Drug use can start innocently. It often begins with medications for chronic pain or anxiety, but long-term or habitual use of these and other drugs can turn into addiction and physical dependency. At some point you may need the drug just to feel normal, and it can be difficult or impossible to stop without treatment.
If you’ve decided to get help for drug addiction, you’ve already taken the vital first step toward getting well. Now you need to find a quality treatment provider.
Del Arroyo Recovery Center is ready to help. The professional staff at our Agoura Hills drug treatment center in Southern California is here to provide the guidance and support you need on your recovery journey.
Del Arroyo is a dual diagnosis provider qualified to treat underlying mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Mental health issues often complicate or contribute to substance use disorders (SUDs), so these conditions need to be treated together.
Del Arroyo’s Drug Treatment Approach
Our program goes beyond detox. Our team takes a compassionate approach to drug treatment—one that emphasizes community-building and wellness, but also personal accountability. Our mission is to help you not just survive but thrive without drugs.
Del Arroyo creates personalized treatment based on your needs and goals. We blend the latest evidence-based treatments with holistic therapies to provide you with an immersive experience.
We’ve carefully designed our six-bed recovery center in Agoura Hills to create a warm, friendly environment where you can focus on healing. When you’re ready for help, our treatment team will create a personalized treatment plan for you.
Common Drugs of Abuse: Prescription Opioids, Stimulants, and Depressants
Here are some of the most common drugs of abuse:
Opioids
Opioids and opiates affect the pleasure center of the brain, producing feelings of relaxation, euphoria, and sleepiness. Because opioids slow breathing and heart rate, these pain medications are a common cause of drug overdoses.
Prescription drug abuse, especially opioid abuse, has exploded in recent years. Drugs like OxyContin, oxycodone, hydrocodone, Vicodin, and Percocet are some of the most abused opioids. But opiates like morphine, opium, and heroin have been abused for centuries, and opiate addiction is common.
Stimulants
Stimulants include illicit substances (like methamphetamine and cocaine) and prescription medications (like Adderall and Dexedrine). Nicotine and ecstasy are also stimulants.
Stimulant drugs make you feel more energetic, and they can improve attention and concentration. It’s why abuse of prescription ADHD drugs like Ritalin is so common.
Depressants
Depressants are a broad category of drugs that includes sedatives, tranquilizers, hypnotics, and alcohol. They work by slowing down brain activity, which can help relieve anxiety. Depressants are also used to prevent seizures and treat muscle spasms.
Prescription depressant drugs typically fall into three categories:
- Benzodiazepines (e.g., benzos like Xanax, Valium)
- Non-benzodiazepine hypnotics (e.g., Ambien, Sonata, Lunesta)
- Barbiturates (e.g., Amytal, Nembutal)
While these drugs may seem safe because they are prescribed, abusing or misusing them can lead to addiction and dependency.
How Drug Addiction Affects the Brain
All addictive drugs affect the part of the brain that processes rewards. By activating the brain’s reward circuitry, drugs deliver feelings of intense pleasure.
Because of the way the brain responds to the flood of stimulation, over time a person needs more of the drug to get the same effect. This is known as tolerance.
Continued drug use can change the regions of the brain that are responsible for judgment, decision-making, learning, and memory. The sooner a person stops using drugs, the sooner the brain can begin to heal from the harmful effects.
Opioids, stimulants, and depressants can all be highly addictive, and they can produce intense withdrawal symptoms. The good news is these symptoms can be managed with the right care.
The experienced clinical team at our addiction treatment center in Agoura Hills, CA, provides medical detox to ensure you or your loved one is safe and comfortable during the detoxification process.
Signs of Drug Abuse
Signs and symptoms of drug abuse can be both physical and behavioral. The signs can vary depending on the type of drug, but some general signs of problem substance use include:
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Drowsiness (depressants, opioids)
- Excitability or hyper-alertness (stimulants)
- Erratic behavior
- Doctor shopping
- Borrowing prescription medications
- Crushing or breaking pills
- Lying about drug use
- Stashing or hiding medications
Drug Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms range from mild to severe and vary by drug type, but can include:
Opioids
- Muscle aches
- Restlessness
- Anxiety
- Runny nose
- Excessive sweating
- Abdominal cramping
- Rapid heartbeat
- Diarrhea
Stimulants
- Anxiety
- Chills
- Dehydration
- Slow heart rate
- Irritability
- Hallucinations
- Paranoia
- Depression
Depressants
- Insomnia
- Nausea and vomiting
- Weakness
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Body pains
Drug Addiction Treatment at Del Arroyo
Our drug rehab programs are designed to provide you with the tools you need for successful recovery. Patients in our drug addiction treatment programs typically start with medically supervised detox, followed by inpatient residential treatment.
Individual therapy, group therapy, and family therapy (optional) form the core of our residential program. Our therapists and addiction counselors use a wide range of evidence-based therapies during treatment, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and motivational interviewing.
Our medical professionals will work closely with you to discover which therapies are most helpful for you.
Del Arroyo also offers dual diagnosis care, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and aftercare programs at our rehab center. Relapse prevention is at the heart of our treatment approach. Our treatment team will develop an individual plan just for you.
Our goal is to help you:
- Understand addiction
- Explore risk factors and root causes
- Create new healthy habits and routines
- Learn vital coping skills for long-term recovery
Get in touch to learn more about our luxury treatment center in Agoura Hills, CA. If you are looking for outpatient drug rehab, our helpful team can connect you with a provider.