Substance abuse and addiction are complex problems that need individualized solutions. Professionals now focus on the addictive personality rather than on a specific addiction, and use integrated therapies to help people move towards recovery. Unlike most substance abuse treatment programs, these combine mental health therapy with physical therapy and nutritional counseling and support to create a positive lifestyle.
Types of addiction
Addictions can be destructive. Drug and alcohol abuse and gambling are seen by professionals as the expression of a compulsive personality. The results can be devastating for individuals and society as a whole. Given the scale and strength of addictions, their impact is felt by children, families, communities and even the economy.
In the U.S. about 10 to 15% of the population is estimated to have an addictive personality. In 2016, CNN estimated that the cost of addictions to the economy totaled $10 billion. Addictions can take many forms, but the most common are alcohol and drug abuse and gambling.
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Alcohol
The leading drug addiction problem in the U.S. is alcohol. More than half or around 53% of all adults in the U.S. say that they have one or more close relative with a drinking problem. And over 10% of children have a parent who has alcohol problems.
It is estimated that almost 13.8 million Americans have drinking problems. This is about 7% of the total adult population. Alcohol rehab can be a slow process, and has a greater chance of success when family are involved in the effort. -
Drugs
It’s no secret that the U.S. is in the middle of a drug epidemic. Drug overdoses are now the leading cause of accidental death in the U.S., surpassing traffic accidents. In 2015, there were 52,404 lethal drug overdoses.
The two most common drugs used by Americans 12 or older are prescription pain relievers and heroin. Like alcohol, drug rehab has a better chance of success with family support. -
Gambling
Gambling can also be an addiction like substance abuse, and the two often go together. People with alcohol abuse problems are 23 times more likely to become compulsive gamblers.
Also like alcohol abuse, gambling addictions begin at an early age, before 17 years. Compulsive gamblers are also a high risk for suicide.
Holistic addiction treatment centers
Addictions can be complex and inter-related. Addiction treatment centers now focus on the addiction rather than a single manifestation. Integrated substance abuse treatment programs use mental health therapy as well as physical therapy and other wellness therapies to help the individual become invested in his or her own recovery.
Relapses are one of the biggest obstacles to recovery, and rehab centers have found that continued support and family involvement can help to prevent these.
Substance abuse treatment programs that take an individual approach and that continue to provide support after the program ends have the greatest chance of long term success. Rehab centers offer the individual the chance to take stock of their lives and to make positive changed in a responsible manner.
