Drug Addiction Information

If you or someone you love is suffering from a drug addiction, then you are probably trying to find a reliable source of drug addiction information. Stepping Stone Center for Recovery, one of the nation’s leading drug addiction rehabs, offers a wealth of free information, designed to help educate those who need it most – the sufferers of alcoholism and drug addiction and their families. And because we are one of the few drug addiction centers in the nation that is both JCAHO-accredited and "Gold Seal Approved," you can trust that our information is valid and factual.

For more drug addiction information or to learn about admission guidelines, call our toll-free helpline today at 1-800-237-3150. The call is confidential and we’re here t assist you 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Drug Addiction Information: Understanding Addiction

The American Medical Association defines drug addiction as a chronic brain disease that is progressive if left untreated. Because of the difficulty associated with overcoming drug addiction, it can sometimes also be referred to as a disease of relapse. Professionals view addiction as a brain disease because it alters the function of the brain in many ways. Researchers have even been able to view actual changes in the cells of those suffering from drug or alcohol addiction.

On a chemical level, whenever someone uses an illicit drug, it affects the levels of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is the same chemical that is released during a pleasurable experience; therefore, it becomes very easy for an individual to crave that feeling and ultimately, more of the drug that produces it. Some examples of drugs that are highly addictive because of this chemical reaction include:

• Cocaine
• Heroin
• OxyContin
• Crystal Meth
• Vicodin
• Xanax

The only way to overcome the powerful effects of these drugs is to seek professional drug treatment.

Drug Addiction Information: Dependency

When individuals suffering from a drug addiction talk of "coming down" or "crashing," what they are really feeling is a drop in their dopamine levels. The harder the cells work to produce the same effects as the drug did, the more exhausted they become. Just like any form of exercise - the harder you work, the more tired you get; the more tired you get, the less dopamine you produce. This simple process of drug addiction explains the severe mood swings people experience as well as the cravings and compulsions.

While a lot of drug addiction information may seem discouraging in nature, there is a bright spot, and that is: drug addiction is a treatable illness. Stepping Stone Center for Recovery is a safe and effective drug addiction treatment facility that will provide you with individualized care.

For more drug addiction information or if you require addiction treatment, call our toll-free recovery helpline at 1-800-237-3150 now! Help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and all calls are confidential. Stepping Stone Center for Recovery can help you regain control of your life – call now!