In 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) documented over 105,000 cases of overdose deaths in the US—a grim milestone and a stark reminder of the severity of the ongoing opioid and alcohol epidemic.
The recent addiction data bulletin posted by the Office of Addiction Services and Support (OASAS) similarly paints a troubling picture of the state of substance abuse and alcohol addiction in New York.
Per the OASAS, over 2.8 million New Yorkers suffer from substance use disorders, many of whom are adolescents and young adults. Fatalities are also at an all-time high, with over 6,000 overdose deaths from drug abuse and 2,000 from alcohol use.
Substance use disorder (SUD) is a complex mental and behavioral health issue. Its causes can vary from person to person, and so are the treatment options available.
Fortunately, addiction recovery, no matter how severe, isn’t only possible but closer than you think. If you or any of your loved ones are living with a serious problem with substance abuse in Oceanside, New York, here’s everything you should know.
Table of Contents
Risk Factors and Signs of Alcohol and Drug Addiction
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) defines addiction as a chronic mental health disorder characterized by the compulsive drive to use alcohol or drugs.
The individual suffering from this persistent urge may not care about their wellness, which results in various health issues, including physical and cognitive impairment.
Several risk factors contribute to the development of SUD in an individual. For many, the pressure from their peers and social circles forced them to experiment with drugs and alcohol.
According to the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, at least 21% of teens involved in substance abuse are driven by peer pressure.
Genetics is another major determinant of someone developing alcohol and drug misuse habits. Those with family members, particularly parents and siblings, with a history of substance abuse, face a higher risk of SUD as adults.
Identifying Alcohol and Drug Addiction
Alcohol and drug misuse manifests itself in several ways—both physically and psychologically. If you suspect you or someone you know is going through substance addiction, here are some warning signs and symptoms to look for.
- Physical Signs: Reduced coordination, suppressed breathing, slow heart rate, cold body temperature, rapid eye movements, and larger pupils can all indicate chronic substance abuse.
- Routine Changes: The individual may experience sleeping problems and changes in their appetite.
- Impaired Cognition: This can include memory blackouts, difficulty focusing, poor decision-making, and learning impairments.
- Social Withdrawal: Fearing judgment from their loved ones, the person suffering from addiction may isolate themselves, severing their ties with friends and family.
- Neglecting Hygiene: Preoccupied with their drinking or drug use, those with SUD or AUD often care less about their appearance, which may lead to skin and mouth infections.
- Performance Issues: With their life revolving around drug use, people with substance use disorder usually have problems keeping up with their commitments, affecting their academic and work performance.
- Developed Tolerance: Frequent exposure to drugs and ethanol can lead to tolerance, which means you need more of the drug or alcohol to achieve the desired effect.
- Intense Craving: Individuals dependent on a substance to function may experience a strong, persistent craving whenever they stop using or drinking.
Other withdrawal symptoms can accompany cravings. Some report feeling anxious, irritable, and depressed. More serious cases include nausea, vomiting, sweating, headaches, muscle pains, and tremors, which may require a certain level of care.
Dual Diagnoses In People Suffering From Substance Use Disorder
Other mental health disorders can often co-exist alongside SUD in a complex condition called a dual diagnosis or comorbidity.
People with pre-existing mental health illnesses, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety, may turn to alcohol and drugs as a way to alleviate their condition’s uncomfortable symptoms.
On the flip side, those suffering from addiction may contribute to the development or worsening of an existing mental illness. That said, it’s also possible for both diseases to exist independently of each other.
Patients with a comorbid addiction and mental illness must receive appropriate support and help. Drug rehab centers like Long Island Interventions provide holistic treatment for dual diagnoses.
Overdose Risk — Signs and Emergency Steps
Drinking alcohol while using drugs can significantly increase the risk of overdose. If you think you or someone nearby is experiencing an overdose, promptly seek help from the nearest medical center.
Call your local helpline (911) and administer naloxone if available. Keep the person awake and lay them on their side while waiting for medical assistance.
How Addiction Treatment Rehab Centers Can Help You
Addiction treatment centers offer evidence-based interventions and rehab programs for anyone who needs them. Here are some of the ways they can help you overcome substance use.
Detox and Medication-Assisted Treatment
Withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous. Quitting abruptly or “cold turkey” with no supervision from healthcare professionals can result in serious complications, including seizures, delirium tremens, confusion, hallucinations, and death.
Supervised detoxification therapy in an appropriate treatment facility is important for safe withdrawal.
Your treatment provider may prescribe certain medications to help alleviate discomforting symptoms. Clonidine, chlordiazepoxide, buprenorphine, diazepam, and methadone are some of the more common medications used for withdrawal.
Other medications can also be used to treat co-occurring disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Behavioral Therapy
As addiction is a behavioral health issue, most substance abuse treatment programs use talk therapy. This intervention aims to identify and address the underlying causes of their drinking or drug use.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a popular and effective approach that alcohol rehab centers employ for treating addiction and its comorbid conditions.
Through CBT, patients can identify trigger patterns and learn healthy ways to cope. By learning these valuable skills, they gain a greater sense of control and confidence in their recovery.
Counseling and therapy sessions can be done individually or in groups. Group therapy can be helpful by providing a safe, supportive, and encouraging environment for many recovering patients.
Inpatient Rehab
Long-term chronic drinking and drug use can affect someone’s ability to function normally. These cases require more intensive healthcare support, especially when undergoing detoxification.
Intensive or residential rehab offers round-the-clock, highly structured care. Patients will be admitted to a controlled environment where they will be carefully monitored. Inpatient services can vary from one center to another, with some offering luxurious rehab options.
After a successful intensive residential rehab, the patient can be referred to a less restrictive outpatient care.
Outpatient Treatment Programs
Outpatient programs don’t require you to stay in controlled facilities, offering more flexibility for patients who can’t do full-time treatment. They’re designed for people with mild to moderate substance use disorders.
Many outpatient services can be separated into two levels: intensive outpatient (IOP) and partial hospitalization (PHP).
Partial hospitalization is where the treatment focuses on stabilizing problematic behaviors early on in your recovery. It typically consists of five to six hours of daily treatment sessions outside the patient’s working hours.
Intensive outpatient is a level below PHP. Treatment time is reduced to three hours and a less demanding schedule.
Aftercare Treatment Services
Holistic addiction recovery programs extend beyond your time in rehab, called aftercare. Sober living, 12-step programs, alumni outreach, recovery meetings, and counseling services are common examples of continuing care plans.
Some centers also offer monthly sober events, check-ins, and hotlines for when graduates need support and referrals. These aftercare initiatives are crucial for relapse prevention.
Helping a Loved One Suffering From SUD and AUD
While resistance to treatment is a common reaction, support from friends and family can be instrumental in encouraging someone to get help. Before you sit down with your loved one, consider doing the following:
- Educate yourself about the mental health condition, including the best treatment and intervention available.
- Familiarize yourself with supportive and non-stigmatizing language.
- Consider consulting with a professional to gain helpful insights about addiction.
- Practicing what you have to say beforehand can help avoid emotional outbursts.
- Choose an appropriate time to talk about their condition so they feel supported and less threatened.
Having a family member dealing with a substance use disorder can be distressing and, for many, isolating. Take care of your mental health by talking to someone or joining support groups.
Bottom Line: Get Help From Oceanside Mental Health Experts
Recovering from substance use is a lifelong journey. But you’re not alone in the fight. With expert support, you can break free from the destructive cycle for good.
Long Island Interventions offers personalized and comprehensive drug rehab services in Nassau County. We serve communities from Hempstead, Long Beach, Freeport, Rockville Centre, Valley Stream, and Woodmere.
Message us to verify your Medicaid, Medicare, and health insurance coverage today!
