Abuse or Addiction?

Abuse does not ALWAYS lead to addiction. There is a fine but definitive line between the two.

Some individuals turn to drugs or alcohol while in stressful situations. Conversely, some use drugs for recreation or relaxation – in the same way that many enjoy a glass of wine after work. These are generally considered abuse. The definition, however, is loosely defined and ambiguous. Most of our staff thinks of abuse as any intake of drugs for non-medical purposes.

Addiction, however, is more clear-cut. It implies a daily dependence on a substance in order to function properly. An addict will notice withdrawal symptoms once they stop using.

Many young people experiment with drugs and/or alcohol. Such experimentation can quickly turn into abuse and with time, to addiction. An individual will typically start using at parties, either as a social lubricant or due to peer pressure. The more they use, the more likely they are to become addicted. Before long, their consumption becomes anti-social. Families are often kept in the dark and it is therefore difficult to determine when social use becomes abuse and/or has reached the stage of addiction.

Self medication with prescription drugs can also lead to abuse and addiction. Individuals taking prescription drugs often find they need ever higher doses – even when the original prescription has finished.

Many addicts also have underlying issues such as post-traumatic stress, depression and anxiety. These can all contribute to or exacerbate a drug problem. Careful assessments to uncover these dual diagnosis issues are vital before any treatment can be effective.

True or False?

Marijuana is harmless. False.

Marijuana slows reaction time, making driving more dangerous. Marijuana is also medically dangerous. According to researchers at Harvard University, "Smoking marijuana regularly (a joint a day) can damage the cells in the bronchial passages which protect the body against inhaled microorganisms and decrease the ability of the immune cells in the lungs to fight off fungi, bacteria, and tumor cells." Finally, marijuana causes severe paranoia, and has been known to trigger schizophrenia.

Taking a drug just once is not enough to cause addiction. False.

If a drug is potent enough and the 'high' gained is sufficiently pleasurable, then addiction can be, and often is instant.

Will power alone will be enough to quit. False.

Once an individual becomes mentally and physically addicted, it is nearly impossible to quit alone. Experienced professional help is the only way to achieve a successful long-term recovery.

We can Help

We, at Sovereign Health of California are on the cutting edge of treatment for all forms of addiction. We offer affordable, residential treatments of 30, 60 and 90 days – each completely confidential and specifically tailored to suit the needs of the individual. Our residences are welcoming and are situated in the picturesque beach-town of San Clemente, California.

Our treatment program involves an initial evaluation by our highly experienced team, which will uncover any underlying issues that may be contributing to an addiction. The team will then design a treatment program that is specifically tailored to meet the specific needs of the individual. This program combines traditional clinical treatments with alternative holistic therapies. Our most salient goal is to ensure our clients receive the support that is so important for a successful, long-term recovery, and subsequent reintegration into society.

To learn more about the services we can provide, please visit the 'what we can offer' page of our website. Alternatively, call us. We have advisors available 24/7 to answer any questions you may have regarding all of our programs.