Addiction was once seen as a “personality flaw” that an individual could change if they wanted to. Research has transformed that outlook by discovering the biopsychosocial model of addiction and emerging treatment modalities to address the psychological, biological and social causes of addiction.
Abusing drugs or alcohol is not something anyone wants to do, just like no one wishes to suffer from a chronic disease. Addiction is a disease, much like high blood pressure or cancer are both diseases. All types of addiction require professional treatment provided by addiction specialists, prescription medications to lessen cravings and ease withdrawal symptoms and addressing difficulties before they arise.
Introduction to types of addiction
Why knowing addiction types matters
Understanding the type of addiction your loved one is facing can help identify the most effective treatment plan. Behavioral and substance-based addictions affect the brain and body differently, so identifying and understanding the type ensures the care aligns with the need and specific challenges.
Behavioral vs. substance addictions
Behavioral addictions stem from compulsive activities (e.g., gambling) that trigger similar reward pathways in the brain. Substance addictions involve a physical dependence on drugs or alcohol.
Cocaine is a potent and highly addictive stimulant. It produces a euphoric sensation and can cause high-risk behaviors and a reduction in impulse control. Over time, the body becomes tolerant of cocaine, with continued use inhibiting the brain’s reward pathway. This phenomenon causes increased feelings of depression and despair when the drug is not being used. Heavy, continual use can cause anxiety attacks, hallucinations and paranoia.
Heroin, classified as an opioid, is arguably the world’s most notorious illicit drug. Heroin is extremely addictive and has high rates of overdose and physical dependency. Continued heroin use can severely impair the physiology of the brain, causing a permanent reduction in impulse control and behavior regulation. Other effects include depression, increased susceptibility to infections, collapsed veins, disordered sleep patterns and reduced fertility.
Opioids are a class of drugs that interact with the brain’s opioid receptors; they activate pleasure signals and inhibit pain signals, simultaneously relieving pain and causing feelings of euphoria. While many are derived from the poppy plant (morphine and codeine, for example), extremely powerful synthetic versions (fentanyl) are becoming increasingly common.
Benzodiazepine drugs, sometimes called tranquilizers or “benzos,” are sedatives prescribed for medical use. Benzodiazepines are prescribed to reduce anxiety symptoms, but they can trigger physical dependence after only a few months of use and cause severe physical withdrawal symptoms. These include seizures, loss of focus, hallucinations, depression and sleeplessness.
Another type of addiction is methamphetamine or crystal meth. This is a dangerously addictive narcotic that gives users a euphoric high. Methamphetamine elevates dopamine levels and adrenaline, which elevates mood, heightens energy levels and increases feelings of confidence. The powerful stimulation can alter neurological pathways and inhibit dopamine production, effectively triggering feelings of severe depression when not using the drug. Long-term methamphetamine use can lead to psychotic episodes that might continue months or sometimes years after cessation.
Addiction to prescription medications occurs when people become physically and psychologically dependent on the drugs, even when the drugs are taken to treat legitimate medical symptoms. While the euphoric sensation of some categories of prescription drugs can lead to addiction, people who suffer from chronic, severe pain often become physically dependent upon prescription painkillers.
Marijuana is a commonly used substance in the United States due to its affordability and accessibility. Though it is largely viewed as a less harmful substance than opioids (heroin, morphine, fentanyl) or stimulants (cocaine, methamphetamine), increasingly powerful cannabis strains can lead to addiction and dependency.
What is substance use disorder?
The clinical substance use disorder definition says it is a treatable medical disorder that affects a person’s brain and behavior, leading to an inability to control their use of legal or illegal substances (e.g., drugs, alcohol or medications).
When a substance use disorder (SUD) is left untreated, it can negatively impact work, school and relationships.
What are symptoms of substance use disorder?
According to the American Psychiatric Association, substance use disorder symptoms include the following:
Mental
- Intense desire or urge to use the substance
- Difficulty controlling or stopping substance use despite negative consequences
- Inability to limit or control substance use
- Preoccupation with substance use
- Abandonment of previously enjoyed activities
Physical
- Increased tolerance to the substance
- Withdrawal symptoms when not using the substance
- Significant changes in eating patterns
- Insomnia or excessive sleepiness
- Impaired motor skills and coordination
Behavioral
- Withdrawal from friends, family and social activities
- Hiding the extent of substance misuse
- Engaging in risky or illegal activities to get or use the substance
- Difficulty managing finances
- Decline in performance at work or school
- Strained professional and personal relationships
How is substance abuse treated?
Several types of addiction can be treated with evidence-based therapies at Beach House Rehab in Juno Beach, FL.
Our skilled addiction care specialists, mental health clinicians and psychiatric and medical care providers are at the forefront of addiction treatment. They use a combination of leading-edge techniques to help those struggling with substance misuse overcome their addiction and begin their path toward recovery.
At Beach House Rehab, we collaborate with you and your loved one to create a personalized addiction treatment plan that meets your unique needs. We offer the following treatment programs:
- Medically supervised detox
- Inpatient (residential) rehab
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
- Mental health treatment
- Military addiction treatment
- Aftercare programs
Medications for substance use disorders
In addition to providing a highly personalized treatment program to help you overcome different types of drug addiction, we also offer medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in Juno Beach. We use FDA-approved medications in combination with individual and group behavioral therapies to help you heal from the inside out.
Medications can help manage withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings and support long-term recovery from several types of addiction.
The specific medication prescribed depends on your overall health and SUD. Here are some that are commonly used for opioid and alcohol use disorders:
Opioid
Methadone—to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms
Buprenorphine—to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms
Naltrexone—to prevent relapse once detox is complete
Alcohol
Disulfiram—to create an adverse reaction to alcohol
Acamprosate—to reduce cravings and normalize brain activity
Naltrexone—to reduce cravings and the rewarding effects of alcohol
Approach to therapy for addiction at Beach House Center for Recovery
Beach House Center for Recovery is a nationally recognized center for clinical excellence and is committed to being at the forefront of effective, accessible treatment for multiple types of addiction.
We provide each patient with an individualized treatment plan that addresses every facet of the desire to use. From our medically supervised detox to our latest advances in medication-assisted treatment to our alumni support program, we help you through every step of your recovery journey.
At Beach House, we believe the opposite of addiction is love and connection. Learn to love yourself again, discover the powerful connections within the recovery community and find freedom from addiction. If you or someone you know is struggling with an SUD, please contact our compassionate and helpful admissions counselors today.
Behavioral addictions
Behavioral addictions can be just as harmful as substance use disorders. The most common behavioral addictions include:
- Gambling
- Shopping
- Stealing
- Internet and television overuse
- Love and relationship
Causes and risk factors for addiction
Genetic and biological factors
Genetics influence how the brain responds to substances or behaviors, making certain individuals more likely to develop dependence. Biological factors, like differences in brain chemistry or metabolism, can also increase the risk for addiction.
Environmental and social influences
Your surroundings can strongly impact your addiction risk. Exposure to things like substance use, peer pressure, high-stress environments or lack of social support can make developing an addiction more likely.
Psychological and emotional triggers
Mental health conditions, trauma and emotional stress often intersect with addiction. Anxiety, depression or unresolved trauma can lead some individuals to use substances or behaviors as coping mechanisms, highlighting the need for integrated care.
How Beach House Center for Recovery supports recovery
Personalized recovery programs
Everyone’s recovery journey us unique. Beach House Center for Recovery creates personalized treatment plans to address your unique medical, emotional and social needs, ensuring care is tailored for long-term healing and recovery.
Evidence-based therapies
The Beach House Center for Recovery treatment programs are grounded in clinically proven methods. Our cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), group sessions, and trauma-informed care programs help patients build coping skills, self-awareness and long-term resilience.
Holistic treatment approaches
At Beach House Center for Recovery, healing goes far beyond stopping the substance use. Our holistic approach integrates mind, body, and spirit to support comprehensive, lasting recovery.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Can behavioral addictions be treated like substance addictions?
Yes. Behavioral addictions often respond well to the same therapeutic approaches used for substance misuse, including cognitive behavioral therapy and group therapy sessions.
How do I know which type of addiction I or my loved one has?
A professional assessment can determine whether symptoms stem from behavioral or substance addiction and identify the best treatment plan for your unique needs.
What is the most effective treatment for prescription drug addiction?
Medication-assisted treatment, combined with therapy and holistic support, helps reduce cravings and promote long-term recovery.
Can nicotine addiction recovery programs work alongside other substance rehab?
Yes, addiction recovery programs can work alongside other substance use disorder treatment programs to safely and effectively address nicotine addiction.
How long does recovery take for different types of addiction?
Recovery timelines depend on several factors, including the type of substance, duration of use and individual health factors. However, healing begins as soon as treatment starts.
Are there specialized programs for co-occurring behavioral and substance addictions?
Yes. Beach House Center for Recovery offers evidence-based dual-diagnosis programs that address both addictions simultaneously to promote whole-person healing and recovery.
How does family support improve addiction recovery outcomes?
Strong family support helps build accountability, rebuild trust and sustain motivation during and after treatment. Contact Beach House Center for Recovery to learn more about our Family Program.
