Addiction: Signs, Types, And Treatment Options

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Addiction, often called a substance use disorder, is a health condition in which the brain’s reward, motivation, and stress systems are changed by repeated substance use. Over time, a person may:

• Develop strong cravings for alcohol or drugs
• Lose control over how much or how often they use
• Spend significant time obtaining, using, and recovering from substances
• Keep using despite serious consequences

Addiction can involve a single substance or several at once. To learn more about specific substances, visit our alcohol addiction and drug information pages.

Common Types Of Addiction

Addiction can develop around many substances, including:

• Alcohol
• Prescription opioids like hydrocodone and codeine
• Illicit opioids such as heroin (see heroin detox)
• Stimulants such as Adderall or cocaine
• Methamphetamine and other stimulant drugs
• Benzodiazepines and other sedatives
• Inhalants and whippit misuse
• Hallucinogens and dissociatives, as described in hallucinogen addiction resources

People often use more than one substance at a time, which can increase medical risks and complicate withdrawal. A professional assessment helps clarify what is going on and what type of care is safest.

Signs And Symptoms Of Addiction

Addiction affects the body, mind, and behavior. Common signs include:

Physical Signs

• Needing more of a substance to get the same effect (tolerance)
• Feeling sick, shaky, or anxious when not using (withdrawal)
• Changes in sleep, appetite, or weight
• Unexplained injuries, accidents, or frequent illnesses

Behavioral And Emotional Signs

• Using more or longer than intended
• Difficulty cutting down or stopping, even when you want to
• Missing work, school, or family events
• Withdrawing from hobbies, friends, or responsibilities
• Lying, hiding substances, or being secretive about money and time
• Feeling shame, guilt, or hopelessness about use

If these signs feel familiar, a chemical dependency evaluation or substance abuse evaluation near you can help you understand what is happening and what to do next.

How Addiction Develops

Addiction rarely appears overnight. It often begins with experimental or occasional use, moves into regular or risky patterns, and eventually becomes a chronic condition. This process involves:

• Changes in brain chemistry and stress systems
• Using to cope with emotional pain, stress, trauma, or mental health symptoms
• Gradually re-organizing life around substance use

Our page on the addiction process explains how casual use can progress to dependence and addiction, and where intervention can make the biggest difference.

Assessment And Diagnosis

A thorough assessment is the first step in effective addiction care. During an evaluation, a clinician will typically:

• Review your substance use history and patterns
• Ask about physical and mental health symptoms
• Screen for conditions like depression, anxiety, or trauma
• Recommend an appropriate level of treatment

You can learn more about this process on our chemical dependency evaluations and substance abuse evaluations near me pages.

Detox: Safely Managing Withdrawal

When the body has become physically dependent on alcohol or drugs, stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal. For substances like alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, and methadone, this can be uncomfortable and, in some cases, dangerous.

Medical detox programs provide:

• 24/7 monitoring of vital signs
• Medications to ease withdrawal symptoms and cravings when appropriate
• Supportive care to manage anxiety, insomnia, and discomfort
• A safe bridge into ongoing treatment and recovery services

For location-specific support, you can also explore detox centers near me and detox in NYC.

Addiction Treatment Options

Treatment for addiction is not one-size-fits-all. Effective care is individualized based on the substances involved, health needs, and personal goals. At Every 1 Center, treatment options include:

• Alcohol treatment
• Opioid-focused care such as Suboxone-related treatment and opiate detox
• Adderall addiction treatment and other stimulant programs
• Hydrocodone, codeine, and other prescription medication treatment
• Inhalant treatment and whippit use care

You can explore all available options on our treatment overview page.

Levels Of Care: From Intensive To Flexible

The right level of care depends on how severe the addiction is and how much structure you need to stay safe and engaged in recovery. Our programs include:

• Residential treatment with 24/7 support
• Partial hospitalization (PHP)
• Intensive outpatient (IOP) and evening IOP
• Standard outpatient programs
• Long-term programs for extended recovery support
• Faith-based programs for those who want a spiritual component
• 12-step–oriented programs for structured peer support

Additional support services such as sober companions, sober coaches, and sober transport can help bridge transitions between levels of care.

Therapies Used In Addiction Treatment

Addiction treatment typically combines medical care with evidence-based therapies that address thoughts, emotions, and behavior. Common approaches include:

• Individual addiction counseling
• Group therapy and peer support
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
• Holistic addiction therapy
• Teletherapy for flexible access to care
• Wilderness therapy programs in certain settings

Many people benefit from a combination of individual, group, and family-focused work through our full range of therapy services.

Specialized Addiction Treatment For Men And Women

Men and women may face different pressures, trauma histories, or family roles in addiction and recovery. Gender-responsive care can be helpful, including:

• Men’s addiction treatment
• Women’s drug and alcohol rehab

These programs address topics like parenting, relationships, emotional expression, and safety in a focused, supportive environment.

Support Groups And Long-Term Recovery

Recovery continues long after formal treatment ends. Many people maintain sobriety and stability with ongoing support such as:

• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
• Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
• SMART Recovery and other non–12-step options
• Therapy through our counseling and therapy services
• Structured living environments and ongoing coaching or companions as needed

Help And Hope For Families Affected By Addiction

Addiction affects the entire family, not just the person using substances. Loved ones may feel scared, angry, exhausted, or unsure what to do. Families can find support through:

• Education and counseling via our therapy services
• Family-focused support groups such as Nar-Anon and Nicotine Anonymous for tobacco-related concerns
• Community resources like Alcoholics Anonymous (for loved ones who drink)
• Guidance on intervention services when someone is not yet willing to accept help

Families did not cause addiction, but they can play a powerful role in encouraging treatment and supporting recovery.

Paying For Addiction Treatment

Cost is a common concern, and many people are unsure what their insurance will cover. Our insurance resources explain coverage for drug and alcohol rehab, including plans such as:

• Aetna
• Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Cigna
• GEHA
• NYSHIP
• Empire Plan

You can also request a call to discuss your specific coverage and options.

Taking The First Step Toward Help

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, you do not have to wait for a crisis to reach out. Early support can prevent medical emergencies, legal problems, and deeper harm.

To explore your options, you can:

• Review detox services and treatment programs
• Look at rehab centers and location-based resources
• Check insurance information for rehab coverage
• Request a confidential call from our team
• Contact us directly with questions about your situation

Addiction is treatable. With evidence-based care and consistent support, many people move from active substance use into stable, long-term recovery. Reaching out is the first step toward change.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about any questions you have regarding a substance use or mental health concern.