No matter who you are, dependence on medications and other substances can become a severe problem. Drugs and alcohol come in many forms, and many good people wind up dependent on them for many reasons. Some reasons might be purely medical, while others might be more recreational in intent. The result is the same – physical dependence of full-on addiction and a loss of control on your life. Red Oak Recovery® provides addiction treatment North Carolina families can rely on to help loved ones struggling with drug and alcohol use.
Physical Dependence Explained
Many people mistakenly think the time to get help for drug or alcohol use is when apparent signs of addiction appear. Long before full-blown addiction comes physical dependence, which happens when your brain adapts to a drug. As it changes, you need more to accomplish the same effect. Your body will experience withdrawal symptoms when you go without the drug, but not to the extent it would with addiction. You still manage your daily life, but you likely will experience more significant irritability, a lack of sleep, and have trouble concentrating. Physical dependence generally is manageable. Those at that point of drug and alcohol use function normally in their daily lives. Physical dependence reveals itself in two ways:
- Increased tolerance
- Withdrawal symptoms
Even when taking drugs as prescribed, dependence is a common side effect, especially with opioids and other addictive medications. A naturally occurring rise in tolerance leads to higher dosage amounts, which leads to physical dependence and signs of withdrawal when not medicated. The most apparent withdrawal symptoms are nausea and vomiting.
Greater Chance at Recovery
Physical dependence treatment in North Carolina is much more successful than for addiction. Patients can undergo decreasing dosages of medications. Some alternative medicines also can help with reducing dependency until it no longer exists.
Why Addiction is Worse
Physical addiction treatment in North Carolina and elsewhere generally have lower success rates than for physical dependence. That is due to the addict’s extreme condition. Addiction is worse than dependence and is marked by common signs:
- Changing behavior caused by biochemical changes
- Inability to work or manage daily lives
- Craving, powerful desire
- Continued use despite knowing potential dangers
If you or someone you know is physically dependent on drugs or alcohol, full-on addiction is just around the corner. Many people dealing with physical dependency will sacrifice relationships and stop doing joyful activities to continue doing drugs or alcohol. Many might stop hobbies or fun activities to find more time – and money – to support their growing dependency. As the condition worsens, the dependency can cause you to seek isolation and secrecy while engaging in drug use. As conditions get worse, you might find yourself sacrificing things that cost money, like paying your utility bills, in order to continue using. Fortunately, help is just a phone call away.
Learn How Red Oak Recovery® Can Help
Red Oak Recovery® in North Carolina provides a full range of services for young adult males between the ages of 18-30. Whether you or someone you know shows signs of physical dependence to potentially addictive drugs and alcohol, Red Oak Recovery® has many solutions available, including:
- Men’s rehab
- Family counseling
- Treatment for substance use
- Holistic healing
- Addiction therapy services
- Mental health treatment
If dependency or addiction has taken control of your life or that of someone you know, you don’t have to suffer in silence. Please feel free to call us toll-free at 866.457.7590 and learn more about how Red Oak Recovery® can help addicts and the physically dependent on regaining control of their lives. Just a few minutes on the phone could lead to a fantastic change in your life or the life of someone you know.
