. Over time, the brain becomes less responsive to normal amounts of dopamine and requires larger doses to achieve the same level of pleasure, also known as tolerance.
Unfortunately, many addictive substances and behaviors can hijack this natural reward system. They trigger a much larger release of dopamine than what would occur naturally, leading to intense cravings and compulsive behavior. This can quickly spiral into addiction, as individuals become trapped in a cycle of seeking out the intense rush of pleasure despite negative consequences.
The Consequences of Addiction
Addiction, whether it’s to substances like drugs and alcohol or behaviors like gambling or gaming, carries a host of devastating consequences that impact nearly every aspect of an individual’s life. Here are some of the significant consequences of addiction:
- Health Problems: Substance abuse can lead to severe health issues, including liver disease, cardiovascular problems, respiratory disorders, and mental health conditions. The toll on physical and mental health is substantial and can be life-threatening.
- Overdose: Addiction increases the risk of overdosing on substances, which can result in coma, permanent brain damage, or death. Opioid and prescription drug overdoses are particularly common.
- Relationship Problems: Addiction often strains relationships with family, friends, and partners due to erratic behavior, lying, and neglect of responsibilities. Trust is eroded, and relationships can break down.
- Work and Academic Performance: Maintaining steady employment or academic progress becomes challenging for those struggling with addiction. Poor work or academic performance, absenteeism, and loss of jobs or scholarships are common consequences.
- Legal Issues: Addiction can lead to legal problems, including arrests and criminal charges related to drug possession, theft, or impaired driving. Legal issues can result in fines, probation, or incarceration.
- Financial Strain: The cost of sustaining an addiction, along with the loss of income and mounting legal fees, can lead to financial ruin. People may deplete savings, go into debt, or engage in illegal activities to fund their habit.
- Social Isolation: As addiction takes hold, individuals may withdraw from social activities and isolate themselves to hide their behavior. This isolation can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and depression.
- Neglect of Responsibilities: Addiction often leads to neglect of everyday responsibilities, such as caring for children, paying bills, and maintaining a household. This neglect can have dire consequences.
- Mental Health Deterioration: Addiction and mental health disorders often go hand-in-hand, with one exacerbating the other. Untreated mental health issues can worsen, leading to severe psychological distress.
Understanding these consequences underscores the urgency of addressing addiction through comprehensive treatment and support. Recovery is possible with the right resources and commitment, offering a chance to rebuild one’s life and regain a sense of well-being.
The Link Between Addiction and Mental Health
The link between addiction and mental health is complex and bidirectional. It is not uncommon for individuals struggling with addiction to also have co-occurring mental health disorders, and vice versa. Here’s an overview of this relationship:
Relationship Between Mental Health and Addiction:
- Self-Medication: Many individuals with mental health disorders may turn to substances as a form of self-medication to alleviate symptoms like anxiety, depression, or trauma.
- Increased Vulnerability: Mental health issues can increase vulnerability to addiction due to factors like impulsivity, poor coping mechanisms, or genetic predispositions.
- Impact on Recovery: Conversely, substance abuse can exacerbate or even trigger mental health symptoms, making recovery from both conditions more challenging.
Dual Diagnosis and Co-Occurring Disorders:
- Dual Diagnosis: This term refers to the coexistence of a substance use disorder (addiction) and a mental health disorder. It recognizes that these conditions often interact and influence each other.
- Co-Occurring Disorders: Co-occurring disorders refer to any combination of substance use and mental health disorders, encompassing a wide range of conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and more.
Recognizing and addressing the connection between addiction and mental health is crucial for effective treatment and recovery. Integrated care that provides comprehensive support for both conditions can lead to better outcomes and an improved quality of life for individuals facing these challenges.
Addiction in the United States
- In the United States, the opioid epidemic remains a significant concern, with over 93,000 drug overdose deaths in 2020, a record high.
- Alcohol misuse contributes to approximately 95,000 deaths annually in the U.S., making it a leading cause of preventable deaths.
- Substance use disorders often co-occur with mental health conditions, emphasizing the need for integrated treatment approaches.
Stats and Facts about Co-Occurring Disorders:
- According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), approximately 9.2 million adults in the U.S. have co-occurring disorders.
- People with co-occurring disorders often face more severe and complex challenges, leading to increased hospitalizations, homelessness, and a higher risk of suicide.
- Integrated treatment, which addresses both addiction and mental health, is considered the most effective approach. However, only about 7.4% of individuals with co-occurring disorders receive appropriate treatment for both conditions.
Addiction Treatment Options
Addiction treatment encompasses a variety of approaches tailored to individual needs. Psychotherapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing help individuals address the psychological aspects of addiction. Holistic treatments incorporate mind-body practices, nutrition, and exercise to promote overall well-being. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) combines medications (e.g., methadone or buprenorphine) with counseling to manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms, commonly used for opioid addiction. Other options include support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), residential rehabilitation programs, and outpatient counseling. The choice of treatment depends on the type and severity of addiction, and a personalized approach often yields the best results.
Addiction Treatment Programs at South Coast Behavioral Health
South Coast Behavioral Health (SCBH) is dedicated to providing comprehensive addiction treatment, offering a range of levels of care to meet the diverse needs of individuals seeking recovery. Here are the levels of care for addiction treatment offered at SCBH:
- Inpatient Treatment: Our inpatient levels of care offer 24/7 medical care and monitoring as clients participate in intensive therapy and counseling services to instill a foundation of recovery skills.
- Detox Program: SCBH provides medically supervised detoxification services, ensuring that individuals can safely withdraw from substances under medical supervision. The detox process helps manage withdrawal symptoms and prepares individuals for further treatment.
- Residential Treatment Program: This level of care offers 24/7 support and a structured environment for individuals in early recovery. It includes intensive therapy, medical care, and a safe space to address addiction and its underlying causes.
- Outpatient Treatment: Our outpatient levels of care are suitable for individuals with a strong support system and minimal risk of relapse. It provides ongoing therapy, counseling, and support to maintain recovery.
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): PHP provides structured programming during the day, allowing individuals to return home or to a supportive environment at night. It offers a step-down approach from inpatient care while maintaining comprehensive treatment.
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): IOP offers flexibility, allowing individuals to continue their daily lives while participating in intensive therapy and counseling sessions. It is ideal for those with stable living environments.
Our treatment approach combines evidence-based therapies, holistic modalities, and individualized care plans. It focuses on addressing the physical, psychological, and emotional aspects of addiction. With a team of experienced professionals, SCBH supports individuals through each stage of their recovery journey, helping them build the skills and resilience needed to maintain lasting sobriety. Contact us today to start your journey to recovery.
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Addiction Treatment in Orange County, CA
The road to recovery from addiction begins with acknowledging the issue and seeking help. Finding suitable treatment is a crucial step towards overcoming addiction and reclaiming a healthy and fulfilling life. There are various treatment options available, including inpatient and outpatient programs, counseling, therapy, and support groups. The right approach often depends on the type and severity of addiction, as well as individual needs and preferences.
This journey towards recovery is not without challenges, but with the right resources and support, it is entirely possible to break free from the grip of addiction and build a brighter future.
We provide addiction treatment for men within our medical detox and residential treatment centers in Irvine, CA.
We offer addiction treatment for women at our medical detox and residential treatment centers in Huntington Beach, CA.
We provide addiction treatment for men within our residential inpatient facility in Costa Mesa, CA.
We provide addiction treatment during our PHP and IOP programs in Newport Beach, CA.
