Pasadena, CA

Searching for a Substance Abuse Treatment Center in Pasadena, CA

As the novelist Michael Tolkin once said, "Come to think of it, Pasadena's as good a place to die as any." Within the city of Pasadena, it is apparent that there are many beautiful sights to see. But even in such a serene place, there are still issues that people must struggle with. For some, it might be with relationships with other people, or financial concerns one may have, or even issues with family. For some people, however, there is a struggle that feels impossible to overcome.

This struggle for many people takes the form of substance abuse and addiction. Some people may think that these issues comes as a result of moral weakness or bad character, but a closer look into the nature of addiction reveals more complicated and shocking truths.

When examining the brain, scans show that drug use actually rewires the reward circuit in the brain, reinforcing the need to continually seek the substance. From this standpoint, addiction no longer becomes a choice, but can be viewed more as a disease.

Not Every Disease Has a Cure: What to Do About Addiction?

There is no known cure for the disease of addiction. People who have unfortunately stumbled into it will have a lifetime battle with the disease. Fortunately, there are several proven treatment methods to overcome addiction. One of the more acknowledged practices for addiction is inpatient treatment.

Inpatient treatment places people in a residential facility where they will learn the coping mechanisms to deal with addiction. People may originally gravitate toward drug abuse because of unsettled issues from their past or self-esteem issues. At treatment facilities, people will learn the skills to overcome the things that cause them to abuse.

Treatment is just the beginning of the fight for addiction. When people leave treatment facilities, they will need to seek out 12-step groups in order to continue learning the various coping mechanisms and behavior tools to avoid active addiction.

Connecting with alumni programs is also a great way to stay sober. Alumni programs take trips and fellowship as a way to help people connect with others going through similar things as them. Community is powerful. People who are connected to community and have the tools to exist in community in ways that are positive. Positive, powerful relationships can help offset the need to do drugs.

It can be hard to re assimilate into society after spending some time in rehab, but finding a fellowship can help. Connecting with people that have experienced what you have, is a great way to stay accountable and make friends who'll be there for you in your times of need. That strong support system will help you through those difficult times in your life.