In 2022, New York City marked an unprecedented increase in overdose cases, with the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene documenting over 3,026 fatalities. Many of the victims are involved in dangerous alcohol and substance use, particularly opioids.
However, this trend is far from an isolated incident. Recently, the Office of Addiction Services and Support estimated that over 2.8 million individuals struggle with substance and alcohol use disorders, many of whom are adolescents aged 12 to 17.
Apart from New York, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) predicts a similar rise in drug-related deaths in several states over the next few years, including Texas, California, Alabama, and Oregon.
Substance use disorder (SUD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) are both complex mental health conditions that affect not only the victims but also their loved ones. But recovery is possible.
With the right addiction treatment program, you can overcome addiction and get back on track. If you or anyone you know is living with drug and alcohol addiction in Westbury, here’s everything you need to know about the best treatment and rehab options.
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How Alcohol and Substance Abuse Affects Your Life
Recognizing the problem is where addiction recovery begins. Here are some of the ways drug and alcohol misuse impact your life.
Short and Long-Term Effects
Drugs and alcohol primarily affect the central nervous system, particularly the brain’s reward system, the one responsible for how we feel pleasure, motivation, and form habits.
By flooding the body with dopamine, the “feel-good” hormone, alcohol and drugs reinforce the drug-taking behavior. Addiction happens when the brain’s chemistry adapts to the presence of ethanol and illicit substances.
Dependence and addiction can produce short and long-term physical and psychological effects on the body, depending on the specific substance, amount, frequency, and method of abuse.
In the short term, the individual can feel sleepy and relaxed. Some people experience elated moods and increased confidence. Others use alcohol and drug effects to “self-medicate” and cope with other pre-existing illnesses.
However, over time, binge drinking and chronic drug use can lead to a range of serious health complications, including cognitive issues, cardiovascular diseases, stroke, kidney problems, and cancer.
Studies also found a connection between mental health disorder development and chronic substance abuse and drinking. Healthcare experts refer to this as a co-occurring disorder or dual diagnosis.
Impact on Family and Children
Besides health, their relationships are among the first things that suffer when someone becomes dependent on a substance. As their condition progresses, they may begin to ignore their families and sever ties with their friends.
In the US, people with a history of SUD and AUD have been found to have higher rates of divorce. One in five children also grows up traumatized, watching a parent struggle with alcohol and drug addiction.
Unfortunately, the cycle of abuse can extend well beyond the individual and toward their immediate family members.
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), genetics is a major indicator (roughly 50%) for the individual’s risk of developing addiction. That means children whose parents have AUD are more likely to drink and use drugs as adults.
While many consider addiction a personal experience, watching a parent, spouse, or friend spiral into drug abuse can have profound and often lasting consequences.
Westbury Rehab and Treatment Options For Drug and Alcohol Addiction
Drug rehab centers offer various evidence-based substance abuse treatment options for people who need them. Treatment can be administered at home, in a medical center, or in residential treatment facilities.
Here are some interventions addiction treatment centers may provide:
Detox Therapy
Managing withdrawal is the first step of drug and alcohol rehab. This is where the recovering SUD patient stops ingesting the substance altogether, flushing the ethanol or drugs out of their system.
Guided detoxification is vital because withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous. During this time, the person can experience a range of symptoms, including seizures, major mood swings, depression, heart attacks, or strokes.
Most treatment providers discourage quitting “cold turkey,” as it can be deadly if someone experiences acute withdrawal syndrome.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Chronic cases of addiction may require prescription medication to manage withdrawal and alleviate the patient’s discomforting symptoms.
For alcohol treatment, diazepam is usually prescribed to reduce cravings, tremors, and severe delirium tremens. Methadone, buprenorphine, and clonidine are used to manage opioid withdrawal.
Counseling Services
Counseling and talk therapy are standard parts of most treatment services. This can be done individually or in groups, and may sometimes involve friends and family members.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) are the common approaches implemented. They aim to resolve the root cause of alcohol and drug use and teach patients better ways to cope with their addiction.
Outpatient Treatment vs Inpatient Rehab
The vast majority of interventions offered in recovery centers can be categorized into inpatient treatment and outpatient services.
An outpatient program is a less restrictive approach that allows SUD patients to continue working and living at home while receiving treatment. This is suitable for individuals with mild to moderate conditions.
Depending on the level of care you need, you may be referred to either an intensive outpatient (IOP) or partial hospitalization (PHP) program. Most patients undergo 5 to 6 hours of daily treatment for five to six days every week.
On the other hand, inpatient programs are more intensive, designed for treating more serious cases of substance and alcohol use disorders that hinder daily functioning.
Patients are treated and monitored in controlled sober living homes and given round-the-clock support. Inpatient rehab can last anywhere from 30 to 90 days or more, depending on the severity.
Support Groups
Being around people who understand and share your struggles can be invaluable in conquering any health conditions.
For that reason, twelve-step support groups like those in Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) may be employed as part of both inpatient and outpatient treatment.
These peer-support initiatives help patients by providing a safe and encouraging environment to share, express, and learn practical coping skills.
Continuing Aftercare
The battle doesn’t stop the moment you’re out of the rehab center. That’s why follow-up care is often offered to aid relapse prevention and facilitate lifelong recovery.
These initiatives typically consist of low-intensity treatments, which can include alumni programs, recovery meetings, mutual help groups, in-person check-ins, and counselling sessions.
Some centers also have monthly sober events, online peer-support groups, and helplines patients can contact for immediate support and referrals.
Bottom Line: Get Help and Expert Support
Overcoming drug and alcohol addiction demands an ongoing commitment and lifelong dedication. But you don’t have to fight alone. Help is just around the corner.
Whether you’re from Westbury, Roslyn Heights, Hempstead, Garden City, Hicksville, East Meadow, or anywhere in Nassau County, Long Island Treatment Center offers comprehensive treatment programs to get you back on track.
Give us a call to verify your health insurance coverage and reclaim your life today!