Substance Use
There are many types of substance abuse disorders, each with its own challenges. Addictive substances create real changes in the brain and body, and Catalaya’s recovery specialists are experts in comprehensively treating substance abuse disorders with both medical intervention and cognitive therapies.
A key part of our recovery efforts is providing education about substance use and its physical, mental, and emotional effects. We offer support and resources for successful long-term recovery.
Addictive Substances and Substance Use Disorders
At Catalaya Recovery, we treat various types of substance abuse disorders, ranging from opioids to alcohol and stimulants. Some common examples of these drugs include the following:
Opioids
- Oxycodone (Oxycontin)
- Heroin
- Fentanyl
- Morphine
Stimulants
- Methamphetamine
- Cocaine
- MDMA (Ecstasy)
- Nicotine
Benzodiazepines
- Alprazolam (Xanax)
- Clonazepam (Klonopin)
- Diazepam (Valium)
- Lorazepam (Ativan)
Alcohol
- Spirits
- Wine
- Beer
- Hard seltzers
Opioid Use
Regular opioid usage alters the brain’s function, leading to long-term hormonal system and brain circuit imbalances that aren’t easy to reverse. Heroin usage in particular has been linked to the disintegration of the white matter in the brain, which might negatively affect a person’s stress response, behavior regulation ability, and decision-making ability. Effective opioid use disorder treatment includes behavioral counseling, recovery support, and medications such as buprenorphine and methadone.
Stimulant Use
Benzodiazepine Use
Often called “benzos” or “downers,” these addictive substances are considered depressants and slow down the central nervous system. While they are typically used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and spasms or convulsions, they are also often associated with hostility, irritability, and even disturbing dreams. It is common for opioid users to co-abuse benzodiazepines to enhance their high. The sedative nature of benzodiazepines makes them very dangerous when abused, with risks like cognitive decline, falls, coma, and death. Medical detox plus Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and aftercare are important elements of benzodiazepine abuse treatment.
Alcohol Use
Drinking an excessive amount of alcohol over an extended period may damage your immune system, pancreas, liver, and heart, as well as increase your likelihood of developing cancer. The recommended treatment for alcohol addiction includes a combination of behavioral counseling and medications such as disulfiram, acamprosate, and naltrexone.