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Addiction Treatment
Addiction is Complicated But It can be Understood and Overcome
Learn the signs and get help in LA
What Is the Definition of Addiction?
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) defines addiction as a chronic disorder characterized by obsessive, irrational drug seeking and continued use regardless of harmful consequences. Addiction is the most extreme form of a substance use disorder. Medical research proving that it is a mental illness and a complex brain disorder has helped lessen the negativity associated with a substance use disorder and entering treatment; however, it remains surrounded by stigma. People with substance use disorder may know they have a problem but cannot help themselves, although they may want or try to.
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In the heart of California’s gorgeous San Fernando Valley.
Addiction Awareness
Addiction is incredibly complex. It is a mental illness, a brain disease, a substance use disorder, a behavioral health condition, and sometimes a way of self medication. Addiction to alcohol or other drugs affects almost 1 in 10 Americans. Although people mention it casually in conversation, referring to themselves as “fitness junkies” or “shopaholics,” addiction is not something to be taken lightly.
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What Are the Symptoms, Signs, and Behaviors?
Most symptoms, signs, and behaviors of addiction involve an inability to manage self control. Addiction or drug use signs and behavior may include possible changes that are:
Behavioral
Being secretive, drastic changes in personal relationships, hiding from friends or family
Social
Problems at work or school, disinterest in daily activities, looking for situations that encourage drug use
Financial
The sudden need for more money, requests for money without reasonable explanation, missing cash or items
Mental
Sleeplessness, memory loss, anxiety, depression, sadness
Physical
Lack of energy and motivation, weight loss or gain, red eyes, neglected appearance
Symptoms and emotional changes related to addiction
Some symptoms and emotional changes related to addiction:
Blame
Addiction can make a person become obsessed with a substance, putting all their time, energy, and money into finding a way to continue to get it. Letting their lives fall to the wayside, they tend to blame other factors and people for their problems
Dependency
In many cases, dependency is an inability to stop using. It gives the user unrealistic judgments on what the substance is doing for them.
Risky Behavior
It is common for someone with an addiction to have increased sensitivity and more harsh reactions in situations. They may take risks they wouldn’t have before to get the substance or while under the influence.
Denial
Many people with substance use disorders are not aware they are addicted or dependent on a substance. Some people that are aware of their addictions refuse to accept the need for treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Addiction Genetic?
Research from the National Institute on Drug Abuse shows that genetics account for roughly 40 to 60 percent of an individual’s vulnerability to substance use disorder, interacting with trauma, stress, environment, and early exposure.
How Does Addiction Affect Family?
Substance addiction impacts the entire household emotionally, relationally, and financially, which is why Northridge integrates family therapy, regular clinical updates, and boundary education alongside residential patient care.
Can You Fully Recover from Addiction?
Yes. Like other chronic medical conditions, substance use disorders respond powerfully to physician supervised detox, evidence based psychotherapy such as CBT and DBT, dual diagnosis psychiatric care, and structured 90 day aftercare.
How Does Substance Use Change Brain Function?
Repeated alcohol or drug exposure overstimulates dopamine reward pathways in the basal ganglia, heightens amygdala stress responses during withdrawal, and weakens prefrontal impulse control until medical stabilization and residential recovery allow neuroplasticity to heal.
