Seeing a loved one struggling with drug addiction and alcohol dependence is difficult. It’s normal to feel lost, disappointed, or frustrated. However, if you have a healthy family dynamic, having your support can go a long way in the recovery process. Talking about addiction in your family can help address the presence of a substance abuse disorder, potentially lead to treatment, and provide your loved one with much-needed support throughout their recovery.

Each year, thousands of doe-eyed college freshmen will settle into their dorms anxiously awaiting their first moments of college life. College years are a transformative, exploratory time in a young adult's life. Parental influence is lessened and teens are given the opportunity to spread their wings.

Alcohol addiction affects more than 15 million adults in the United States. While alcohol use disorder is a disease, like most medical conditions, it is treatable. Every person’s journey to sobriety and recovery is different. In this blog, we’ll help you understand how alcohol addiction treatment works so you better understand your options for recovery.

Do any of the following scenarios sound familiar to you?

Addiction treatment looks different for every person. Some people struggling with addiction require inpatient treatment at a residential facility or drug and alcohol rehab center, while others are able to work towards recovery in an outpatient treatment program. Both have benefits and can help you or your loved one on the road to addiction recovery.

Drug and alcohol abuse affects nearly 22 million people in the United States. Did you know that 1 in 7 people will develop an addiction in their lifetime? Though recovery and abstinence are related, there are important differences you need to understand if you or a loved one is seeking substance abuse treatment and looking to achieve long-term recovery. Let’s take a look at some of the similarities and differences in more detail.

Alcohol addiction, also known as alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a serious disease that affects 17 million people in the US. In fact, excessive alcohol use causes 88,000 deaths a year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The good news is that alcohol addiction, just like many other diseases, is treatable and recovery is possible. An addiction treatment program such as medication assisted treatment (MAT) with Vivitrol can help people struggling with alcohol use disorder leave a life of addiction behind.

El abuso de sustancias, el alcoholismo y la adicción pueden tener un impacto negativo en las familias. Las familias que están lidiando con el trastorno de abuso de sustancias de un ser querido pueden enfrentar situaciones como violencia doméstica, abuso físico o emocional, trastornos de salud mental concurrentes y dificultades socioeconómicas, ya que las personas que luchan con la adicción pueden tener dificultades para encontrar o conservar un trabajo. Puede interrumpir una dinámica familiar saludable al romper la confianza, agregar estrés significativo y prevenir la formación de límites saludables.

Juan piensa que su hermano, Fred, no era él mismo la última vez que se vieron.

La apariencia de Fred parecía arrugada a pesar de que, por lo general, se esforzaba para verse lo mejor posible. Fred también parecía desinteresado en las cosas que siempre le interesaban, es por eso que John sospecho que algo en la vida de Fred había cambiado.

Addiction is a complex and chronic disease, but recovery is possible. Addiction treatment like medication assisted treatment (MAT) can help someone with substance or alcohol use disorder achieve recovery and maintain sobriety. By combining behavioral therapy with specific addiction medications, MAT is the safest and most effective option for recovery.