Substance Abuse

Discover the transformative support Healing Horizons offers for substance abuse. Reach out to us today and embark on your journey to healing.

No Matter The Substance, Healing Horizon Can Guide Your Recovery Path

Substance abuse doesn’t discriminate based on age, gender, or background. Its grip can tighten over time, creating problems with relationships, financial stability, and health. Recognizing the challenge is the first step to overcoming substance abuse, acknowledging that you’re not alone in this struggle and that help is within reach.

Deciding to choose treatment and recovery is a courageous decision – choosing to face the underlying causes head-on, whether they stem from curiosity, peer pressure, or deeper, unresolved issues. Treatment isn’t just about breaking free from the substance’s hold; it’s a holistic journey of healing, rediscovering yourself, and rebuilding a life with newfound strength and purpose.

The road to recovery begins with a single, brave step toward seeking help and Healing Horizon wants to help you achieve your goals. We provide you with the tools you need to succeed and the support that will help carry you through long-term sobriety.

The Difference Between Substance Abuse and Addiction

Substance abuse and addiction are terms often used interchangeably, but they actually describe different stages along the spectrum of substance use disorder. Understanding the distinction between the two can help in recognizing the severity of a person’s relationship with substances and in determining the most appropriate approach to treatment.

Substance abuse refers to the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs. It implies a pattern of use that already causes damage to one’s health, relationships, or responsibilities (like work or school), but not necessarily to the extent of physical dependence or addiction. People abusing drugs might still maintain some control over their use and might not use these substances daily or feel a compelling need to increase the dose regularly.

Addiction is characterized by the compulsive use of drugs or other substances despite harmful consequences, an inability to stop using, and often, a physical dependence on the substance. Addiction is a chronic, relapsing disorder that involves changes to the brain’s wiring, affecting an individual’s self-control and ability to make sound decisions while producing intense cravings. This stage signifies a deeper relationship with the substance, where use has become a central focus of the person’s life, often at the expense of other interests and activities.

Start Your Transformative Journey

Your recovery in California starts with a commitment to quitting drugs and alcohol, facing the root causes of your substance use, and building a new life. Healing Horizon wants to help you reach your goals. Our luxury safe haven, tailored treatment plans, and dedicated treatment professionals provide everything you need to overcome addiction under one roof.

Key Components of Substance Abuse

Physical Dependence

This occurs when the body has adapted to the presence of the substance to the point where its absence causes withdrawal symptoms. Physical dependence can develop from both legal (prescription medication) and illegal substances. The severity of dependence and the specific withdrawal symptoms vary widely among different substances.

Tolerance

Over time, regular use of a substance often leads to tolerance, meaning that higher doses of the substance are required to achieve the same effect. Tolerance can accelerate the progression from use to abuse and from abuse to addiction, as individuals consume increasingly larger amounts to attain the desired effects, thereby intensifying physical and psychological dependence.

Psychological Dependence

This aspect involves a perceived need for the substance to perform daily tasks, cope with stress, or feel pleasure. Psychological dependence is characterized by cravings for the substance and the belief that one cannot function or feel normal without it. This component is particularly insidious because it can persist long after physical dependence has been overcome, making psychological support and therapy a crucial part of treatment.

Negative Consequences

Substance abuse is marked by continued use despite the harmful consequences it brings to one’s health, well-being, and life. These consequences can be wide-ranging, affecting physical health, mental health, social relationships, work, and legal status. The inability to cease substance use despite these negative outcomes is a hallmark of addiction and substance abuse disorder.

What to Expect During Substance Abuse Treatment

When making the decision to start substance abuse treatment, an assessment by healthcare professionals will determine the extent of substance use and any co-occurring disorders, laying the groundwork for a personalized treatment plan. For those with physical dependence, detoxification may be the first step, offering medical supervision to safely manage withdrawal symptoms and stabilize physical health.

Following detox, individuals often enter rehabilitation programs, which can be inpatient or outpatient. These programs are designed to address both the psychological and behavioral aspects of addiction through various therapies. Individual, group, and family counseling sessions are common, focusing on understanding the nature of addiction, developing coping mechanisms, and repairing relationships affected by substance use.

Throughout this journey, the aim is holistic healing—addressing mental, physical, and emotional health to build a foundation for long-term recovery.

How Long Does a Substance Abuse Treatment Program Last?

The length of a substance abuse treatment program varies depending on your personal needs, the severity and type of addiction, and the treatment setting. Here’s a general timeline for treatment:

Detoxification typically lasts from a few days to a week but can extend longer for certain substances or severe dependencies.
Short-term residential treatment programs often last from 28 to 30 days, providing intensive care in a structured environment.
Long-term residential treatment can range from 60 days to 6 months or even longer, offering a deeper dive into the psychological aspects of addiction and more time for lifestyle changes to take root.
Outpatient treatment programs vary widely in duration, from several weeks to over a year. These programs can be flexible, designed to accommodate work or family obligations while still providing comprehensive treatment.
Therapy and counseling sessions within these programs might occur multiple times a week initially, then gradually decrease in frequency as the individual progresses.

It’s important to note that addiction recovery is often considered a lifelong process. After the formal treatment ends, many individuals continue with aftercare programs, support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA), and ongoing therapy to maintain their sobriety and manage relapse risks. Healing Horizon is committed to helping you achieve your goals and overcome substance abuse.

Begin Healing with One-on-One Personalized Treatment

At Healing Horizons, we invite you into our serene haven, nestled in Calabasas, California. Our residential rehab promises a tranquil setting for your recovery journey.

Our tailored services, compassionate support team, and luxurious environment are all designed to make your path to healing as comfortable and pleasant as possible. Ready to embark on this transformative journey? Reach out to our admissions department today and connect with a friendly member of our team who’s here to guide you every step of the way.