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Evidence-Based Care for All Types of Drug Dependence

How Personalized, Evidence-Based Treatment Can Help

Addiction is not the same for everyone. The type of substance, when it was first used, how long they have been living with addiction, and any co-occurring mental health disorders will all dictate how one’s addiction looks and what their treatment needs to address. A person who has a physical dependence on opioids will need a different treatment program than someone who has a psychological dependence on alcohol.

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What We Treat

At Meridian Recovery, we provide individualized, evidence-based programming for an array of substance use disorders. Each client will participate in an initial clinical assessment that will assist in developing their individualized treatment plan to aid in addressing not only the substance involved but also the entire individual behind their addiction. As part of the treatment program, we will provide services that include, but are not limited to, evidence-based therapy, medication management if appropriate, and treatment support in each level of care.

Opioids

Opioid use disorder is a very complex and life-threatening form of addiction. It is the result of altered reward and pain systems in the brain. Our opioid use disorder program integrates evidence-based behavioral therapies with medication management as necessary to treat both the physical and psychological components of dependency.

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Alcohol

Alcohol dependency is among the most common and medically serious substance use disorders. Without clinical support, the withdrawal symptoms can quickly become life-threatening. Our alcohol treatment program will assess the severity of your condition and provide comprehensive treatment.

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Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepine dependency typically develops from the legitimate use of prescribed medications. Our team of clinicians understands the psychological dependence and the withdrawal symptoms that are specific to benzodiazepines and treat accordingly.

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Fentanyl

Fentanyl is one of the most potent opioids and has the highest risk of overdose. Fentanyl dependency requires an intensive and specialized clinical intervention to be successful. Our fentanyl program is designed to appropriately care for anyone with a fentanyl addiction, no matter the severity.

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Kratom

Kratom is becoming an increasingly common and misunderstood addiction. Many people develop a kratom dependency after using it to self-manage their pain or opioid withdrawal. Our team of clinicians provides informed and evidence-based care for clients struggling with kratom dependency.

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Cocaine

Cocaine dependency is characterized as a powerful psychological dependency and compulsive cocaine use. It responds positively to structured behavioral therapy and clinical support.

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Meth

Meth dependency causes significant neurological and psychological destruction and generally requires lengthy and comprehensive clinical intervention. Our program has been designed to address the unique challenges of stimulant dependency through an individualized plan of care.

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Adderall

Prescription stimulant use has become a growing issue, especially in adolescents, and can develop into a significant substance abuse disorder over time. Our clinicians are experienced in helping individuals safely address Adderall dependence.

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Marijuana

Although marijuana use is often trivialized, cannabis dependency is acknowledged as a medical condition by the DSM-5. Our clinical team provides supportive and non-judgmental treatment for people whose dependence on cannabis is interfering with their overall well-being.

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Club Drugs

Club drug use frequently co-occurs with other substance use disorders and mental health challenges, requiring an integrated clinical approach that addresses the full picture.

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Heroin

Heroin addiction is one of the most difficult addictions to treat, with a high rate of relapse and overdose. Our heroin treatment program is a medically informed approach to provide support and compassionate care to our clients while supporting them through the long-term recovery process.

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Inhalants

Inhalant use disorder is often overlooked but can cause serious and lasting harm to the central nervous system and overall health. Our clinicians provide informed, caring treatment for individuals and families affected by inhalant misuse.

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Understanding Drug Addiction and Substance Use Disorder

When we speak of drug addiction, we are talking about something that is a chronic health issue, not just a bad habit. 

Addiction is not a moral failing or a lack of willpower. It is a recognized medical condition.[1] The DSM-5 gives us the framework to see when someone’s use has crossed over into a clinical problem.[2] Understanding that shift is the only way to move from feeling ashamed to actually getting better. 

Prolonged drug use actually rewires the brain, affecting how a person thinks and how they act every day. Once those decision-making pathways in the brain get hijacked, a person keeps craving and using the substance, even if it is ruining their relationships, their job, or their health.

How Addiction Affects the Brain

When an addictive substance is used, it causes a surge of dopamine in the brain’s reward system. This artificial dopamine release is much greater than what the brain would receive after natural rewards, like food or social connection.

The brain also adapts very quickly. Over time, it adapts to dopamine floods by producing less of it naturally and desensitizing its dopamine receptors.[3] The end result is that someone using substances will gradually need more and more of it to feel the same effect and will start feeling less pleasure from everyday activities.

These changes to the brain’s reward system are why behavioral therapy is so important.[4] Once the brain has been rewired by substances, it makes cravings more intense and stopping extremely difficult, even if the user genuinely wants to.

Physical Dependence vs. Addiction

People often use physical dependence and addiction interchangeably, but it is important to understand that they are not the same thing.[5]

Physical dependence is when the brain and the body adapt to the presence of a substance. If the person stops using or reduces the use of that substance, it produces uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. This can happen with any type of substance: illegal drugs, prescription drugs, or painkillers, even when used as directed by a doctor.

Addiction, as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), goes further than physical dependence. Someone addicted to a substance will use it compulsively, lose control, and continue to use it despite any negative consequences. They may feel that they will not be able to cope with their daily routine without that substance. 

Someone can be physically dependent on a substance without being addicted to it, but most people with addiction also have a physical dependence on the substance they are using. Both dependence and addiction should be addressed to achieve effective treatment results.

Signs of Drug Abuse and Addiction

Recognizing signs of a substance use disorder can often be the first step in getting help. NIDA and DSM-5 identify several common signs:

  • Use of a substance in larger amounts or for a longer time frame than intended.
  • Trying to stop or decrease usage, but being unable to do so
  • Spending a significant amount of time trying to obtain, use, or recover from the effects of a substance.
  • Strong cravings or urges to use.
  • Continued use despite negative effects to health. employment, or relationships
  • Withdrawing from others socially, at work, or during leisure time
  • Using a substance in unsafe or dangerous conditions.
  • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using a substance, or using a substance purely to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

The signs listed above can occur in different degrees. Not everyone with a substance use disorder will show every sign. If you see a change in your or a loved one’s behavior, a professional evaluation is the next important step.

Why Substance-Specific Treatment Matters

Different substances, like alcohol, opioids, or methamphetamine, can affect the brain and the body differently, which is why treatment can also differ depending on the substance.[6] 

For example, opioid use drastically changes the way pain and reward systems in the brain function. Stimulant use disorders, such as those using cocaine or amphetamines, cause psychological dependence and must be treated through behavioral therapy. Alcohol or benzodiazepine withdrawal can be life-threatening and requires medical care to manage.

At Meridian Recovery, the treatment team starts every person with a clinical assessment that focuses on the substance that they use, the frequency and duration of use, any other mental health issues that they may have, and their personal history, goals, and needs. This creates a completely individualized treatment plan, not a one-size-fits-all plan.

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You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone

If you or someone you love may have a substance use disorder, Meridian Recovery is ready to help.

Our admissions counselors are available to answer questions, verify insurance, and determine the best level of care. Reach out today and let’s see what treatment can look like for you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Drug Dependence & Treatment

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What is drug dependence?

Drug dependence is a state in which the body and brain have adapted to the presence of a substance, producing withdrawal symptoms when use is reduced or stopped. Dependence can be physical, meaning the body requires the substance to function normally, or psychological, meaning a person relies on the substance to manage emotions, stress, or daily life. Both forms of dependence are clinically significant and need to be addressed in treatment.

What comes first, addiction or dependence?

This can vary depending on both the substance and the individual using that substance. In certain individuals, particularly when using opiates or benzodiazepines, physical addiction may develop before they even fit the criteria for psychological dependence. In other instances, psychological addiction may occur at the same time or prior to developing significant physical addiction. Clinical evaluation will be needed in order to receive proper treatment.

Which drugs cause dependence?

There are several, including alcohol, opiates, benzodiazepines, methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana, and prescription amphetamines. The substances with the highest potential for dependence include opiates, alcohol, and benzodiazepines. When someone attempts to stop using an opiate, alcohol, or benzodiazepine, they will experience withdrawal symptoms that may require medical intervention. The degree of addiction experienced is dependent not only upon the substance, but also on the amount and frequency of use, and the user’s body, genetics, biology, and mental health.

What are the signs of drug addiction?

Common signs of addiction include using more than planned, trying to stop without success, spending time obtaining, using, or recovering from a substance, cravings, using despite consequences, withdrawing from activities, and experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using. If you see these behaviors in yourself or in someone you know, the next best and most important step is to receive a professional evaluation, as not everyone will show the same signs as others.

Do people with addiction ever fully recover?

Yes. Recovery is always possible. Most people who complete addiction treatment have a chance to lead a full, healthy, and productive lifestyle. Substance use disorder is a chronic, but treatable illness. When clients receive ongoing support and participate in a combination of evidence-based therapies and receive individualized therapy, long-term sobriety can be a realistic and reachable goal.

Sources

[1] [3] [4] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020, July 13). Drugs, brains, and behavior: The science of addiction. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/drug-misuse-addiction

[2] American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Substance use disorder. https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/addiction-substance-use-disorders/what-is-a-substance-use-disorder

[5] Volkow, N. D., & Blanco, C. (2021). Drug dependence is not addiction—and it matters. American Journal of Psychiatry, 178(10), 891–893. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8583742/

[6] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2019, June). Treatment approaches for drug addiction. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/treatment-approaches-drug-addiction