Types of Addiction

At Serenity Lodge, we aim to help those seeking relief from substance abuse disorders in Lake Arrowhead, California. As part of this mission, we believe that the more our clients know about addiction, the better their chances are for a life free of drugs and alcohol. There are many types of drug addiction, from alcohol to prescription drugs. In this article, we concentrate on drug and alcohol addiction, providing an overview of the most common types of drug addiction.

What Are the Different Types of Drug Addiction?

Even after you break your own habit, knowing the types of drug addiction and how to recognize their use can save lives. Since there are hundreds of drugs and dozens of classifications, we’ll focus on some of the most common types.

Your path to recovery is waiting
and we’re here to help.

Our admissions specialist are available 24/7 to listen to your story
and get you started with next steps.
(855) 932-4045
Verify Insurance

Why call us?

Learn more about the following addictive substances:

  • Stimulants
  • Depressants
  • Hallucinogens
  • Cannabinoids
  • Prescription Drugs
  • Over-The-Counter Drugs

Stimulants

Stimulates raise the nervous activity in your body. This leaves you full of energy and can make you hyperactive. The short-term effects of stimulants are greater mental alertness accompanied by elevated blood pressure, respiration, and heart rate. Depression and trouble sleeping occur during withdrawal. After repeated use, psychosis, paranoia, and heart failure may occur.

Some examples of stimulates include:

Depressants

One of the most common types of drug addiction involves depressants. Depressants slow down the central nervous system. This allows you to become calm and relaxed. Those who have problems sleeping may turn to these drugs, which may lead to abuse. Typically, depressants such as alcohol lower inhibitions.

Negative effects include difficulty concentrating and slurred speech. Over time, you can develop major respiratory issues, liver damage, and the inability to sleep without using depressants.

Examples of depressants include:

Opioids and Opiates

Opiates reduce pain, and doctors prescribe them to treat medical illness or injury. Opiates bring a feeling of contentment and block pain receptors in your brain. Since larger quantities are required to get the same high over time, overdose occurs frequently. Other health risks include respiratory and cardiac arrest. Withdrawal symptoms from using opiates include diarrhea, vomiting, chills, fever, irritability, and insomnia.

Examples of opiates include:

Hallucinogens

One of the more unusual types of drug addiction causes hallucinations. Hallucinogens distort your sense of sound, touch, or sight. They also trigger extreme mood changes. Risks include losing contact with reality and harming yourself or others. In fact, long-term psychosis and mental disorders occur frequently after habitual use.

  • LSD
  • Ketamine
  • Mushrooms
  • Salvia
  • PCP

Cannabinoids

Cannabinoids originate in the cannabis (marijuana) plant and bind to certain receptors in your brain. This leads to feelings of euphoria and relaxation. Consistent use impacts your ability to concentrate, impairs memory, and causes sensory distortion. Once addicted, you put your immune system at risk. Reduced sex drive, respiratory damage, and abnormal cell growth can also occur.

Prescription Drugs

One of the most common types of drug addiction includes the prescription drug category. Many substances originally prescribed by a doctor can lead to addiction. There are hundreds of drugs, such as codeine, Ambien, and buprenorphine, that you can become dependent on simply by following the doctor’s instructions.

If you have already become addicted to another substance in the past, it’s extremely important to share this information with your doctor. Make sure to understand the risks of taking any prescription medication and wean yourself off it as quickly as possible to avoid developing a dependency.

Over The Counter

This may seem like an odd category to include. Believe it or not, addiction to medication you can buy without a prescription is common. For example, adolescents sometimes use cough medicine to get high because they are easy to access.

There are a variety of side effects that can cause organ and brain damage, depending on what you take. It’s never a good idea to abuse over-the-counter medication in the false belief that it can’t harm you.

We Treat All Types of Drug Addiction At Serenity Lodge

At Serenity Lodge, we offer substance-specific detox and recovery programs for clients in Lake Arrowhead, CA. We offer inpatient drug treatment programs and outpatient drug treatment programs. We also host Men’s recovery programs. If you want to break free from an opioid, prescription drug, or other addiction, contact us at [Direct] today to get started.

Leave a reply