Frequently Asked Questions

Drug & Alcohol Addiction and Rehab

What Is Addiction?

Drug addiction is a disease that originates in the brain. Often chronic, this disease manifests itself as craving, seeking, and using that transcends risk and the threat of bodily harm. Substance abuse alters brain function and eventually results in addiction. Self-control and behavior are the first actions to be affected by addiction. While drug addiction is treatable, it requires lifelong care and control to keep it from reappearing in the form of relapse.

What Causes Addiction?

There is no definitive answer to this question. While there are many theories ranging from genetic predisposition to childhood issues, we still do not know exactly what causes addiction and why certain individuals are prone to it while others are not.

How Do I Spot Addiction?

The difference between abuse and addiction is subtle and relies on the idea that an addict will risk far more than an abuser (relationships, health, bodily harm) to continue using. Physical signs of addiction can include:

• Erratic behavior including violent outbursts. Substance abuse will affect the brain and mood and as such, your loved one may show uncharacteristic mood swings, dangerous or violent behavior or a propensity to fight and argue.
• A change in sleeping or eating habits including sleeping or eating much more or much less than usual may be a sign of abuse.
• A change in appearance such as bloodshot eyes, different, especially dark, clothes and dramatic weight gain or loss are signs of possible abuse.
• Odd social interaction including frequenting bars or nightclubs known to promote drug use as well as abruptly leaving one social circle to join another drastically different circle of friends.
• Isolation. Oftentimes a drug abuser will become isolated from their friends and family. A once outgoing person may become reclusive.

What is Intensive Outpatient Treatment (IOP)?

An intensive outpatient program or IOP is a program whereby the addict or substance abuser receives intensive part-time treatment for their disease. IOPs allow for the addict to sleep in their own home and work as normal, spending their free time in treatment.

What is Dual Diagnosis?

Clients entering rehab rarely only suffer from substance abuse and addiction. Most of our clients are fighting another mental health issue that is either the cause or the result of their addiction. Dual diagnosis is the identification and treatment of both the addiction and the underlying mental health issue such as depression, paranoia, schizophrenia and others.

For more information visit: Dual Diagnosis

What is Co-dependency?

Co-dependency is a condition whereby an individual emulates the destructive habits of their parents or other role model including their drug or alcohol abuse. This is usually done out of a need for acceptance and is one of the reasons why we treat both the addict and their families.

Is there a cure for addiction?

There is no absolute cure for addiction. Rather, it is a lifelong struggle, made easier by the training and counseling received in drug and alcohol treatment. Addicts who are now sober consider themselves “recovering” for the rest of their lives.

What happens after treatment?

Addiction is a lifelong battle. After treatment the addict must return to their normal life and will either leave treatment for home or spend a few months to a year in a halfway house, adjusting to their now “normal” life.

For more information visit: After Care for Drug Rehab

Why Destination Hope?

Destination Hope employs three very important and effective treatment philosophies:

• Gender Specific Treatment works best.
• Small, intimate facilities and groups help focus on the client.
• Our comprehensive family program allows us to get to the addict’s core and restore the supportive bonds that only a family unit can provide.

For more information on Destination Hope visit: Addiction Treatment Philosophy