Substance Abuse and Detox in Brea Orange County, California
Substance abuse ravages entire families and communities within just a few weeks or months. Not only does it have adverse effects on the particular individual abusing drugs or alcohol, but it also has a negative impact on the family’s dignity, cohesion and financial standing.
The city of Brea in Orange County is among some of the most affected by substance abuse. Teenagers as well as adult men and women constantly end up in the circle of abuse that inevitably leads to addiction. If you are in need of treatment for drugs or alcohol please speak to an addiction specialist from a drug rehab in Orange County California today and begin your path to recovery.
Once addicted to a substance, an individual may try as hard as they want to but breaking free of the habit remains an uphill task. Thankfully, there are professional substance detox and rehabilitation centers that can be of great help.
Commonly Abused Substance in Brea, Orange County
A closer look at some of the substances that can cause addiction is key to understanding their negative effects. If you or someone you know is looking for help for any of the items listed, and you would like to find a Brea drug rehab to help you, contact our helpline now.
Cocaine
Cocaine is sometimes referred to as coke and is a strong stimulant that is wrongfully used as a recreational drug. It is available with a variety of street names including gravel, sleet, rocks and nuggets.
Cocaine can be taken by way of snorting or inhaled while in the form of smoke. Some users dissolve it in water and inject it into the veins using a syringe.
Once it gets into the human system, the individual gets a sudden sense of euphoria and ecstasy. It is this feeling that often leads to repeated use. An individual that uses this substance continually is likely to become addicted.
Cocaine has a significant impact on the brain, which is why users commonly suffer mental disorders that include depression, hallucinations, stress and anxiety. Other negative effects of using cocaine are listed below.
- May cause muscle paralysis due to frequent injection
- May cause uncontrollable runny nose
- Can cause heart disease, heart attack and stroke
- Sometimes lead to sexual dysfunction
- Damages the lungs
- Frequent nosebleeds and loss of ability to smell
- May cause bowel decay if swallowed
- Leads to mood problems
- Causes frequent headaches
- May cause death due to overdose or other health complications
Heroin
Heroin is a highly addictive substance that is often processed from morphine. It is illegal in all states but still used for recreational purposes by individuals that pay little to no regard to its effects.
Heroin is usually available in the form of a rose gray, brown or black powder. It can also be available in the form of a fine white powder. It is available with a range of street names that include hell dust, brown sugar, horse, junk, skag, smack and thunder.
Users usually take this drug smoked, sniffed or injected. Immediately it gets into the human body, the user gets feelings of happiness and euphoria. Often they become extroverted to a point of speaking with people that they would otherwise not approach.
But what most users ignore is the fact that a lot of the time, street heroin is not pure. It contains various additives that may cause a lot of complications. For instance, when injected into the bloodstream, some of the additives may end up clogging the veins. That can lead to stroke or heart attack.
Below are some of the negative effects that are caused by heroin.
- Can cause gum inflammation
- May lead to respiratory complications
- Causes menstrual disturbance
- Leads to memory loss
- Weakens the the immune system
- May lead to a coma
- Decreases intelligence quotient
- Causes muscular weakness or paralysis when injected frequently
- May cause death due to overdose or related incidents
Marijuana
There is split opinion regarding the use of marijuana with some states even legalizing its use. And while controlled use may have little or no negative effects, the truth is that most of the people that use the substance end up abusing it.
Marijuana or Cannabis is available in a variety of street names including dope, weed, pot, cheeba, chronic, giggle smoke, hot stick and jay.
Marijuana is commonly taken by way of smoking. However, it can also be brewed as tea or added as an ingredient in baked products. Immediately it gets into the system, the user feels high and may be quite energetic. The use of marijuana tends to bring on feelings of happiness and boosts appetite.
The long-term effects of marijuana are noted below.
- Causes a decline in IQ
- May cause hallucinations
- Leads to anxiety or panic attacks
- Loss of sense of personal identity
- Short-term memory loss
- Poor coordination
- Increases the risk of suffering from stroke
- Increases the risk of suffering a heart attack
- Increases chances of contracting sexually transmitted infections
- Causes financial difficulties
Alcohol
Alcohol is generally recognized as a recreational drink. A lot of states allow anyone that has attained the age of 21 to drink alcohol. And while drinking small amounts of alcohol may be harmless, the truth is that abusing the substance can have severe consequences.
Alcohol has different street names including booze, hooch, vino, liquid courage and juice. Below are some of the negative effects of abusing alcohol.
- Can cause high blood pressure
- May lead to stroke
- May cause pancreatitis
- Causes liver damage
- May lead to gastrointestinal tract inflammation and ulceration
- Weakens the immune system
- May cause heart problems
- Increases the risk of different cancers
How Substance Addiction Develops
The development of addiction is usually a subtle process. Many who are struggling with addiction today hardly ever imagined they would get to that state. Understanding the process of addiction is key to understanding what it really is. Speak with a rehab in Orange County to learn more about the process of recovery and what the first steps are to becoming sober.
1. Introduction to substance
The first stage of the process of addiction is introduction. It is at this point that an individual learns about substance and how they affect the user. Some people learn about substance through song lyrics while others get to know about it through a movie or film.
There are also individuals that get to learn about substance when they are introduced to it by a friend or relative. At this stage, few people get to test or taste the substance for themselves.
2. Experimentation
It is at this point that an individual gets the urge to try out alcohol or drugs. This may happen at home while alone or at a party where there is often a lot of peer pressure.
A lot of people that experiment on substance rarely think of doing it again. However, their first try usually reveals the so called good side of substance use. They get to experience the pleasant short-term effects that are derived from being high.
It is the good feeling they get from using substance that usually pushes them to use it again.
3. Regular or recreational use
At this point the user has become accustomed to the euphoric experience they go through when they take substance. In most cases, the user will opt for the substance of choice to have a good time.
This may include social gatherings, holidays and weekends. It is also worth pointing out that regular use is done in moderation. That means they do not take too much of the substance.
It is because of the moderate use that close family members and friends hardly ever notice a change in behavior. A lot of the time, people find this stage generally harmless and normal.
4. Problem use
At this point the user starts losing control over their drinking or drug use. They end up spending more money and time on the particular substance of choice.
It is also at this stage that close family members and friends start to get concerned. The problem is that at this stage the user is quite erratic and may cut off old friends in favor of new ones that abuse substance.
5. Substance dependence
In this particular stage, the user no longer tries to deny the fact that they need to use the substance. They usually become aggressive or end relationships with those who try to confront them about the issue. In addition couples who use drugs or alcohol together have a difficult time managing their relationship. To learn more about a couples rehab center visit our couples page by clicking on the link.
It is also at this stage that the user’s body becomes too accustomed to substance that it cannot function normally without it. In case the user fails to get the substance, they may start experiencing severe withdrawal effects including chills, sweating, headaches, anxiety, abdominal pain and strong cravings.
6. Addiction sets in
At this stage the individual has developed a strong attachment to substance both physically and psychologically. They spend most of their time using or thinking of using a particular substance.
It is also common for addicted people to use just about any substance to get high. This means they can switch from cocaine to heroin and on to alcohol without thinking twice. Find help now from the best drug treatment Orange County facilities by talking with an addiction expert over the phone to discuss your options.
How Drugs and Alcohol Affect the Body and Why You Need Detox
When an individual is addicted to drugs or alcohol, one of the main effects is that it starts damaging their cells. As a result they develop mental problems because the brain is unable to function as it should.
Another problem with substance abuse is that it takes a toll on the body organs. The kidney and liver are among the organs that may get damaged. The lungs also get compromised especially by substances that are taken by way of smoking.
Individuals that frequently inject substance into their veins are likely to damage their veins. Additionally, some substances do not dissolve completely when in the bloodstream and that can lead to clogged veins.
Abusing substance affects the immune system and that is why most addicts are prone to getting infections and diseases. When they are hurt, wounds often take a longer time to heal and infections spread more rapidly.
Finally, when there is too much of a foreign substance in the immune system, it can overwhelm it and thus result in death. Indeed there are many people who are rushed to Orange County hospitals daily because of substance overdose.
Detox in Brea, Orange County
Because of the adverse effects of substance abuse, the first step in treatment often involves detox. Most Orange County drug rehab centers offer different types of detox including medical and natural detox solutions.
Medical detox in Brea
Medical detoxification refers to a process through which experts seek to reduce and effectively eliminate toxins or in this case drugs and alcohol from the body. The process involves the use of certain medications to ensure the patient does not experience unpleasant withdrawal effects.
Keep in mind that some individuals have become extremely dependent on drugs or alcohol that a sudden cease in consumption can lead to life-threatening effects. Medical detox seeks to ensure the patient is comfortable, experiences minimal pain and doesn’t risk.
Some of the effects of withdrawal from alcohol or drugs include headaches, nausea, vomiting, fevers, abdominal pain and muscle pains. Medical detox helps manage such symptoms so that the patient can go through this period without slipping back to their old habit.
Another important aspect about this process is that the patient may be given certain medications to help speed up the process. The duration of time it takes for an individual to complete the detoxification process depends on the type of substance they were abusing, their family history and severity of addiction.
Alternative detox in Brea
Of course medical detoxification is not the only service provided by most rehab centers in Brea. Some individuals are taken through more natural detox programs. This may include special diets that are aimed at speeding up the rate at which the body gets rid of toxins.
Food restrictions also help speed up the rate through which the body rids itself of potentially dangerous substances. There are also various natural drinks that can be provided to the patient to help rid the body of toxins.
Inpatient and Outpatient Detox Services
Patients can be provided with treatment under inpatient and outpatient rehab arrangements.
Inpatient detox
Individuals that have a severe case of substance abuse and addiction are usually admitted for inpatient treatment. That means the patient resides at the Orange county drug rehab.
Such an arrangement allows doctors to monitor the patient on a 24-hour basis. It is therefore possible for doctors to administer any medical assistance required to manage pain and other symptoms.
Inpatient detox services also prevent the patient from falling back to their old habits. Keep in mind that it is quite difficult for an addict to overcome cravings. The best approach is therefore to isolate them from things that trigger cravings.
Outpatient detox
Outpatient treatment is an arrangement in which the patient is only required to stay at the drug or alcohol rehab center for a specified amount of time. Individuals that have a severe case of addiction are treated under intensive outpatient programs. In such a case, the patient spends the better part of the day at the rehabilitation facility.
Outpatient arrangements allow the patient to continue interacting with family members. It is also relatively cheaper than inpatient care. However, it is not recommendable for people that are struggling with severe substance abuse and addiction.
Benefits of Substance Detox
Medical detox can have various benefits to the individual affected. Below are a few of the benefits you should know about. If you would like more information about a alcohol or drug detox Orange County center please contact our helpline today.
Improves the immune system
Medical detoxification helps rid the body of toxins. However, it also ensures that the immune system can be restored. A few weeks after detoxification, the body becomes better equipped at dealing with diseases and infections.
Boosts cellular functions
Substance abuse usually damages the cells and thus makes it difficult for important cellular communications to take place. After undergoing medical detox, an individual’s cell count will be restored and various body functions improved.
Relief for organs
Drugs and alcohol usually force the organs to overwork. They do it in a bid to cleanse the body of toxins. This overworking can strain and wear out various organs including the kidneys and liver.
Detoxification helps the organs find relief from such strenuous activity. Remember that when organs overwork, they may sometimes become overwhelmed and fail.
Finding the Best Rehab for Detox in Brea, Orange County
To find the best detox center in Brea California, talk to your doctor for recommendations. You can also approach a local leader that you feel comfortable talking with. Some of the people that may provide good recommendations include church leaders, social workers and volunteers.
You are also able to find helpful information through online research. Once you find a rehab, go ahead and make a call for more information on treatment.
In Conclusion
Detox is an integral part of addiction treatment and is often the first step of getting well. It is with this in mind that you should be careful enough to get treatment in a reputable drug rehab in Orange County California.
Under the supervision of a professional doctor, this process is relatively fast and painless. After drug detox an individual continues to get rehab treatment which may include addiction counselling, therapy and medication.