Breaking Free From Alcohol and Drug Addiction with Compassionate Care

Alcohol and drug addiction are complex issues that affect millions of individuals and families across the United States. At Alteri Behavioral Health, we believe that knowledge is a powerful tool in addressing these challenges. We’ve got offices conveniently located in Danville, Frankfort & Lexington, Kentucky. Don’t Delay, Get help today!

What is Alcohol and Drug Addiction?

Alcohol and drug addiction, often referred to as substance use disorder (SUD), is a chronic disease characterized by an individual’s compulsive and harmful use of substances, despite the negative consequences it may bring. Addiction can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background.

The Growing Prevalence: The Opioid Crisis

In recent years, the United States has faced an alarming increase in substance addiction, particularly in the context of the opioid crisis. This crisis has affected communities nationwide, leading to a surge in addiction rates and overdose deaths. It’s important to recognize the urgency of addressing this issue and seeking help if you or someone you know is struggling.

Why Do People Do Drugs?

Understanding the complex reasons behind substance use is crucial in addressing addiction effectively. While each individual’s experience is unique, there are common factors that contribute to why people turn to drugs and alcohol:

• Pain and Trauma: Many individuals use substances as a coping mechanism to numb emotional or physical pain. Traumatic experiences, such as abuse, loss, or violence, can lead people to seek solace in substances.
• Peer Pressure: Social dynamics can play a significant role in drug use. Peer pressure, the desire to fit in, or the influence of friends and acquaintances can lead individuals to experiment with substances.
• Mental Health Issues: Substance use can be an attempt to self-medicate underlying mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, or PTSD. Unfortunately, this often exacerbates these issues in the long run.
• Genetic Predisposition: Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to addiction, making them more vulnerable to substance dependence if they try drugs or alcohol.
• Environmental Factors: Living in an environment where substance use is prevalent can normalize drug use and make it seem like an acceptable way to cope with life’s challenges.
• Curiosity and Experimentation: For some, drug use starts out of curiosity or experimentation, not necessarily with the intention of becoming addicted.
• Prescription Medications: Prescription drug misuse can begin innocently, often due to a legitimate medical need. However, it can spiral into addiction when not properly managed.

Understanding these underlying factors can guide us toward a more empathetic and effective approach to helping individuals struggling with addiction. At Alteri Behavioral Health, we prioritize personalized care that addresses the root causes of substance use disorder, offering hope and support on the path to recovery.

If you or someone you know is facing the challenges of addiction, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to help you or your loved one break free from the cycle of addiction and embrace a healthier, brighter future.

The War on Drugs

The “War on Drugs” is a term that has been synonymous with U.S. drug policy for decades. While its intentions were to combat drug abuse and addiction, the impact of this approach on individuals struggling with alcohol and drug addiction has been profound.

Historical Context:

The “War on Drugs” was initiated in the 1980s and intensified in subsequent years. It aimed to reduce drug abuse and trafficking through strict law enforcement, stringent sentencing, and anti-drug campaigns. However, it became increasingly clear that this approach had unintended consequences.

Impact on Addiction:

• Criminalization Over Treatment: The punitive nature of the “War on Drugs” often led to the criminalization of addiction rather than providing individuals with the help they needed. This hindered many from seeking treatment due to fear of legal consequences.
• Stigma and Shame: The stigmatization of addiction intensified as a result of the war on drugs, discouraging individuals from acknowledging their struggles and seeking assistance.
• Disproportionate Impact: Communities of color were disproportionately affected by the “War on Drugs,” leading to disparities in arrests, sentencing, and access to treatment.
• Focus on Supply, Not Demand: The emphasis on reducing the drug supply did little to address the underlying issues of addiction, mental health, and socioeconomic factors driving substance abuse.

A Shift Towards Compassion and Treatment:

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the need for a more compassionate and effective approach to alcohol and drug addiction. The focus has shifted towards:

• Treatment over Incarceration: Recognizing addiction as a health issue, rather than a criminal one, has led to greater access to treatment and support.
• Harm Reduction: Strategies like harm reduction have emerged to minimize the negative consequences of substance use while promoting safer practices.
• Community Support: Initiatives to reduce stigma, increase awareness, and provide community-based support have gained traction.

At Alteri Behavioral Health, we stand firmly on the side of compassion and treatment.

We believe that individuals struggling with alcohol and drug addiction deserve understanding, support, and access to evidence-based treatment options. Our mission is to help individuals break free from addiction and regain control of their lives.

If you or someone you know is seeking help for alcohol and drug addiction, we’re here to guide you on your path to recovery. Contact us today, and let’s work together to build a brighter, healthier future.

Signs & Symptoms of Alcohol and Drug Addiction and/or Abuse

Recognizing the signs of alcohol and drug abuse are actually quite easy – when you know what you’re looking for. While the following signs are just suggestions to look for, don’t take them lightly:

• Chronic bloodshot eyes
• Behavior other than normal
• Always disappearing for long periods of time
• Problems with work or school
• Excessive shaking or tremors
• Financial problems
• Avoidance of social situations
• Spacey or unintelligible conversation

If you recognize any of these signs in a loved one, you should take steps to confront your loved one and try to steer them towards recovery efforts. The process is not simple, but when you take the time to help them realize that what they are doing is damaging not only themselves but those around them, they will possibly be more open to help.

Check out our Frequently Asked Questions for more information.

Get on the Road to Recovery with Alteri Behavioral Health

Alcohol and drug addiction can be debilitating to families all over the world. It takes hold of lives and can ruin them in an instant. Drug and alcohol addiction are very serious diseases that should not be ignored. If you think you or a loved one might be struggling with this powerful problem, seek help now!

There are more resources available now than ever before when it comes to drug and alcohol addiction. Whether you seek out help from an in-patient rehab facility, or through a counseling service, it’s imperative that help be gotten in any way. Drug and alcohol addiction can be conquered, but first, there needs to be an admission that a problem exists. That doesn’t mean weakness, that actually means strength!

If you are a provider looking to refer a patient, please click here.

Learn more about Narcotics Anonymous, a 12 Step Recovery program for drug addiction.