One of the biggest contributors to the country’s growing number of addiction cases is self-medicating with alcohol or drugs. The media and our society have made drug and alcohol use commonplace. This leads many to an incorrect assumption that they can safely self-treat their mental health illness with minimal risk of forming an addiction. In reality, they are only worsening their condition and causing more harm. Alcohol addiction treatment in Pittsfield is available to help men and women whose addiction is interfering with their work and personal lives.
At Swift River, we provide effective and private addiction treatment programs through our residential and outpatient treatment facility. We take the time to understand each patient’s unique symptoms and severity of the addiction to create a tailored treatment program that gives them a better chance of reaching their recovery goals. If you or a loved one is self-medicating with alcohol or other substances, call 413.570.9698 or fill out our online form today for more information about the dangers of self-medicating with alcohol or other substances.
Can Self-Medicating Lead to Depression and Addiction?
Self-medicating, sometimes called micro-dosing, is a method of abusing drugs or alcohol in small amounts throughout the day to cope with a number of issues. Instead of talking to a behavioral therapist or doctor about their feelings or physical pain, they turn to drugs and alcohol to treat their symptoms, thinking they are safe from addiction because they are using small amounts.
Self-medication with alcohol or other substances can lead to depression and addiction. When you drink, the chemicals in alcohol attach themselves to cell receptors in your body and signal a flood of dopamine that your body can never produce on its own. Even in small amounts, your body will begin to depend on alcohol to the point where you will begin to feel withdrawal symptoms after a few hours from your last drink.
At Swift River, we support men and women in and around Pittsfield who are struggling with alcohol addiction after self-medicating. Our residential and outpatient treatment program can address all forms of addiction, including dual diagnosis conditions of depression and addiction.
What Are the Risks of Self-Medicating with Alcohol?
There are several risks of self-medicating with alcohol or other substances. Instead of reducing their symptoms, they are simply hiding from them and not addressing the underlying issue. Plus, they risk creating other mental health issues that will worsen their condition and make treating the original condition more difficult.
Additional risks of self-medicating with alcohol include:
- An unhealthy attitude toward addiction and treating mental health conditions
- Continuing to hide their abuse from friends and family and risk ruining healthy relationships
- Creating a strong dependence on alcohol that can lead to permanent brain damage and other serious health problems
- Developing depression or other mental health disorders due to the addiction
- The potential for delirium tremens, a sometimes fatal side effect of severe alcohol withdrawals
- An increased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and liver disease
- A high risk of forming cancer in the mouth, throat, liver, colon, and rectum
Choose Swift River – Massachusetts to Begin Your Alcohol Addiction Treatment in Pittsfield
At Swift River, our residential and outpatient treatment programs are designed to help men and women struggling with addiction from all walks of life and professions. We provide men and women in Pittsfield with a full range of behavioral and holistic therapies to aid in their recovery process, including:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Motivational interviewing (MI)
- Group and individual therapy
- Family therapy
- Creative writing
Call 413.570.9698 today or fill out our online form to learn how we can help you or a loved one lead a healthy and sober life.
