ARC, West Los Angeles  California

In 1992 the NIDA approximated that the economic cost to society from alcohol and drug addiction was at an astronomical $246 billion. In the same year nearly 150,000 people died as a direct result of ingesting alcohol and/or drugs. Drug addiction issues have continued to skyrocket over the last 15 years and subsequently more and more people have sought help from drug treatment centers for themselves or a loved one. No empirical data exists to determine what personal and emotional repercussions have been endured by the torrent of drug addiction but the loved ones of drug addicted individuals clearly know the grave ramifications of the condition. If you or someone you know needs help with drug addiction call 877 415 HOPE today. Our credentialed staff will answer any questions you might have.

Drug addiction has physical, psychological and social consequences. The complexity of drug addiction issues coupled with the reality of drug addiction behaviors such as; deceit, denial and frustration often lead the loved ones of a drug addict to feel helpless and confused about what to do. ARC is designed to support clients and their loved ones in this time of crisis. Our treatment focus is on unraveling the complex web of addiction and to restore clients and their families to a healthier, happier state of being.

Alcoholism was defined as a disease in 1956 by the World Health Organization and the American Medical Association. Strangely enough, the AMA has yet to classify drug addiction as the same. However in 2001, the American Academy of Pain Medicine, the American Pain Society, and the American Society of Addiction Medicine jointly issued statements including:

“Addiction is a primary, chronic, neurobiologic disease, with genetic, psychosocial, and environmental factors influencing its development and manifestations. It is characterized by behaviors that include one or more of the following: impaired control over drug use, compulsive use, continued use despite harm, and craving.”

In keeping with the terminology used by the AMA and ASAM, ARC focuses on addressing the causes and conditions of drug addiction so that pathways to resolution of these issues can be identified. We approach treatment of drug addiction from several directions two of which are individual therapy and substance abuse counseling. Our multi-disciplinary team of licensed professionals creates a personalized treatment plan for each client suffering from drug addiction. We provide onsite medical detoxification to effectively meet the early needs of clients beginning the recovery process and have transitional treatment programs and aftercare resources available to meet the continued needs of clients on the road towards sustained recovery.

Here are some helpful questions that can be asked to determine whether you or a loved one is experiencing drug addiction:

• Have you tried to quit and found you were unable to stop?
• Do you experience anxiety if circumstances prevent you from using your primary substance of choice?
• Is your work being affected by your use?
• Have you lost opportunities in your life because of your patterns of use?
• Have you ever suffered legal consequences from your use?
• Are you prone to isolative behaviors?
• Do you have to engage in illegal activities to obtain your primary substance of choice?
• Do you often feel depressed or fatigued?
• Do you rationalize your patterns of consumption, saying that you will quit soon?
• Do you set aside time to devote yourself fully to the euphoria effects of your substance of choice?
• Do you lose track of time?
• Do you have a difficult time getting ready for social obligations?
• Do you often cry, or do you never cry?
• Do you use your primary substance of choice to enhance events in your life?
• Do you use as a method to “escape?”
• Do people often express concern about your use?
• Do you have to hide your use?
• Do you feel different then other people?
• Do you drive under the influence of your primary substance of choice?

If you answered yes to any of these questions than we can help. Call 877 415 HOPE to see how treatment can benefit you or someone you know.