What Is Drug Addiction?
According to the NIDA, substance addiction is “a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite adverse consequences.”
So, why do people start using drugs in Santa Cruz or elsewhere? The reasons are vast, but many include the feeling or because of the need to focus more at work or school or perform better in sports. One might need to relax or calm anxiety – or it might be curiosity or social pressure.
The initial high – the pleasure and euphoria followed by more self-confidence or relaxation (depending on the substance) – might feel optimistic. Still, it can quickly dissipate and lead the user to need more drugs to feel the same or even feel normal.
Substance use disorder isn’t sustainable – accidental overdose is a leading cause of death for people under 45 years of age.
Signs and Symptoms of Drug Abuse
If you’re concerned that you or a loved one in Santa Cruz, California,
might need drug rehab, there are some important signs to look out for. To learn more click here for the details of what signs and symptoms may be cause for concern.
What Happens After Drug Treatment?
Following a rehab program, like The Key Addiction Treatment Center in Santa Cruz, CA, you will feel confident and equipped with the tools you need to help in your post-recovery life within the community, which includes long-term case management and relapse prevention contacts.
Relapse Prevention
Relapse is a gradual process, but some tools can be used to identify a risk of relapse early in post-recovery. Some of the tools you’ll be provided with include:
- Self-care: This includes nutritional counseling to help you watch your diet, exercise levels and sleep patterns.
- Mindfulness: Self-awareness can help recovering addicts cope with and overcome their cravings.
- Recognition of triggers: These can range from stress, anger and problems with money or relationships to simple things like boredom or being around people or places that encourage bad decisions.
- Support network: Group members, therapists and family members are all people you can reach out to if you need help in Santa Cruz.
Case Management
Every person who comes to The Key Addiction Treatment Center, in Santa Cruz receives individualized care from therapists, psychiatrists and addiction specialists, with extensive training. Our clients receive personalized continuum-of-care support (counseling services, guidance, accountability and other drug addiction help) offered to increase their success rate post-treatment and when back on the daily grind.
We don’t stop there – Case management combines after-care and a graduate program for a return to the community, life and the continual struggle of sober living.