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Edited & clinically reviewed by THE BALANCE Team

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Addiction is the inability to quit a substance or behavior and involves different parts of the brain such as motivation and reward. The term is used to describe a physical, psychological, and or emotional dependency on a particular substance, act, ritual, or behavior.

A person holding a cup of an alcoholic drink.

Addiction is an escape

What is Addiction Treatment

Addiction usually begins when the person seeks an escape through a substance or action that causes a strong release of chemicals in the brain. This strong release of chemicals affects the brain and develops a dependency on the escape used.

Although most common addictions are on a physical substance such as alcohol addiction, marijuana addiction, Xanax addiction, drugs addiction, prescription drug addiction, and even no substance at all like gambling, gaming, porn, sex, shopping, codependency, social media, etc.

As an addiction recovery center, we recognize that the roots are located predominantly in stress and anxiety disorders, and addictive behaviors serve as a temporary relief to these symptoms. Addiction can develop quickly or over a long period, behaviour becomes ‘compulsive’ and as addictive behavior is repeated. The person loses control and the ability to stop when they had planned or need to.

The substance or behavior begins to control and manipulate a person’s life and addiction rehab is needed. People are often referred to as being an ‘addict’ and having an ‘addiction’ once this pattern of behavior has taken root. In its most chronic state, the addicts’ main purpose, function, and desire are to ‘feed’ the addiction, this behavior is often referred to as ‘using’.

This cultivates an endless cycle of unhealthy behavior. This behavior triggers an overwhelming sense to ‘use more frequently’ to feel satisfied. This ‘using’ behavior becomes the only means of pleasure or ‘escape’ for the addict.

Eventually, addiction causes an often devastating impact on all areas of life, such as chronic health conditions, even death, poor social engagement, isolation, work problems, family and relationship breakdown, a chaotic lifestyle, debt or financial problems begin to take root. Biologically, addiction disrupts the central nervous system, and ‘high jacks’ the primary reward circuit inherent in all human beings. Addicts will ‘crave’ until they can ‘fix’ the desire with more and more of the substance or activity to feel ‘OK’ or satisfied.

THE BALANCE Addiction treatment programs

Physical damage resulting from addiction is significant, to the body and the brain. Moreover, psychological and behavioral changes that come with addiction can interfere with one’s daily life and activities. Addiction is chronic and increases over time. In addition, cycles of relapse occur frequently strengthening the dependence and the addiction.

Recovery from addiction is a long and hard journey. We understand the challenges that might slow or stop your addiction recovery and have accordingly devised a person-centered inpatient program that offers a comprehensive treatment. There are numerous types of addiction with varying degrees and intensity. We assess the overall situation of every individual to understand their specific case. We take into account all the variables such as risk factors, triggers, history, and existing psychological issues.

At THE BALANCE Addiction Recovery Center, our team consists of mental health therapists and medical experts who will cooperate to provide the best recovery and treatment program. Detoxification (detox) is the first step and intends to rid you of the dependency you suffer from.

At our alcohol & drug detox center, our team will work on restoring your body and brain functions and on your general well-being. Additionally, THE BALANCE team will help you overcome the hardest parts of addiction-withdrawal and relapse. When recovery is completed and health is regained, follow-up treatment will ensure your abstinence from addictive drugs and behaviors is permanent.