A recent statistical analysis by The Commonwealth Fund revealed a grim reality about the state of the alcohol and opioid crisis in the country. According to the foundation, the USA maintains its top position as the country with the highest overdose deaths.
Their conclusion was based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) provisional report, documenting over 100,000 substance-related fatalities in 2023, doubling the figure from previous years.
Unfortunately, the situation in the Prairie State is no less alarming.
The National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics (NCDAS) attributes 5,151 annual deaths in Illinois to excessive alcohol use. On the other hand, overdose fatalities from substance abuse are estimated at an average of 2,790 per year, according to Methadone.org.
Substance use disorder (SUD) is a serious mental health condition that impacts the individual’s brain and behavior, increasing the risk of overdose and death. It’s a complex disease that carries short and long-term consequences.
But drug and alcohol addiction isn’t a life sentence. With the right rehabilitation program and level of care, recovering from this vicious disease is possible.
We believe addiction recovery starts with understanding how SUD impacts your health and family. If you live in Shiloh, here’s everything you must know about addiction, how it changes your brain, and the best treatment options available for you.
Table of Contents
How Addiction Changes the Brain
The United States National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) estimates that over 48 million Americans aged 12 and above currently struggle with a substance use disorder. About 27 million suffer from drug addiction, and 7.5 million have both SUD and alcohol addiction.
One major reason for the prevalence of substance misuse is how alcohol and drugs change the brain in profound ways.
The brain is primarily composed of neural networks to send and receive information. And what ethanol and opioids do is they interfere with these processes, significantly altering the way your brain works.
Over time, chronic drinking and drug use may change how you feel, perceive, and think about the world around you, affecting your behavior. Cognitive and behavioral disorders typically follow.
Cognitive and Behavioral Disorders From Substance Use
The impact of addiction on the brain can be immediate or lasting. Quickly after drinking or using, the individual can experience altered consciousness, memory issues, impaired judgment, problems focusing, disinhibition, and more.
Persistent heavy users may endure more serious consequences, ranging from memory blackouts and cognitive dysfunctions to mental health illnesses.
Different substances induce different effects. Here are some of the most commonly used substances in the USA, along with the cognitive and behavioral impairments attributed to them:
- Alcohol: A central nervous depressant, ethanol has been known to cause serious health issues. This includes Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WKS), a memory disorder that can cause coma or death, as well as pellagra and dementia.
- Cocaine: Cocaine is a potent stimulant that’s been attributed to many cognitive impairments. There are reports of acute paranoia, visual problems, speech defects, and shortened attention spans after heavy cocaine intake.
- Benzodiazepine: Benzodiazepines, or downers, are depressants used for treating anxiety. When abused, benzos can lead to motor control, memory, learning, verbal, and sensory problems, some of which may be permanent.
- Amphetamine: Abusing the stimulant amphetamine can cause adverse neurological and psychiatric effects, which can include mood disorders, psychosis, and anxiety disorders.
- Methamphetamine: Also known as crystal meth and ice, illegally-manufactured meth is associated with many cognitive impairments. It mainly impacts memory and cognition. Health care experts also report an increase in aggression and violence.
- Cannabis: While legal in some states, marijuana or cannabis possesses compounds that may cause psychotic disorders. Recent studies also found a relationship between heavy cannabis use and schizophrenia development.
- Heroin: As an opioid, people who suffer from heroin addiction may experience dysfunctions related to their decision-making and executive functioning. These impairments may last even after recovery.
- hallucinogens: Psychoactive hallucinogens can produce a range of discomforting neurological symptoms. It may alter the person’s mood and perception, causing them to feel depersonalized.
The severity and duration of these SUD effects can vary from one person to another. Many factors, like age, body size, and rate of metabolism, are important, as well as the amount, frequency, and method of drug use.
The risks of chronic reactions are further compounded if someone engages in polysubstance use or is diagnosed with a co-occurring disorder (also called a dual diagnosis).
There’s No Single Cause of Addiction
What makes substance use disorder difficult to treat is that there’s no single root to it. It’s a complex behavioral health issue that can stem from a combination of factors, especially genetics, mental health, and environment.
Studies found that children who come from a family with a history of SUD are more likely to develop similar behavioral patterns as adults. Their exposure to alcohol and drugs makes them twice (if not more) as vulnerable to addiction.
People suffering from conditions like depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and bipolar disorder can turn to alcohol or drugs to “self-medicate.” They do this to alleviate discomforting symptoms from their condition, risking addiction in the process.
Besides genetics and illnesses, a significant number of those diagnosed with SUD admitted they started drinking or using drugs out of peer pressure. Socio-economic status, stress, and absence of social support have also been identified as contributors.
Alcohol and Substance Addiction Diagnosis and Treatment
Addiction treatment centers, particularly those accredited by the Joint Commission, employ evidence-based treatment plans to address addiction and its co-occurring disorders.
Diagnosis involves a thorough physical examination and assessment of behavioral symptoms. For AUD, drug rehab centers rely on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to determine the severity.
Diagnosing SUD is more complicated. For this, your healthcare provider can work with a psychiatrist to determine your medical history and behavior surrounding the substance. They may also interview friends and family members.
The DSM-5 categorizes AUD and SUD based on a spectrum of severity (mild, moderate, and severe). Depending on your unique situation, they may provide any of the following interventions.
Detoxification
Most addiction treatment programs begin with detox. This involves abstinence from alcohol or drugs, which can come with serious and life-threatening symptoms.
The therapy aims to help patients manage withdrawal symptoms as quickly and safely as possible. You may be required to stay in a controlled treatment facility where they’ll monitor your progress, but some outpatient services offer detox at home.
The duration of detoxification can vary based on the substance used. It can last anywhere from a week to several months.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
Chronic substance use often comes with acute withdrawal side effects. As such, your treatment provider may recommend certain medications to alleviate discomforting symptoms as part of your addiction rehab.
Behavioral Therapy
Counseling and behavioral therapy for SUD involve a series of talk therapy sessions with a licensed counselor or psychologist. This is a standard treatment service in most drug and alcohol rehab programs.
Some of the approaches commonly used in these settings are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), contingency management (CM), and motivational interviewing (MI).
These therapies focus on teaching people suffering from addiction ways to identify and address unhealthy behavioral patterns that reinforce their substance use. They also train patients in helpful coping mechanisms for managing triggers and cravings.
Inpatient Rehab
Also called residential treatment, inpatient rehab is an intensive form of intervention for chronic cases of substance use disorders. Patients admit themselves to a secure recovery home for 24/7 monitoring and support.
There are several levels of residential treatment based on severity. Family members are also involved in the program for emotional support and encouragement.
Outpatient Rehab
Outpatient programs often follow after a successful inpatient treatment. As a less restrictive intervention, SUD patients no longer need to stay in facilities for close monitoring, although they still need to check in.
Partial hospitalization (PHP) is an outpatient treatment where the recovering individual receives daily guidance and treatment. Intensive outpatient (IOP) is a step-down from PHP and offers more freedom for busy professionals.
Aftercare and Other Health Services
Addiction doesn’t end after you’re clean. Even after a successful rehab, the chance of relapse following a period of sobriety remains.
Like many chronic illnesses, SUD requires ongoing intervention to ensure lifelong recovery. Your healthcare provider may recommend support groups, sober living houses (SLHs), monthly check-ins, and other aftercare programs.
Participating in self-help initiatives has also been shown to help reduce relapse. Organizations like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) provide invaluable resources and peer support.
Bottom Line: Finding Expert Help In Shiloh, Illinois
Addiction is a serious disorder that affects millions of people in the country. Know that you don’t have to fight alone. By seeking expert help, you and your loved ones can reclaim the life you deserve, free from the vicious disease.
Illinois Recovery Center offers state-of-the-art facilities, expert care, and personalized drug and alcohol rehab programs. We serve Illinois communities affected by the epidemic, whether you’re in Shiloh, Belleville, or the bustling Chicago area.
Message us to verify your health insurance coverage and start your recovery journey now!
