At SunCloud Health, we are very concerned about the record level of deaths caused by opioid overdoses. At the same time, we are mindful that the opioid epidemic is part of a much larger problem – the addiction epidemic.
It is crucial to remember that addiction is a brain-based illness that is not caused by a specific drug or substance. (Here is the official ASAM definition of addiction.)
When we focus on the drug and not the underlying problem, we’re in danger of missing the bigger picture.
Understanding the ways addiction plays out in our lives
As we’ve seen, addiction to opioids can kill – and kill quickly. Addiction to these drugs has claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands of people nationwide. And while worried parents are focused on the dangers for their children, the truth is that people of all ages from all walks of life can become addicted.
While we can’t turn away from this reality, we need to realize that other addictions kill, too. People who suffer from food addiction can lose their lives, though the pattern usually works more slowly and subtly than with opioids. Alcohol addiction claims 3 million lives worldwide each year, far more than opioids.
Lethal overdoses can also come from mixing highly addictive substances such as benzodiazepines – sold under brand names like Xanax, Klonopin, Ativan and more – with other drugs, including opioids. The news is filled with tragedies involving deadly combinations like these.
When we realize how many ways lives can be lost, we begin to see that the story doesn’t begin and end with saying, “Opioids will kill you.” In and of themselves, these drugs don’t kill, and in fact, they have many beneficial medical uses. Opioids kill only when someone develops an addiction to them. Addiction is the deadly root cause that we must address – in all of its various forms.
How people recover from addiction
At SunCloud Health, we have successfully worked with hundreds of people facing addiction to drugs, alcohol and specific behaviors such as gambling, eating, or relationships, sex and love. In helping them recover, we focus on the underlying brain disease of addiction rather than their drug or behavior of no-choice per se. (We refer to substances this way because we know that when someone is addicted, they can’t stop by will power or choice alone.)
Effective recovery begins with exploring the unique history of the person suffering from addiction. We look at the individual’s life from a biological, psychological, spiritual, and social perspective. Details of family history, including any sources of trauma, are taken into account.
People suffering from addiction have often been hurt in other ways before turning to their drug of no-choice for reward or relief. If you grew up in environment where you were abused, ignored, criticized or neglected, you have a greater-than-average chance of developing mental health issues later in life, including addiction. We take all these factors into account as we create a treatment plan to help you.
At SunCloud Health, you will benefit from a skilled and caring staff that views you as a whole person. We know that you are more than just your addiction. Even with your current struggles, you have many strengths. We will show you how to tap these strengths as you work to get your life back on track.
Specialized help for people who have more than one diagnosis
Sometimes, people who are dealing with addiction have more than one mental health condition. You may have heard the term co-occurring disorder or dual diagnosis before. These terms simply mean that there is more than one issue to deal with – and they must be seen as part of a total pattern within the person’s life.
At SunCloud Health we specialize in helping people who are suffering from multiple diagnoses. Many are affected by mood disorders, post-traumatic stress syndrome, eating disorders and other serious issues. They may misuse alcohol and drugs, or develop addictions to work, love and sex, gambling, shopping and other activities.
If you’re reading this article and feeling worried about yourself or someone close to you, now is the time to reach out. You’ve already taken the first step by seeking information and understanding. Take the next step by making a confidential call to 844-202-3161, or email us here. We are ready to support you or your loved one.