Drug Rehab Las Vegas

Addiction Treatment in Las Vegas Nevada

The opioid epidemic is a national crisis that has reached epidemic proportions. In 2017, there were nearly 50,000 drug overdose deaths due to substance abuse in the United States — the highest number of drug overdoses in our country’s history at that time. This number increased dramatically up to 2020 where it sat at nearly 70,000 opioid overdose deaths. The need for drug rehab Las Vegas services is clear, and only growing greater.

The opioid epidemic has been building for decades, but it accelerated rapidly between 2013 and 2015 when heroin and prescription painkillers like fentanyl began killing people at an unprecedented rate. Fentanyl was involved in 25 percent of all overdoses in 2016 — up from just 6 percent two years earlier.

If you or someone you love is struggling with substance abuse, keep reading to learn everything you need to know about drug abuse, as well as how addiction treatment at Icarus in Nevada can help you with a firm foundation for changing your life!

How Does Drug Addiction Work?

Drugs interact with specific areas of the brain that control pleasure and reward — which are also involved in learning, memory, and motivation — to produce their desired effects. Drugs can change the way your brain processes information by altering its chemical balance or interfering with its normal functioning. Some drugs may even cause structural changes in your brain’s neural pathways.

The first time someone uses a drug, it creates an intense euphoric high as it floods their system with dopamine — a neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of pleasure, motivation, and reward-driven behavior.

This rush causes people to want to repeat the experience again and again without ever realizing that they’re becoming addicted to the substance. Over time, continued use leads to tolerance — meaning that more of the drug is needed to achieve the same effect — which drives up health risks even further as users increase their dosage.

Drug addiction is a complex brain disease. It affects the brain’s ability to reward, motivate, and inhibit behavior. Brain imaging studies have shown that drugs change the structure and function of the brain, especially in regions involved with motivation and decision-making.

Who are Most at Risk of Drug Addiction?

Drug abuse can affect anyone. However, some groups of people are more likely than others to develop an addiction.

People with a family history of drug abuse or other mental health disorders are significantly more at risk. The risk of addiction is greater for people who have a parent or sibling with a substance use disorder than for those without close relatives who struggle with drugs or alcohol. Studies show that having this family history puts you at greater risk of developing an addiction yourself.

Individuals with mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety, may be more likely to abuse drugs because they’re looking for relief from their symptoms and feel like their problems are out of control.

Even if you don’t have any diagnosed psychiatric condition, if you feel hopeless about your life or have trouble coping with stress and difficult emotions, you might begin self-medicating with drugs or alcohol in order to cope with these feelings.

People who live in poverty or experience financial difficulties are also at higher risk of developing an addiction problem. Poverty can lead people to turn to drugs or alcohol as a way of coping with their situation; substance use also increases stress levels, which can lead to emotional problems like depression and anxiety.

Those who have experienced trauma in childhood or adolescence may also be more likely than others to develop an addiction later in life. Traumatic events include being abused as a child, having a parent who uses substances, or being involved in violence — such as domestic violence or bullying — at school or work.

What are the Signs of Drug Abuse?

The signs of drug addiction can sometimes be visible to others. When someone you love is struggling with drug addiction, it can be difficult to know how best to help them. It’s not uncommon for people struggling with addiction to hide their behavior from others; they may use drugs in secret and lie about their substance use when questioned. However, there are some more common signs and indicators that may indicate someone is struggling with substance abuse:

• A significant change in health and appearance. Drug abuse often causes changes in a person’s physical appearance, including weight loss or gain, dilated pupils, pale skin, and sores on their arms or face from needle injections.
• Addictive substances can interfere with focus, memory, and other cognitive functions. The person may start missing classes or work, or begin to do poorly in school or on the job.
• If a loved one starts keeping secrets from you or others, this could be a sign that they’re using drugs and/or alcohol. When addicts hide their substance abuse, it’s often because they’re ashamed of it and afraid of getting caught.
• A radical shift in personality or behavior. A person who is addicted may become withdrawn, irritable, or anxious — all signs that something isn’t right in their life.

These things aren’t, by themselves, ironclad signs of substance use disorders but they can indicate that something is wrong. In general, when thinking about approaching a loved one to discuss issues of substance abuse, tact and care must be taken.

Is There a Link Between Substance Abuse and Mental Health?

The connection between substance abuse and mental health is strong. It can be difficult to understand the nature of this relationship because it’s complicated by the fact that people with mental health conditions often turn to drugs or alcohol to self-medicate.

The 2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that people with severe mental illness are more likely to develop an addiction than those without mental health issues.

This finding is consistent with previous research showing that rates of substance use disorders among people with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder are between two and four times higher than among the general population, depending on the substance being used.

What are the Withdrawal Symptoms Associated with Substance Abuse?

The withdrawal symptoms associated with substance abuse and drug addiction can vary greatly depending on the type of drug, the amount and frequency of use, and the length of time a person has been abusing drugs.

Depending on the type of substance being used, withdrawal may be a combination of physical and psychological symptoms. Physical symptoms include nausea, vomiting, muscle aches and pains, chills, diarrhea, insomnia (difficulty sleeping), irritability, restlessness or anxiety (such as panic attacks), headaches, and sweating. Psychological symptoms include depression or mood swings, fatigue, and anhedonia (the inability to experience pleasure).

Drugs that cause the most severe withdrawal symptoms tend to be those that are addictive by nature such as opioids (narcotics) like heroin or prescription painkillers like oxycodone or hydrocodone. These substances produce intense euphoric effects when taken in high doses but also produce tolerance over time which means users will need higher doses to achieve the same results.

As a result, they tend to have very powerful withdrawal effects when discontinued abruptly due to their ability to alter normal brain function through changes in neurotransmitter levels (dopamine is one example). Withdrawal from these drugs can include severe depression as well as physical symptoms such as nausea and vomiting which can last anywhere from a week up to months given a severe enough substance abuse problem.

How Can Substance Abuse Be Harmful to Your Life?

Substance abuse affects people in different ways. Some people may use drugs or alcohol to cope with stress or anxiety, while others may turn to drugs because it provides an escape from reality. Many people who abuse drugs or alcohol do so because they want to escape from their problems or feelings of guilt or shame. The longer someone abuses drugs or alcohol, the more likely they are going to experience negative consequences in their lives.

Substance abuse and addiction can cause physical problems such as liver damage, brain damage, heart failure, or even death if the person abuses substances long enough or overdoses on a particular substance. If someone has been abusing substances for years, they may have other physical problems as well such as weight gain from being inactive due to their addiction. Organ failure due to overconsumption of illicit substances is also a common pitfall.

Substance abuse and addiction can affect relationships with family members, friends, coworkers, and others. Family members may feel hurt when they realize that their loved one is addicted to drugs or alcohol. Friends and coworkers may also feel hurt by the actions of someone who is abusing substances or addicted to drugs or alcohol. If you or a loved one are struggling with substance abuse, it is also quite common to push loved ones away in advance.

Why Are Treatment Facilities So Critical to Addiction Recovery?

There are numerous reasons why professional addiction centers are the best possible decision anyone struggling with substance abuse can make for their recovery process. Many people who have a substance abuse disorder think that they can overcome their addiction on their own or by going to a support group.

They may even have been able to do this in the past, but eventually, most people who suffer from addiction need more help than they can get from these sources. The reason why is that drug addiction changes how your brain works and makes it harder to stop using drugs without professional help.

The right kind of treatment is available at a professional rehab facility. Most people who suffer from addiction need a specific type of treatment that is designed for their particular type of substance abuse disorder. The evidence-based therapies and treatments at addiction treatment facilities are scientifically proven to yield recovery and results.

A professional rehab facility can provide clients with a safe and supportive environment where they can focus on their recovery without having to worry about outside distractions. In addition to providing comfortable living conditions, professional rehab centers also offer multiple services that help patients stay sober and avoid relapsing after completing their treatment program.

Inpatient Treatment vs Outpatient Programs: What Defines These Two Treatment Options?

The differences between inpatient and outpatient drug rehabilitation treatment programs are significant. Inpatient rehab provides a safe, controlled environment for people who are struggling with addiction to drugs or alcohol. On the other hand, Outpatient treatment allows individuals to live at home while receiving treatment from a rehab center.

People who want to receive an Inpatient rehab program often have serious substance use disorders and require a high level of care. In these programs, clients stay at the rehab center for several weeks or months and participate in individual and group therapy sessions as well as educational lectures on topics such as relapse prevention, relapse triggers and how to avoid them, nutritional health and fitness, stress management, anger management, and spiritual growth.

Clients also have the opportunity to participate in recreational activities such as movies, educational lectures, or sporting events. Inpatient treatment programs often last from 30 to 90 days and are geared toward people who need long-term care.

Outpatient facilities provide clients with group treatment but do not require them to stay overnight at rehab centers. Clients typically attend these sessions several days per week for several hours each day. During these sessions, they learn about recovery skills such as relapse prevention techniques, healthy coping strategies, and how to stay sober by avoiding triggers that may lead them back into active addiction. The length of outpatient treatment varies greatly depending on individual needs and progress made during treatment.

The Components of Effective Rehab Programs

There are various components that make up effective addiction recovery programs. At the end of the day, it is important to keep in mind that the journey to recover from substance abuse is one that requires the person suffering from the disease to be fully committed to the process of long-term recovery. There is a great deal of assistance that can be found in a recovery center but the challenges of the process remain very real.

For the full potential of the specialized treatment found at a first-class treatment facility to be realized, it is important to keep in mind the unique needs of the client in crafting individualized treatment plans to address their particular journey into substance abuse treatment. The following components, in tandem with a comfortable environment and a treatment center committed to walking clients through to the other side of addiction, can save lives.

Medical Detox

Typically, a detox program is the first phase of any sort of treatment. The body must rid itself of toxins, as well as dependence on the substance before a person can begin to recover from addiction.

The length of time it takes for someone to detox depends on the substance, the number of drugs consumed, and whether other drugs were used. In general, detoxing from alcohol takes a few days, while going through withdrawal from heroin takes several weeks; opioid withdrawal is commonly referred to as “cold turkey”.

For many, a medical detox can make a huge difference in this phase. This can also be called medication-assisted treatment. The detoxing/withdrawal phase of substance abuse treatment is actually particularly delicate. The proper management of this phase is critical to the overall long-term recovery as relapse is common at this point.

During medical detoxification, you will receive medications that help alleviate withdrawal symptoms so that you can safely go through withdrawal without experiencing severe discomfort or the symptoms associated with it. This is one way of relapse prevention as, for many, the symptoms can simply be too intense.

Behavioral Therapy

Once the detox stage has been successfully navigated comes the stage of active recovery. Addressing the client’s behavioral health with effective mental health services is the key component and the true crux of any good treatment program and is where the majority of the active assistance from a recovery center is found.

Behavioral therapies are approaches to treatment that focus on changing patterns of behavior. Unlike other types of treatments, behavioral therapies do not focus on the underlying causes of addiction or the brain chemistry involved in substance abuse disorders. Instead, they work to change addictive behaviors by helping people learn new ways of coping with problems and avoiding triggers for substance use.

Behavioral therapies are generally conducted as individual therapy or group therapy sessions with trained psychologists or therapists. The treatment may also include activities designed to help you identify your triggers for substance use and learn how to avoid them in the future.

Some of the most common behavioral therapies used in substance abuse treatment include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is based on the idea that our thoughts (cognitions) cause our feelings and behaviors. CBT helps individuals identify and change negative thinking patterns that may be contributing to their substance abuse problem by teaching them how to challenge their thoughts and beliefs about drugs in order to reduce the likelihood that they will engage in substance use behaviors.
• Contingency management (CM). CM rewards abstinence from substances with tangible items such as gift cards or vouchers for food or clothing — an approach known as “token economy.” This method has been shown to be effective in helping people adhere to treatment regimens for drug addiction treatment programs.
• Motivational enhancement therapy (MET): MET is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy that aims to motivate individuals who have stopped using substances because they are experiencing significant problems as a result of their substance use to resume abstinence. The goal is to develop skills and strategies so that patients can remain abstinent without relapse. MET typically includes two phases: the motivation enhancement phase and the skills training phase.

Dual-Diagnosis Treatment

Having to deal with co-occurring disorders is common in substance abuse treatment. Dual-diagnosis treatment is a combination of substance abuse treatment and mental health services or treatment. It can be offered at an inpatient level, as well as at the intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization program levels of care at Icarus in Nevada.

The most common dual diagnoses are substance abuse and depression, but other combinations may exist as well. Dual-diagnosis treatment is effective because it addresses both the physical and mental components of addiction.

Typically an important component of dual diagnosis treatment is, should co-occurring disorders be found, it is typical for medication to be prescribed to treat that underlying issue. This can be considered another form of medication-assisted treatment.

Aftercare

The integration of a recovery community is an integral part of the recovery journey. Support groups allow the true fostering of a recovery community of persons formerly struggling with addiction who understand to a greater degree than most others the road their fellow members have taken.

This is a necessary component of the recovery process. It does not matter whether a person has undergone residential treatment or utilized outpatient treatment options from various treatment centers, the fact remains that support groups offer a sense of brotherhood and accountability that few other things do.

There are many different types of support groups. Some are organized by treatment centers or rehab facilities and others are not. In either case, they can be very helpful for individuals who need to share their experiences and learn from others who have gone through similar situations.

Get Started with Substance Abuse Treatment in Las Vegas, NV!

If you or a loved one are in need of assistance with substance abuse treatment and are seeking rehab in Las Vegas, look no further than Icarus Behavioral Health. Our Las Vegas Rehabilitation Center.

At Icarus, we have a long and successful history of effective and successful substance abuse treatment. We are now proud to bring our committed, effective service to Southern Nevada, in the Las Vegas area.

Our Las Vegas facility is fully outfitted for residential treatment with a fully qualified and experienced treatment team at the helm to help guide you or your loved one through their recovery journey all the way from detox to aftercare. With a reputation that precedes us and the expertise to guarantee help, we stand ready.

Contact our Las Vegas rehab center today! Regardless of the particular substance use disorder in question, we have the treatment options to help you or your loved one. Reach out today to schedule a consultation with one of our recovery professionals today!