In the US, it’s estimated that over 48.5 million people aged 12 and above struggle with substance abuse. Marijuana, alcohol, nicotine, opioids, cocaine, heroin, and stimulants are among the most heavily abused.
Unfortunately, the epidemic becomes more serious the closer you look, with several states, including New York, ranking significantly higher in drug addiction rates.
Substance use disorder (SUD) is a chronic mental health illness that affects not only the individual suffering from drug misuse but also the family and friends who surround them.
Fortunately, addiction is by no means permanent. With expert care and the right intervention, you can break free from the vicious cycle of drug misuse.
If you or any of your loved ones are living with an alcohol or drug addiction on Long Island, here’s everything you need to know about drug and alcohol addiction and the best treatment options available for you.
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The Rate of Addiction In New York
In a recent report by the Office of Addiction Services and Support (OASS), they found over 2.8 million cases of New Yorkers struggling with substance use disorders. Many are adolescents, aged 12 and above.
According to the same report, over 6,358 New Yorkers have died from drug overdoses between 2022 and 2023. That’s thousands of lives and families ruined by illicit substances.
The highest cases of reported SUD were in Upstate New York regions, with 47% of the state’s substance abuse treatment admissions. Apple City follows closely with 38%, then Long Island with 14%.
Unfortunately, the rate of alcohol use disorder (AUD) is no less worrying. In 2022 alone, public healthcare experts have recorded over 2,000 deaths from alcohol overdose. A notable 21% increase in AUD treatment program admissions has also been observed.
Overview of How Drug and Alcohol Addiction Works
Both drug and alcohol addiction primarily affect the brain. Here’s how these substances change your brain chemistry and alter your behavior.
Impact on Brain Chemistry and Behavior
Using illicit substances and alcohol can start as a simple experimentation, often reinforced by social and peer pressure. For others, drug use began as part of prescribed medication.
However, a one-time curiosity can quickly turn into addiction with more frequent use. Similarly, opioid medication can slip into dependence, consequently leading to prescription dependence.
This happens because your brain is composed of neural networks that send and receive information. And Illicit substances, like drugs and alcohol, interfere with these natural processes.
The risk and rate of developing addiction can vary from one person to another, and some drugs can be more potent than others.
Nevertheless, chronic alcohol and drug use can result in both short-term and long-term neurological and behavioral symptoms.
Over time, it can alter the individual’s perceptions, feelings, thoughts, and demeanor. They may experience altered consciousness, impaired memory, slowed cognitive function, attention problems, loss of inhibition, and other symptoms.
In many cases, addiction can also go hand in hand with mental health illnesses, in a health condition referred to as a dual diagnosis or a co-occurring disorder.
Common Signs of Drug and Alcohol Addiction
Substance and alcohol use disorders come with a range of physical, emotional, and social symptoms. If you suspect you or anyone you know is going through AUD or SUD, here are some signs you can watch out for:
- Taking larger amounts of the substance over time
- Always thinking of using drugs or drinking
- Intense urge to use drugs or alcohol despite the consequences
- Loss of control over your drug and alcohol use
- A declining physical and mental health
- Disinterest in school, work, or other commitments
- Experience emotional and physical withdrawal when you stop using or drinking
Withdrawal symptoms often involve emotional and physical reactions, including headaches, muscle pains, insomnia, eating problems, restlessness, and depression. Due to its dangers, you must work through withdrawal under expert guidance.
Alcohol and Drug Overdose
Adults aged 55 to 64 have the highest ongoing rate of overdose. In most of these cases, they found traces of Fentanyl, an opioid drug that’s over 50 times stronger than morphine.
If you think you or someone is having a drug or alcohol overdose, promptly call your local emergency helpline (911) for immediate medical assistance.
Management and Treatment Options For Alcohol and Drug Addiction
To diagnose SUD or AUD, your treatment provider may consult your psychiatrist or drug and alcohol counselor for referrals. They’ll also ask questions about your behavioral patterns involving the substance in question.
Most drug rehab centers conduct a thorough mental and physical exam to diagnose other underlying health conditions that could hinder substance and alcohol treatment.
After that, your healthcare provider will recommend evidence-based treatment options, typically based on the type of substance used. Below are some of the treatment services medical centers and addiction treatment centers provide.
Detox
Also called withdrawal therapy, the goal of detoxification is to manage withdrawal symptoms in a safe environment. Under expert guidance, detoxing effectively facilitates faster removal of drugs from your system.
The length and severity of withdrawal can vary depending on several factors, including the amount, method, and frequency of abuse. Different substances also produce different effects.
For alcohol, these uncomfortable symptoms can last more than a week. During this period, chronic drinkers may face serious health risks or even death.
Recovering drug users, on the other hand, may need more time to eliminate the substance from their bodies. Generally, SUD detoxification lasts anywhere from two weeks to several months.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
In addition to providing the appropriate withdrawal treatment facilities, alcohol rehab centers can prescribe medication to manage and alleviate discomforting symptoms.
People with co-occurring mental health illnesses, such as bipolar disorder and depression, may be given appropriate prescriptions for treating those conditions as well.
Psychotherapy
Counseling services, particularly talk therapy, are a standard practice for many addiction treatment programs. A licensed psychiatrist typically conducts this step.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) are widely used for addiction treatment. They help patients identify unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors and address them to reinforce recovery.
Talk therapy also teaches ways to cope with drug cravings, strategies to prevent relapse, and resolves conflicting emotions linked to their condition.
Support Groups
Family and friends have a crucial role to play in drug and alcohol addiction recovery. But in the absence of loved ones to lean on, support groups can serve a vital role in providing a safe and supportive environment.
Support groups connect people who share similar challenges. This way, they know that they’re not alone in their struggle. Not to mention, gain a wealth of valuable knowledge from people who have successfully recovered.
Aftercare Programs
Comprehensive treatment programs often extend well beyond your time in rehab. Aftercare initiatives aid in relapse prevention and promote lifelong sobriety.
This continuing care usually follows intensive recovery periods, such as an intensive outpatient program (IOP). Periodic counselor appointments, self-help programs, and group sessions are common examples of aftercare programs.
Inpatient Rehab vs Outpatient Treatment
Recovery centers typically offer varying levels of care depending on the individual’s unique circumstances (personalized addiction treatment). Most programs fall into one of two categories: inpatient treatment and outpatient programs.
Inpatient or residential treatment deals with chronic cases of substance and alcohol addiction, often with co-occurring mental health disorders. It’s more intensive, that is, providing 24/7 care and emotional support.
During inpatient rehabilitation, patients stay in a controlled environment where healthcare providers monitor their health and well-being. Family members are also involved in the recovery process.
Residential treatment can last from 14 to 90 days or more, depending on your needs.
On the other hand, outpatient services are usually less restrictive. Patients can either be a part of a partial hospitalization (PHP) or an intensive outpatient program (IOP).
Treatment for PHP ranges from 5 to 6 hours per day and usually 5 to 6 days per week. This is a flexible option for those with day jobs who can’t afford to lose their source of income to recover from their addiction.
An intensive outpatient program is a step below PHP, consisting of fewer treatment hours, allowing more time for work and family.
Bottom Line: Get Help for Sober Living Support
Remember that you don’t have to struggle with SUD and AUD alone. Long Island Interventions provides comprehensive and personalized alcohol and drug rehab programs. We’ll walk with you every step of the way.
If you live in Westbury, Roslyn Heights, Hempstead, Garden City, East Meadow, Hicksville, or anywhere in Nassau, don’t hesitate to reach out to Long Island Interventions.
Verify your health insurance coverage and take the step toward sober living today!
