A: Drug addiction is chronic, progressive and often-relapsing brain disease. It is considered a brain disease because the use and abuse of drugs causes changes in structure and function of the brain. This disease causes the person suffering to compulsively seek out and use drugs repeatedly – despite negative consequences to both themselves and those around them.

A: Long term use of alcohol can lead to many negative effects including but not limited to: high blood pressure, stroke, heart-related diseases, liver disease, nerve damage, permanent damage to the brain, vitamin B deficient, ulcers, malnutrition, cancer of the mouth and throat, increased on-the-job injuries and loss of production, increase in injuries with firearms, increase in sexual assault, increase in domestic violence, increase in unintentional accidents (car crashes, falls, burns, drowning), increased strain on relationships and increased family problems.

A: There are many options out there for treatment for alcoholism. They run a large spectrum including but not limited to, in-patient rehabilitation centers that have 30, 60 or 90 day stays, out patient treatment options, and free support groups (such as SMART, Alcoholics Anonymous, Life Ring, and Dharma Punx – just to name a few!). A Certified ARISE® Interventionist can help make suggestions and guide your loved one, and your family into the treatment options that might be best for them.

A: Alcohol withdrawal can begin as soon as two hours after a person has their last drink. Alcohol withdrawal is extremely serious and potentially life-threatening. Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include anxiety, shakiness, seizures and delirium tremens. Because symptoms can rapidly worsen it is important to seek medical attention if you or a loved one is detoxing from alcohol. A Certified ARISE® Interventionist can work with your loved one and your family to find a suitable detox facility.

A: While some people are able to use prescription and recreational drugs without any outward apparent negative consequences, most begin at some point to have some sign and symptoms that are evident to those around them. Common social signs include neglecting responsibilities at work, home or school, higher degree or risk taking, legal trouble, and strain on relationships. Common physical warning signs include blood shot eyes, changes in appetite or sleeping patterns, weight loss or weight gain, tremors, slurred speech, impaired coordination, and unkempt physical appearance. Common behavioral changes include sudden mood swings, lack of motivation, increased anxiety or paranoia, unexplained changes in personality, and periods of agitation or giddiness. If you feel a loved one is experiencing these symptoms and are concerned for their well being – remember, you do NOT have to wait for them to hit “bottom” before seeking help!

A: Anything that a pregnant mother puts into her body or blood stream will then pass through the developing fetus. Uses drugs or alcohol while pregnant can damage and affect that growth of the baby – particularly the baby’s brain, nervous system and spinal cord. If you are concerned about an expecting loved one, our Certified ARISE® Interventionists can help guide your family into finding the right care and rehabilitation programs for you.

A: There are many reasons someone who is struggling with a drug or alcohol addiction “just can’t stop”. It may be that they cannot yet see the reality of the problem – they may even feel there is a problem. In many situations they WANT to stop, but because addiction is a brain disease that actually changes the structure and function of the brain, they are unable to control their cravings and compulsions.

A: The goal of drug addiction treatment is to return someone who is suffering from a substance abuse disorder back to functioning in the community, the workplace, in society, and as a member of their family. There are many types of treatment utilized when treating those addicted to drugs and alcohol. Some of the methods may include (but are not limited to): behavioral therapies, relapse prevention medications, support groups (such as 12-step programs and other non-secular groups), animal assisted therapy, and more.

A: According to research done by the National Institute on Drug Abuse which tracks individuals over extended periods of time, most people who get into treatment for addiction and who stay engaged with treatment are able to stop using drugs, decrease their criminal activities, and improve their overall functioning socially, mentally and in the work place. Like other chronic disease – addiction can be managed successfully.

A: Addiction is a disease because the use of drugs and alcohol actually changes the structure and function of the brain.

A: It is important to remember that there is no single defining factor that will determine whether or not someone will develop an addiction to drugs or alcohol. Risk for an addiction is a combination of factors. These risks include: biology (the genes a person is born with), environment (family, friends, socioeconomic status, general quality of life, peer pressure, abuse), and development (the age at which use beings).

A: The 12-Step model was originally developed by Alcoholics Anonymous as a method for recovery from alcoholism. The method was then adapted for use in other programs (such as programs for drug addiction, food addiction, workaholism and more). The 12-Steps themselves are a set of guiding principals that outline a course of action for recovery. Many treatment centers utilize 12-step group methods.