Addiction is a deeply personal illness that affects people in very different ways. This has much to do with the many different factors that influence a person’s choices including family history, genetics and socio-environmental pressures. These days there is a darker side to addiction that is fast-becoming an epidemic in America: prescription drug abuse.

Prescription painkiller abuse has become a significant problem in America in recent years due to the rising use of opioid-based medications for chronic health conditions. Many people working in the addiction field believe that the fact opiate medications are initially prescribed by physicians has made the problem somehow “acceptable”.

Opioids and heroin have specific effects on the brain that can make them particularly difficult drugs to detox naturally. According to research, there are a few natural opioids produced by the body including endorphins that effect specific protein receptors in the brain to give a feeling of wellbeing. This is the reason why physical activity often gives you a buzz or ‘high’ feeling.

When someone is in rehab treatment for addiction, they will have to make many changes in their lives, most of which are extremely positive.

It is important to remember that despite seeking drug and alcohol treatment, it doesn’t guarantee you a life of sobriety.  Living with addiction becomes habitual to sufferers and represents a comfort zone they are reluctant to leave, but once committed to rehab and recovery; these issues can seem less overwhelming.

Addiction to prescription drugs is becoming an increasingly large problem in the US and that’s mainly because what initially starts out as a necessary course of medication for genuine pain management can easily trigger damaging and unhealthy behaviors in people. The issue is further clouded by the fact it is almost an enabled addiction, as these are not street drugs or narcotics but medications that are commonly and legally used in daily life.

Dependency can be reliance on a substance, activity or person where an individual treats something or someone as more important than themselves.

Dependency can be reliance on a substance, activity or person where an individual treats something or someone as more important than themselves.

If you or a loved one needs detox from drug or alcohol addiction, finding the right facility can be a very daunting task. Can you afford it? What should you look for? Is it a residential facility or not? Has the staff got the right credentials for the job? There are so many questions you want answers to that it can seem like an impossible task. We here at Capo Canyon want to arm you with the tools you need to pick the right facility:

Everything negative thing your child goes through – no matter what age they are – parents tend to feel responsible. That can make it even harder to help your child when they face addiction issues and so it’s important to bear in mind that there is always help and support for you both at hand.