man participates in a individual therapy programAddiction becomes progressively worse because it is a chronic and incurable disease. Addiction can change the way you think and feel, impairing your judgment and causing drastic mood changes. Although addiction is incurable, with a Jacksonville medical detox program and an individual therapy program you can learn how to successfully manage your symptoms and regain control over your life.

When you battle a substance abuse disorder, alcoholism or addiction, you can feel lost, isolated and hopeless. Addiction can cause problems with your relationships, especially among family members and spouses. Drugs and alcohol carry the risk of addiction, but the cause of addiction remains unknown. That means that anyone, regardless of age, race, gender or background, can develop a substance abuse disorder.

What is Addiction?

Substance abuse disorders and addiction affect more than 10% of Americans, making it one of the most common mental health problems in the country. During addiction, you compulsively abuse drugs and alcohol despite severe consequences and a desire to quit. You may continue to abuse drugs and alcohol despite losing a job, damaging your marriage or experiencing legal problems. When you use drugs or alcohol, your brain associates your substance of choice with pleasure. This association alters your brain’s pleasure and reward center, making it difficult to quit using without help.

Once your brain connects your substance of choice with pleasure, it begins to reward your substance use with a pleasurable rush of neurotransmitters. When the effects of your substance of choice dissipate, you suddenly experience a significant neurotransmitter depletion. Your brain will restrict the release of neurotransmitters until you use again, which leads to intense cravings, especially when you are surrounded by triggers.

Drugs and alcohol can also cause physical dependence. Examples of psychoactive substances that can cause physical dependency to include:

  • Alcohol
  • Opiates
  • Benzodiazepines
  • Amphetamines
  • Cocaine and crack
  • Methamphetamine

When you develop a physical dependency, you will experience withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop using. Withdrawal symptoms can sometimes cause potentially fatal complications and are uncomfortable enough that many users will continue abusing their substance of choice solely to avoid withdrawal. A Jacksonville medical detox program can provide you with mediation assisted detox services, as well as individual therapy for addiction. Completing a drug and alcohol detox program not only prevents potentially life-threatening withdrawal symptoms but also improves your chances of recovering.

What is an Individual Therapy Program?

An individual therapy program provides personalized treatment to ensure your needs and goals are met during treatment. An individual therapy program can use talking-based therapeutic techniques to help you identify your recovery goals and begin developing a long-term treatment plan.

Many times, an individual therapy program implements evidence-based therapies, like cognitive and dialectic behavioral therapy, to help you identify and change negative thoughts, feelings and behaviors. An individual therapy program also teaches you how to cope with triggers and cravings. Another important element of an individual therapy program is helping you craft a relapse prevention plan.

Nearly half of all people in recovery experience at least once relapse. Unfortunately, even one relapse can lead to more harm than your original addiction and increases your chances of overdosing. Relapse prevention education and strategies that you learn during an individual therapy program provide you with healthy ways to handle negative life events and emotions, such as changing jobs or feeling stressed.

Starting Your Recovery Today

When you or a loved one is struggling with an addiction, alcoholism or substance abuse disorder, you may feel frustrated, confused and helpless. Reaching out for help is an important first step in the recovery process. Treatment offers you the ability to safely detox and complete an individual therapy program. Reach out to us today at 866.723.3127 to find out more about our nationally recognized addiction therapy programs.