A substance use disorder may start with accepting a pill from a friend at a party. You may find yourself going back for more, leading to behaviors that would have seemed unacceptable a short time ago. If you’re at a point where you’re unable to function without drugs or alcohol, you may need to start looking into addiction treatment programs.
Arkview Recovery offers comprehensive substance abuse treatment programs in Pennsylvania. Our goal is to help you overcome this disease and start living your best life.
What Is Substance Abuse?
Substance abuse is a pattern of behavior where you continue taking substances despite the damage they cause in your life. People with a substance use disorder have lost control of their behavior. They’re unable to comprehend the consequences of what they are doing or unable to come up with enough concern to discontinue what they’re doing.
People with substance abuse issues may start skipping school or not going to work. Individuals may get to a point where they abuse a substance before taking an action like driving a car or operating other dangerous machinery. Family and friends often see the problem developing and try to step in. That can lead to friction in your relationships.
Other signs that you’ve developed a dependency on drugs or alcohol include:
- Building up a dependency that forces you to take larger quantities to feel similar effects
- Going through withdrawal when you attempt to stop taking a substance
- Spending most of your time using drugs or trying to find more to consume
- Pulling away from social obligations and other activities you once enjoyed
- Continuing substance abuse despite the fallout from your behavior
Substance people tend to abuse include:
- Alcohol
- Opiates
- Cocaine
- Methamphetamine
- Prescription medication
- Inhalants
- Hallucinogens
What Causes Substance Abuse?
Various environmental and cultural factors contribute to the development of a substance use disorder. Some people start taking certain substances because of pressure from peers. Others use drugs and alcohol as a way of finding relief from untreated mental health issues.
Ongoing substance abuse can lead to long-term health issues that persist even after you manage to achieve recovery. You may harm yourself or others while under the influence of drugs or alcohol by taking actions like drinking and driving. Pregnant women could suffer a miscarriage or cause their infants to be born with physical or cognitive disabilities.
Other long-term impacts of substance abuse include:
- Kidney disease
- Compromised immune system
- Liver damage
- Heart issues
- High blood pressure
If your substance abuse evolves into addiction, you may benefit from getting substance abuse treatment in Pennsylvania. Arkview Recovery offers comprehensive treatment services to individuals having trouble overcoming issues with substance abuse.
How Can You Treat Substance Abuse?
The first step in treating a substance use disorder is understanding the full scope
of a patient’s illness. That means asking questions about their physical and mental health. Many people have mental health issues that play a role in how their addiction develops. There may be unaddressed issues tied to childhood trauma or PTSD from other situations.
Arkview Recovery evaluates each patient upon admission to gain a better understanding of their problems. From there, we work with them to develop a substance abuse treatment plan that gives them a chance at a successful recovery.
Explore the Substance Abuse Treatment Programs at Arkview Recovery
While there are no guarantees when treating a substance use disorder, our Arkview Recovery team believes in the strength of the programs we offer to patients. Our goal is to provide those who come to us for help with effective tools and techniques that help them overcome their addictive behavior. Learn more about our substance abuse treatment programs today by calling 717.744.0756 or completing our secure online form.
Kyle is Lead Therapist at Arkview Recovery Center. He holds a Master of Social Work degree from Temple University and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. He has years of experience working directly with individuals who suffer from addiction and mental health disorders. Being in long term recovery himself, Kyle is very passionate about the recovery process. He is heavily involved in the local recovery community in which he enjoys his commitments to service and giving back. His specialty is in group therapy and developing clinical staff. Kyle brings to Arkview a holistic approach to recovery, specializing in mindfulness, reality therapy, and solution-focused therapy.