Addiction Medicine

What is addiction?

Addiction occurs when your dependency on a specific substance or activity becomes so severe you can’t function without it. Addiction is not a weakness or something you can easily shake off; it’s a disease that requires expert treatment.

Addiction can affect people in different ways depending on the source of the problem and each person’s unique nature. However, the outcomes are often similar, including:

• Relationship breakdowns
• Family disharmony
• Difficulties working or studying
• Losing your job
• Dropping out of college
• Getting into debt
• Losing your home
• Lack of self-care
• Personality changes

People with addictions find it hard or impossible to focus on anything other than their addiction. They’re unable to stop using the substance or doing the activity to which they’re addicted even when their lives are crumbling, their health is deteriorating, and they’re at risk of premature death.

Typically, the body’s tolerance to substances builds up over time as well, meaning you need higher doses. Trying to quit can cause unpleasant or intolerable withdrawal symptoms.

What is addiction medicine?

Addiction medicine helps you overcome dependency and regain mental and physical health.

Most addictions cause physical and psychological problems. MRI scans of people with addictions show specific changes in brain activity, and addictions often cause serious physical harm, including heart, lung, kidney, and liver damage

Without help, these problems can severely affect your health and quality of life. Addiction can also cause premature death from heart attacks, strokes, overdoses, and suicides. The Umbrella HealthCare team’s expertise in addiction medicine provides you with the support you need to beat your dependency and regain your health.

What addiction medicine treatments might I need?

Each patient at Umbrella HealthCare has a personalized addiction medicine treatment plan designed around their specific needs. Treatments that might feature in your plan include:

Talk therapy

Talk therapies are vital in recovering from addiction. The Umbrella HealthCare team offers various therapies, including interpersonal psychotherapy, which helps you process problems and previous traumas that made you vulnerable to addiction.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is also helpful, giving you the tools to cope better with everyday life.

Medication

Medications can reduce withdrawal effects, so it’s easier to stop taking drugs like heroin and prescription opioids. You might also benefit from antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications to reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety that frequently occur alongside addiction.

To find out how you can benefit from addiction medicine, call Umbrella HealthCare today or book an appointment online.