The Guide to Breaking Up with an Addict

In films, love is often depicted as a straightforward journey: two people fall in love, get married, have children, and settle into a charming home with a white picket fence. However, reality is much more complex, and not all relationships end in a fairy tale. Relationships are particularly challenging when addiction is involved.

At Silicon Valley Recovery, we understand the complexities of relationships, the struggles of addiction, and the hope for a brighter future. We offer a range of evidence-based addiction treatment programs designed to help individuals overcome addiction. Our goal is to support you and your loved one on the path to healing, even if that means taking separate paths.

If you’re in a position where you’re considering breaking up with an addict, it can be challenging. Being in a relationship with someone with an active addiction can be difficult or even impossible.

While you may want the best for the person, that can’t come at the cost of your own mental or even physical well-being.

People with substance use disorders can and do recover, but if the person you’re in a relationship with isn’t ready or willing for that, you may have no other choice aside from leaving the situation.

The Dynamic of Being in a Relationship with An Addict

There are plenty of reasons you might stay in a relationship with someone who’s struggling with addiction. You may be in love with them. You could also worry that ending the relationship will worsen the person’s problems.

You might have a fear that if you leave, the addicted person will go deeper into addiction or do something drastic.

It’s also common for people to stay in these relationships because they feel like they take care of the person, or somehow, they can “fix them.”

You could even stay because you are afraid of being alone.

Nearly every reason you could have for staying with someone in active drug or alcohol addiction comes from fear.

If someone is willing to get help for their addiction and actively taking steps to do that, the relationship could be salvageable. If that’s not the case, you need to ask yourself some questions, including, “am I in an abusive relationship?”

Those who have loved ones struggling with substance use understand that addiction impacts more than just the individual—it affects everyone close to them. Loved ones are often pulled into the turmoil, leading to significant emotional pain.

Romantic partners, in particular, may face a tumultuous journey when their loved one refuses to seek addiction treatment. Being in a relationship with someone who has a substance use disorder can be incredibly challenging.

Addiction can lead to situations where you and your partner:

Lie to each other
Cover up destructive behaviors
Make excuses
Lose trust in the relationship

This type of dynamic can be damaging for both of you. In some cases, walking away and ending the relationship may be the healthiest choice.

Reasons to Consider Breaking Up with An Addict

Maybe you’re on the fence about breaking up with an addict, and you’re not sure whether or not it’s the right thing to do.

If abuse is going on, you should leave.

When someone uses mind-altering substances, it changes their behavior.
A person who maybe was calm and rational when you met could become volatile and irritable because of substance use.
When they’re on drugs or drinking, they could become abusive.
There are many types of domestic abuse, including physical abuse, emotional abuse, financial abuse, and sexual abuse.
You can’t stay in a relationship with abuse. If you remain in an abusive relationship, it can put you at a greater risk of developing a drug or alcohol problem yourself.

When someone abuses drugs or alcohol, their brain chemicals compel them to seek out that substance, no matter the consequences. The results can be violent, controlling, or irrational behavior, including in relationships.

Domestic violence and addiction have several shared features, including a loss of control and continuing the behavior despite adverse consequences.
Both addiction and abuse tend to worsen over time, and both conditions involve elements of shame and denial.
Abusive behavior can occur as the addict tries to get what they want.
People with substance use disorders will often become aggressive and defensive if you try to show concern or talk to them about their addiction.
When addiction is involved, codependency can also occur. Codependency leads to enabling and controlling behavior. This creates toxic relationships that are very one-sided.

Even outside of them being an overtly abusive partner, reasons to consider breaking up with an addict include:

People with substance use disorders often display dangerous, reckless, and selfish behaviors. They might spend nights away from home, partying. They could blackout or experience hangovers, so they can’t take care of their responsibilities. Driving while under the influence can be an issue as well.
Addiction is a disease with connections to other co-occurring mental health disorders. For example, someone with an addiction might also have untreated depression or anxiety. To be in a positive relationship, they first need mental health treatment.
Deception underlies addiction. Initially, someone with a substance use disorder will try to hide it. Then, eventually, you may notice they spend a lot of money, lie, and are deceptive about a lot of what they’re doing. A relationship without trust is never going to flourish.
Addicts can become distant, and you may not even recognize the person you’re in a relationship with anymore. Addiction is the priority over everything, meaning a healthy relationship isn’t possible.

What Should Keep in Mind Before Breaking Up with An Addict?

Someone having an addiction isn’t always in and of itself a reason to leave a relationship, especially one that’s long-term or a marriage.

Every situation is different, and there are things you have to ask yourself, including:

Am I in an abusive relationship? We touched on this above, but your safety is the top priority above everything else. If there is physical violence or an abusive situation, you have to create a safety plan and get out of the relationship.
Is my partner willing to change? If your partner is signaling a desire or willingness to change and progress toward recovery, you may be able to work on repairing the relationship eventually. If the person seems completely unwilling to talk about addiction treatment or recovery, leaving may be your only option.
Could I be enabling my partner? Enabling is harmful to you and also the addict in an intimate relationship. When you enable someone with an addiction, they’re never held accountable for their behaviors and actions. If you see enabling patterns in yourself, you may have to leave your relationship.
What do I see happening if I stay with the person? You have to think long-term about what life might look like if you stay with someone who has a drug or alcohol addiction. The condition will inevitably get worse without treatment. Do you think things could change for the better?
Are my children being affected? If you have children, you may need to take them out of the environment with the addict so they’re safe and away from substance abuse.

The Dos and Don’ts of Breaking Up with an Alcoholic

Breaking up is never easy, but ending a relationship with someone struggling with addiction brings additional challenges. If you weren’t fully aware of your partner’s substance misuse at the beginning of the relationship, you might now find yourself feeling overwhelmed by the situation.

It’s important to remember that your partner’s addiction is not your fault. You cannot cure or control their behavior, but you can decide how to respond to it. Here are some dos and don’ts to consider when breaking up with a partner who struggles with addiction:

Do Wait Until They Are Sober

Ending a relationship with someone who is under the influence can have serious consequences. When intoxicated, they may not think clearly, which can lead to erratic behavior and possibly forgetting the conversation the next day. It’s best to wait until they are sober so the conversation can be more rational and clear.

Don’t Hold a Grudge

It’s natural to feel hurt or angry, but holding onto these feelings isn’t healthy. Addiction is a mental health condition, and your partner needs help. Holding a grudge will only keep you stuck in the past and hinder your ability to move forward.

Do Put Your Safety First

Substance misuse can sometimes lead to unpredictable behavior. If your partner has been violent or aggressive, prioritize your safety when ending the relationship. Choose a public place like a park for the conversation and consider having a friend nearby in case you need support. If your partner threatens you or your loved ones, take it seriously and report it.

Don’t Let Your Emotions Get the Best of You

Breakups are emotional, but letting your emotions take over can worsen the situation. It’s easy to lose your temper, but shouting or arguing will only escalate the tension. Try to remain calm throughout the breakup. If you feel yourself losing control, it’s okay to walk away to collect yourself. You can process your emotions once you’re away from your ex-partner.

Do Practice Self-Care

Even if you’re the one initiating the breakup, you’ll need time to heal. Breaking up with someone you love, especially if they struggle with addiction, can leave you feeling emotionally drained. Don’t hesitate to seek professional mental health support if you need it; a therapist can help you navigate this difficult time.

Do Stay Strong and Persevere

Your ex-partner might plead for another chance or promise to change, and you might feel tempted to give in. However, it’s crucial to stand your ground. Remember the reasons for the breakup and avoid unnecessary communication, as it’s the only way for both of you to truly move forward.

Do What Is Best for You

Leaving a partner can be difficult, and you might feel guilty, but you need to prioritize your well-being. Staying in a relationship with someone who has an addiction can be toxic, potentially harming your mental and physical health.

Understanding the difference between being supportive and enabling addiction is crucial. While ending the relationship may not be a permanent decision, it’s essential to prioritize both your well-being and your partner’s path to recovery.

How to Break Up with an Addict

Figuring out how to leave an abusive relationship is tough to navigate, especially when addiction is involved. You likely worry about your children and yourself. You might also be worried about the person you’re in a relationship with. It requires a careful blend of compassion and firmness. Here are some steps that may help you navigate this difficult process:

Prepare for the Conversation

Take time to plan what you want to say and anticipate how your partner might react. Be prepared for possible defensive or denial responses, and stay committed to your key points.

Choose the Right Time and Place

Ensure the conversation happens when your partner is sober. Opt for a neutral location where you both can talk openly and safely.

Communicate Clearly and Honestly

Express your reasons for the breakup with honesty and clarity. Emphasize that the relationship is harmful to both of you and that separation is the healthiest option.

Avoid Blaming Language

Focus on using “I” statements to communicate your feelings, rather than “you” statements, which can come across as blaming.

Set Boundaries

After the breakup, it’s important to establish clear boundaries. This may involve limiting or cutting off contact, such as blocking phone numbers or disconnecting on social media, at least temporarily.

Seek Support

Consider reaching out to support groups or therapists who specialize in relationships affected by addiction. These resources can provide valuable guidance and help you through the healing process.

Also Remember:

Have a plan for your safety. You should have a place to go before you break up with someone. Break up with them in a public place like a restaurant or coffee shop so that others are around you. You may also want to bring a friend or family member with you. If the person threatens you, take it seriously.
If you can set aside an emergency fund and other resources before you end the relationship, do so.
Try to find an opportunity where the person is sober. If they’re under the influence of drugs, they’re more likely to lash out, creating a more dangerous situation.
Be firm in your decision, and don’t let your partner try to bargain with you or talk you out of your decision.
Keep your own emotions in check.
Consider getting therapy for what you’ve experienced in the relationship, and always practice self-care.

How to Support Yourself When Breaking Up with an Addict You Love

Breaking up with someone you love, particularly when addiction is involved, can deeply impact your emotional well-being. It’s crucial to prioritize your own health during this difficult time. Here are some strategies to help you support yourself through the process:

Seek Professional Help

Talking to a therapist or counselor can provide invaluable guidance and emotional support as you navigate your feelings and cope with the breakup.

Lean on Your Support Network

Reach out to friends and family who can offer support. Allow them to listen and encourage you to express your emotions, helping you feel less isolated.

Establish Healthy Routines

Engage in activities that bring you joy and help rejuvenate your spirit, such as exercising, pursuing hobbies, or spending time in nature. These routines can help you regain a sense of normalcy and well-being.

Practice Mindfulness

Incorporate mindfulness practices like meditation or deep-breathing exercises into your daily routine to help manage anxiety and keep yourself grounded during this challenging period.

Limit Contact

Give yourself the necessary time and space to heal by reducing communication with your ex. This might include limiting phone calls, text messages, and social media interactions.

Acknowledge Your Emotions

Allow yourself to experience and process your emotions, whether it’s sadness, anger, or relief. Accepting these feelings is an essential part of the healing process.

Remember, nurturing yourself during this time is not selfish—it’s a crucial step toward your recovery and moving forward with your life.

Call Silicon Valley Recovery for Help with Supporting a Loved One with an Addiction

Breakups are difficult, and ending a relationship with someone struggling with addiction presents its own unique challenges. At Silicon Valley Recovery, we recognize the complexities of these situations and provide support for both individuals battling addiction and their loved ones.

Our compassionate, evidence-based addiction treatment programs are designed to help your loved one achieve lasting recovery, paving the way for a brighter future for both of you. If you need support during this challenging time, don’t hesitate to call us at 408-547-4089 or reach out online to learn more about how we can help.

Understanding Addiction: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Understanding Addiction

Addiction is a complex condition that affects millions of people around the world, but is sometimes difficult to understand. It is a chronic disease characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite the harmful consequences. Addiction can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, race, or socioeconomic status.

What Causes Addiction?

The causes of addiction are multifaceted and complex. They can vary from person to person and can include genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Some of the most common causes of addiction include:

Genetics: Addiction can be passed down from one generation to another. Research shows that genetic factors can account for up to 50% of the risk for addiction.
Environment: The environment can also play a role in the development of addiction. Factors such as peer pressure, trauma, stress, and access to drugs can increase the risk of addiction.
Mental health: People who suffer from mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD are more likely to develop an addiction.
Early exposure: Early exposure to drugs or alcohol can increase the risk of addiction later in life.

What are the Symptoms of Addiction?

The symptoms of addiction can vary depending on the drug or substance being used. However, some common signs and symptoms of addiction include the following:

Compulsive drug seeking and use.
Loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyed.
Continued drug use despite negative consequences.
Withdrawal symptoms when drug use is stopped.
Increased tolerance to drugs, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effects.
Financial problems due to drug use.
Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home.
Changes in behavior, mood, and attitude.

What are the Treatment Options for Addiction?

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating addiction. The most effective treatment programs are tailored to the individual and address their specific needs. Some common treatment options for addiction include:

Detoxification: This is the process of removing drugs or alcohol from the body. It is usually the first step in the treatment process and can be done on an outpatient or inpatient basis.
Inpatient Rehabilitation: Inpatient rehabilitation programs provide a safe, structured environment for people to recover from addiction. These programs typically last for 30 to 90 days and include a combination of individual and group therapy.
Outpatient Rehabilitation: Outpatient rehabilitation programs allow people to receive treatment while maintaining their daily responsibilities. These programs can be less intensive than inpatient programs and can include individual and group therapy.
Medication-Assisted Treatment: Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a form of treatment that uses medication to help manage the symptoms of withdrawal and reduce the risk of relapse.
Support Groups: Support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) can provide a supportive environment for people in recovery.

Addiction is a complex disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It can be caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors and can have devastating consequences if left untreated. The good news is that addiction is treatable, and recovery is possible. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, don’t hesitate to seek help. You can overcome addiction and live a healthy, fulfilling life with the proper treatment and support.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, we encourage you to seek help as soon as possible. Silicon Valley Recovery offers a variety of addiction treatment programs tailored to meet individual needs. Contact us today at 408-478-9365 to learn more about our services and take the first step toward recovery.

Achieving Long-Term Sobriety with Mindfulness

The goal of treatment for substance use disorders is to help you achieve long-term sobriety. Of course, we know that recovery isn’t always linear. There are many situations where you can complete treatment successfully and still relapse in your sober life.

That’s okay, and that can be part of your recovery process.

However, we always want to equip you with the tools you need to achieve long-term sobriety optimally.

One such tool that can take many different forms to help maintain long-term sobriety is mindfulness. We’ll get more into that, but first, we’ll talk a little more about sobriety in general and what it can look like to learn how to incorporate it into your life on a longer-term basis.

What is Recovery?

When you finish rehab or a treatment program and you’re no longer in active addiction, you have to re-enter the world. In many ways, you might feel like you’re experiencing it for the first time. Without the cloud of substances, you may have to re-learn what it’s like to be part of the world around you.

Undoubtedly, there will be challenges that come with navigating the real world, particularly in the initial stage of recovery. The risk of relapse is highest in these early days.

These challenges and difficult times will require reaching into the toolbox you created during treatment to face them.

In technical terms, your recovery or sobriety is when you aren’t under the influence of a substance. Your recovery can look individual to you, but overall, the goal is to learn how to be a fulfilled, healthy person mentally, physically, and spiritually.

If you have experienced setbacks previously on the road to long-lasting recovery, you can use these as learning experiences. These are opportunities to explore your triggers and weaknesses so that you can deal with them in different ways.

What is Mindfulness?

A concept you can apply to all areas of your life in recovery is mindfulness. Mindfulness is our ability as humans to be present and aware of what we’re doing in a broad sense. When we practice mindfulness throughout the stages of recovery, we’re less likely to become overly reactive or stressed out by things around us.

We all have the inherent ability to be mindful, but we must train our brains to engage in it. Mindfulness is very active, even though it might not seem like it at first.

How to Maintain Long Term Sobriety

To maintain long-term sobriety, while everyone’s recovery plan can be different, general things to keep in mind include:

Identify your personal triggers. You can work on this in a treatment program, but it may also be something you explore outside of treatment as you’re navigating life. For some people, triggers include emotional distress, being around people who still drink or use drugs, relationships, or financial problems.
Recognize the warning signs of relapse that are personal to you. A relapse isn’t a sudden event. Relapse tends to happen in phases. You are likely to begin the stages of a relapse well before you drink or use drugs. The three main phases of relapse are emotional, mental, and physical. Learn the earliest warning signs so you can start to do the work to avoid a full-blown relapse.
Actively avoid your old habits and routines. If you don’t make changes to your lifestyle and routines, it’s going to likely derail your ability to maintain long-term sobriety.
Work toward building healthy relationships. While you were actively using, your past relationships may have been toxic or harmful. You may have damaged the healthy relationships you would have had otherwise. Begin to build a social support network of people who positively influence your life or take steps to rebuild existing relationships.
Make sure you have support. It’s almost impossible to sustain long-term recovery if you don’t have support. Support comes in many forms. For example, you might work with a therapist or counselor. You could attend a 12-step meeting like Alcoholics Anonymous, or you might make sure that you’re regularly planning activities with family and loved ones. If you don’t prefer 12-step programs, other local recovery programs like SMART Recovery help you navigate your daily life in sobriety.
Have a set schedule. Routine is one of the ways you’re going to help yourself stay on track in all areas of your life.
Emphasize healthy living. Prioritize making time for self-care, exercise, nutrition, and hobbies and activities. You should also make sure you’re getting enough sleep, and you’re taking care of yourself in all ways. Your mental health should always be part of your healthy lifestyle when you’re in recovery from addiction. Having an untreated or uncontrolled mental health issue will make your recovery process a lot more challenging.
Celebrate your milestones and successes. They can be small, and you should still celebrate them. Whenever you make progress, it’s important to recognize how far you’ve come as part of your long-term recovery and personal growth.

How Mindfulness Helps with Maintaining Long-Term Sobriety

Practicing mindfulness can help us get into the moment where we are at any given time and focus on what we’re thinking and feeling.

Learning how to access mindfulness can help people in recovery stay on track with a life of sobriety.

There’s nothing special you need to buy or change about yourself to become mindful. Anyone can practice it, and it’s a way of life that brings a sense of awareness and improvement into all areas of our lives.

It’s not as new-age as it might sound either. A growing body of evidence shows mindfulness has tangible, positive, physical benefits.

So how does practicing mindfulness help in maintaining sobriety?

Quiet your mind. When you’re more mindful, and that becomes part of your life, it can quiet the talk in your head that might create self-doubt or negativity. Rather than letting your mind ruminate on things that aren’t positive, which can lead to relapse, you can regain a sense of calm and focus. Being calm and focused is going to help you make good decisions.
When you stop using drugs or alcohol, you may have difficulty relaxing without substances for a while. Mindfulness allows you to recognize what you’re feeling, and then from there, you can label your thoughts and move away from them.
The more you can calm down the noise in your mind, the more you can cope with stress effectively and positively throughout your daily routine and your everyday life.
When you pull yourself into the present, you can think before you do anything that you might end up regretting. You can pull yourself out of thoughts like glamorizing a time when you were using substances and get back to where you are at the moment.
A lot of what you learn as you practice mindfulness is nonjudgmental. This isn’t just a reference to other people. You can learn to be nonjudgmental of yourself. Too often, addiction and relapse are rooted in a sense of shame. You can begin to evaluate yourself through that nonjudgmental lens to shift those feelings of shame you might otherwise experience.

Interestingly, mindfulness may even help you with things you go through physically in the early days of recovery, such as pain or physical tension.

Rather than turning to drugs or alcohol, mindfulness and everything that goes with it can become your coping mechanism, regardless of the situation you may find yourself in.

If you would like to learn more about addiction treatment and begin your journey of recovery, please reach out to Silicon Valley Recovery by calling 408-547-4089.

What Does it Mean to Have an Addictive Personality?

In an article in Scientific American written by author Maia Szalavtz, she defines our question as to the myth that it is. She says, “Even when we joke about having an addictive personality it’s usually to justify an indulgence or to signal our guilt about pleasure, even if only ironically.” An addictive personality, some may think, is a person who is more susceptible to developing a drug addiction based on a few character traits that border on obsessing, codependency, impulsivity, and risk-taking. However, many professionals consider there to be no one type of addictive personality. As George Koob, director of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, says, “What we are finding is that the addictive personality…is multifaceted. It doesn’t really exist as an entity of its own.”

What is an Addictive Personality?

The notion of having an addictive personality exists in popular culture as an image that describes a person who is obsessive or guilty of indulging. It is believed to be an indicator in the person who possesses certain characteristics that make him/her destined to become an addict to something. Although the development of addiction is complex and has various contributing factors, having an “addictive personality” is a mix of truth and skepticism.

There is no single personality type that is more prone to develop an addiction than others. There are signs of having an addiction that goes beyond personality traits, as the signs of an addiction are starkly along these lines:

Signs of Addiction:

Always wanting and needing more
Continuation of the behavior no matter the consequences
Not being able to stop
Interferes with functioning in daily life
Obsession and secrecy

There are, however, a variety of personality traits that exist confluently and can be predictors of drug abuse and alcoholism. There is just not in actuality anything that proves there is a single type of personality that is addiction-prone. There are other high-risk traits that can exist in any individual that are a cause for questioning whether addiction is more likely to develop. There may even be a stark difference between addictive personality and character traits that predispose drug addiction.

These traits may be:

Family relations who have addictions
Mental health disorders
Risk-taking and impulsivity
Inability to self regulate
Demonstrates a lack of self-control
Obsessive-compulsive
Disconnected and antisocial

Do I Have an Addictive Personality?

Do you have a difficult time self-regulating? Is your need for reward strong? Do you know your limits and have had accurate insight as to what those are? Are you able to track the quantity of your use and of any repetitive, dependent behavior?

If you are wondering, “Do I have an addictive personality?” look to see if you have insight about yourself for the warning signs of real addiction. Remember that it does not necessarily mean you will be an addict, as there is no character trait that is a single predictor. Be aware of some of these high-risk indicators and whether they exist for you prominently:

Do you know a family member that has been modeling an addiction to you since childhood?
Do you have a history or are currently experiencing a mental health disorder, namely Depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Schizophrenia, or Antisocial Personality Disorder?
Do you tend to lean towards a quick fix and engage in any type of self-medicating when you experience difficulty facing an underlying problem?
Have you engaged in the substance use of nicotine or alcohol socially, alone, or when feeling stressed?
What are your main coping methods when you experience distress?

Personality Traits Linked to Addiction

There are other personality types that can lean toward proneness to addiction. An adventurous and risk-taking personality trait may demonstrate that person as having limited impulse control and seeking out risky and dangerous experiences. They can be more likely to try drugs. A disconnected, rigid, or antisocial personality type can seem to be the opposite of the former type mentioned but can be just as susceptible to engaging in substance use. Difficult times in social relationships are a hallmark of this type, as well as the likelihood of depression, anxiety, and isolative tendencies because the person is more likely to want to mask these feelings by self-medicating.

Obsessive-compulsive traits have to do with how someone controls their impulses, even those people who are rigid and overcontrolled or over-controlling. In the presence of ensuing anxiety, stress, and agitation, they may be looking for a way to manage it all. They may swing on the extreme side of a personality and are prone to develop a compulsion as opposed to safer experimentation or single-use.

Another factor in addiction that may exist in the personality is the need for reward and its strength. The feeling that they are never receiving enough of a reward and build up a tolerance to things they once enjoyed or gave them pleasure, needing more and more. While no addictive personality exists, there are addictive traits that a person can experience.

Some of these are:

Impulsivity, with little thought of outcome and consequences
Sensation seeking, with lots of need and spontaneous actions.
Negative affect, reacting to stressors with unpleasant emotions
Neuroticism, who often respond to situations with anger, sadness, and anxiety
Aggression, high hostility, and violent proneness.

Can You Be Addicted to a Person?

Along with the problems of drug use, it’s important to distinguish if that type of addiction can exist in relation to another person. There are indicators that yes, a person can be addicted to another person. There are healthy delineations within relationships as well as those that lie alongside unhealthy codependency and a host of negative emotions. The most unhealthy extreme can manifest into love and sex addiction and codependency.

Signs you may be unhealthily addicted to a person include:

Obsession and dreaming about them constantly
Feelings of incompleteness, emptiness, despair
Sadness and longing
Anxiety and a continual sense of drama
Afraid to be alone or without that person
More obsessive attention is given to the partner than to oneself

Involvement in bad relationships while being addicted to that person can lead to alcohol and drug abuse and even physical illness and suicide.

Getting Treatment for Addiction in the San Francisco Bay Area

So, if you ask yourself, “Do I have an addictive personality?” or wonder “Can you be addicted to a person?” it’s important to distinguish the extremes of what indicates addiction and whether you tend to lean on extremes in your behavior. If you tend to obsess over things in life or about another person, insight and self-awareness are always going to be helpful. Know that an addictive personality can never be reducible to one stereotype. We can learn, however, that addiction is complex and dependent on multiple factors.

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, call 408-547-4089 and a care coordinator from the Silicon Valley Recovery team will be happy to answer questions and talk about options for treatment.

Is an Emotional Support Animal the Same as a Service Animal?

Animals, like the human race, have evolved; they are now more commonly used for purposes other than being pets. As a result, American Addiction Centers grouped pets into emotional support animals (ESA) and service animals (SA), and they have also implemented a pet-friendly rehab policy to treat various behavioral disorders.

This article will discuss the differences between emotional support animals and service animals.

Emotional Support Animals (ESA) vs. Service Animals (SA)

According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), an Emotional Support Animal is any animal that provides emotional support to its owners to alleviate one or more symptoms or effects of a person’s disability. They are the preferred pets for those suffering from depression, loneliness, panic attacks, and specific phobias. Furthermore, they offer their owners a sense of security.

On the other hand, service animals have been carefully trained to do certain activities or chores to assist persons with disabilities, including physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory. Until recently, service animals were only dogs. For example, some are trained as hearing dogs, guide dogs, PTSD support dogs, or seizure detection dogs. However, miniature horses are now being trained as guides for the blind.

Emotional support animals do not have specialized training to provide certain services to people with disabilities. All they get are toilets and obedience training. This ensures the animal is not hostile and determines if it is safe to travel on a plane. Their owners must also have obtained a medical letter from their health care practitioner or mental health specialist. This letter must confirm the need for such animals to treat mental or emotional disorders. However, the plane is virtually the only place an emotional support animal is permitted to enter. They cannot accompany their owners into other public areas like shopping malls, movie theaters, or restaurants. This is in stark contrast to service dogs, who are permitted to enter any location at any time.

However, dogs aren’t the only emotional support animals. Cats, peacocks, fish, and hamsters are some other common examples.

The Addiction Epidemy

Addiction is a long-standing issue. In the past, people primarily used addiction to describe those who couldn’t control their urge to drink alcohol or abuse prescription medicines. However, the meaning of addiction has evolved to include disorderly behaviors such as compulsive urges for gambling, food, sex, work, coffee, workouts, and substance abuse. Addiction is caused mainly by genetics and environmental factors such as social pressure, early exposure to drugs/alcohol at home or school, family problems, work/educational issues, and many more. Trauma from different types of abuse– sexual, physical, verbal, emotional, and mental– has also been a factor in addiction cases.

Addiction causes a plethora of problems. It can cause physical damage like sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), psychological damage like depression, social damage like incarceration or broken relationships, and economic damage like bankruptcy and debt.

Finding a quality rehab center, particularly a pet-friendly one, to tackle this issue before it deteriorates is a must. It is essential! It is critical! It is non-negotiable! The sooner this is accomplished, the better the chances of recovery and the lower the danger of relapse.

The Need For Pet-friendly Rehab Centers

Rehabilitation centers with a pet-friendly policy aid in treating those suffering from various types of addiction and disabilities. This therapeutic approach is referred to as Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT).

As the name suggests, its purpose is to aid in recovering from addiction. However, it is not a cure for addiction! Instead, it is combined with evidence-based therapy to address many mental or emotional illnesses.

Being responsible for your pet’s needs mirrors the effects of drugs and alcohol on your brain. Drugs momentarily flood the brain’s pleasure centers with the “feel-good hormone,” dopamine. The brain becomes acclimated to these drugs over time, and the patient becomes depressed without them. AAT is utilized to reconfigure the brain to produce more sustained pleasure naturally. This is possible when a patient concentrates on keeping his pet happy, which indirectly brings him joy and speeds up his rehabilitation. Furthermore, the more time you spend with your pet – whether playing with it or caring for it – the less time you have to think about your addictions.

People who own emotional support dogs routinely take their pets for walks, which keeps them physically active and increases their social relationships. It’s a universal truth that most people are drawn to pet dogs. They always long to touch the dog, stroke it on the back, and comment on how adorable it is. Through this, you get to meet new people and make new friends. This makes loneliness disappear and keeps depression in check.

Animal Assisted Therapy Is Not For Everyone

No two men are entirely alike. Support animals are not recommended for people who do not like animals, are known to hurt animals, or are afraid of interacting with certain support animals. People who have allergies to fur, hair, or dander of certain animals are also advised against getting support animals.

Seeking Pet-Friendly Rehabs

Going through loneliness, depression, anxiety, restlessness, mood swings, and other undesirable events associated with rehabilitation for a month or longer is no mean feat. Thankfully, emotional support animals’ emergence has reduced these concerns considerably. Hence, why all addiction rehab centers in the United States of America are now pet-friendly; they now allow support dogs to accompany their owners through treatment on a case-by-case basis.

Now that you can differentiate between emotional support animals vs. service animals and also understand the importance of pet-friendly rehab centers, like Silicon Valley Recovery (408-547-4089), go ahead and choose what’s best for you!

Drug Abuse Statistics: The Numbers Behind the Epidemic

We often hear about the opioid epidemic, which we will discuss below, but the United States faces more than just a problem with opioid use. We’re in the midst of a drug abuse epidemic in general, and it’s happening at alarming rates. Risk factors such as a person’s family history and environmental or cultural factors play significant roles in the likelihood of someone becoming addicted. Unfortunately, indicators show the epidemic seems to be getting worse.

It’s likely that as we learn more about the impact of the pandemic, we’ll also find that it significantly worsened the issue of substance abuse in the United States. We already see some of the pandemic-related drug and alcohol use numbers, and they’re difficult. The illicit drug abuse epidemic impacts social and economic well-being, and mental health issues such as panic attacks and anxiety have also risen. The ripple effects are clear when we examine the toll it has on public health.

So what’s the reality behind the substance use disorder statistics, and how did it all happen?

Drug Abuse Statistics

According to national survey results, illegal substance use disorders have been increasing across generations, demographics, and genders in the U.S. Differences in substance abuse have become more apparent, with some groups facing higher rates due to developmental factors and recurrent substance use.

It’s incredibly challenging even to know the full scope of people with a substance use disorder. Even based on what we do know according to self-reporting and overdoses, it’s alarming. Drug misuse often leads to complications of substance use, affecting brain functions, blood vessels, and sometimes leading to heart failure.

Along with deaths from the pandemic, 2020 appears to have been the deadliest ever in American history for drug use and drug addiction.

Related drug abuse statistics include:

The number of overdoses in 2020 hit record highs.
Oregon saw a 40% spike in drug deaths. Opioids were one factor, but there was a significant uptick in using other substances like meth. Cocaine deaths went up by 57%, and fentanyl contributed to 92% of these drug deaths.
Virginia, another state grappling with the costs of drug abuse, reported more than 2,030 deaths from overdoses in 2020, surpassing its previous record of 1,626.

The states above are only examples. Most other states had similar issues. We understand some of the reasons that 2020 was a particularly tragic year regarding substance abuse and associated deaths. People were isolated, and the lack of motivation combined with poor coping mechanisms led to a significant increase in substance use. Slurred speech, chest pain, and dilated pupils became common signs of drug abuse seen by healthcare providers.

The Most Commonly Used Drugs

Marijuana

Marijuana, also known as cannabis, is often viewed as a recreational drug, but it is not without risks. Many drug users see it as relatively harmless, but marijuana use can cause long-term use issues, including cognitive decline and drug seeking behavior.

Prescription and OTC Medications

Prescription drugs are widely abused, with prescription medications like opioids, anti-anxiety medications, and stimulants leading to addiction. Many of these drugs are taken for nonmedical reasons, often leading to severe consequences. Even over-the-counter medications have been misused.

Heroin

Heroin is one of the deadliest drugs, contributing to the opioid crisis. Unfortunately, opioid addiction often begins with earlier addiction to prescription drugs. Synthetic drugs, like fentanyl, have made heroin even deadlier.

Methamphetamine

The rise in methamphetamine use is another troubling trend. Meth-related deaths have increased significantly, especially among minority populations like American Indians and Alaska Natives.

The Opioid Epidemic

Drug Abuse Statistics: Behind the Epidemic

While meth is becoming more widespread, the opioid epidemic remains the most severe. Opioid overdoses continue to rise, fueled by both prescription opioids and illicit synthetic opioids like fentanyl. These drugs carry a high dependence liability, making recovery difficult without proper treatment and support from healthcare professionals.

Since 1999, more than 841,000 people have died from drug overdoses. In 2019, more than 70% of overdose deaths involved opioids, and injection drugs like heroin were a major factor.

Teenage Drug Abuse Statistics

Teens certainly aren’t immune to the damaging effects of drug abuse and addiction. Common symptoms of drug use among teens include cognitive impairment and a drop in school performance. Many also suffer from behavioral issues related to their drug use. The National Institutes of Health warns that teenage drug use could lead to chronic diseases later in life, such as heart disease and sleep disorders.

Protective factors, such as strong family support and access to mental health resources, can help reduce the chances of drug addiction among teens. For many, engaging with a mental health professional or participating in family therapy can be an essential step toward recovery.

Conclusion

Drug abuse statistics show that substance use disorders continue to rise across the United States. However, treatment is available. If you’d like to explore substance abuse treatment options or speak to a licensed drug counselor, call 408-547-4089 and a care coordinator from the Silicon Valley Recovery team will help you explore chances of success with effective treatment programs, including behavioral therapies and community take-back programs. Recovery is possible, even for those dealing with the harshest consequences of substance use.

It’s likely as we learn more about the impact of the pandemic, we’ll also find that it significantly worsened the issue of substance abuse in the United States We already see some of the pandemic-related drug and alcohol use numbers, and they’re difficult. The illicit drug abuse epidemic impacts social and economic well-being and public health.