Drug and alcohol addiction is a horrible, but treatable disease that affects people of all backgrounds, as well as their families and friends. If you are struggling with a substance abuse problem, then you know that it is a condition that impacts every area of your life, from family relationships to work and school performance, and also financially and legally. However, with proper addiction treatment and a willingness to do the hard work, even those individuals who have struggled with addiction can learn a new way to live and thrive clean and sober.

Even though Santa Cruz is experiencing increasing numbers of people with substance abuse issues, there is hope and healing that can be found in addiction treatment services there. The first step of recovery for most people who are addicted to drugs or alcohol is detoxification (detox). These are typically short programs, depending on the substances used, in which individuals are safely detoxed from drugs and alcohol. Medically supervised detox is the safest way to remove substances from your body. Once you are physically dependent on a drug or alcohol, you will begin to have withdrawal symptoms when you stop using it. Some withdrawal symptoms, like those from alcohol withdrawal, can cause life-threatening complications. This is why it’s dangerous to try to stop drinking or using drugs cold turkey. In a detox facility, you will be monitored and may be given medication to help with your comfort during the withdrawal process, making it much safer and more comfortable than trying to do it on your own.

Following detox, most people attend inpatient or outpatient rehab. Inpatient, or residential, treatment involves staying at a rehab 24/7 for a period of time, typically 30-90 days. With outpatient treatment, you don’t live at the facility, but instead attend treatment several days a week for several weeks. It’s important to talk with addiction treatment specialists to discuss which option is right for you.