
Are you worried you might be abusing drugs or alcohol? Have friends or family members tried to talk to you about how much you use, how often, or your behavior while under the influence?
Are you worried you might be abusing drugs or alcohol? Have friends or family members tried to talk to you about how much you use, how often, or your behavior while under the influence?
You may be feeling shame or embarrassment about not being able to stop but rest assured, you are not alone and you are in the right place! We know addiction. Since 2009 Desert Star has helped more than 2100 people start their journeys toward long term recovery and we are here for you too.
Our team of experienced professionals is here to listen, understand your unique journey, and help you set achievable goals that resonate with your personal values and aspirations. Remember, this is your journey, and every small step you take is significant. We’re here to walk alongside you, offering encouragement and expertise, every step of the way.
Understanding Alcohol & Other Drug Use
It’s important to know that drugs aren’t automatically good or bad. Every drug affects people in different ways, and how much you take and your own past experiences with drugs can change how they make you feel. Using drugs the wrong way can mean taking more than you’re supposed to or using them for reasons they weren’t made for. This can cause problems in your life—at school, work, or with your health.
Some people use drugs so often that it becomes hard to stop, and they may rely on them to feel normal, either physically or mentally. People use drugs for different reasons, like fitting in with a group, dealing with stress or mental health issues, or because it’s easy to get. Sometimes, the effects drugs have, like changing how you feel or think, can make people want to keep using them, even if they know it’s not good for them.
You might ask:
- Who is using the drug?
- What drug are they using?
- When and where is the drug being used?
More questions:
-
Why is the drug being used?
Vicodin prescribed for pain relief vs. Vicodin used for pleasurable feelings -
How is the drug being taken?
Chewing coca leaves vs. snorting cocaine - How much of the drug is being used?
In discussing one’s drug usage, below are four principles of psychoactive Drug use:
- Every drug has multiple effects
- Both the size and the quality of a drug’s effect depend on the amount the individual has taken
- The effects of any psychoactive drug depend on the individual’s history and expectations
- Are there mental health concerns
Signs & Symptoms of Drug Abuse

Drug Abuse includes:
- Use of drugs or chemicals in greater amounts than prescribed by a doctor, or for purposes other than, those intended by the manufacturer
Drug Misuse
- Use of drugs or chemicals in greater amounts than prescribed by a doctor, or for purposes other than, those intended by the manufacturer
- Substance use in a manner, an amount, or in situations such that it causes social, occupational, psychological, or physical problems
Drug Dependency
- A state in which an individual uses a drug so frequently or consistently that it would be difficult for the person to stop
- May be physiological and/or psychological dependent upon to function
Motives for Drug Use
- We all do things that we know, logically, we should not do
- Eating too much
- Driving too fast
- Drinking too much
- Identification with a group or subculture is a key factor
- Fads and cultural trends influence what drugs are used
- It’s legal
- Helps relax, cope, deal and or escape
- Depression, anxiety and or other mental health concerns
What are the Risk Factors?

Long-term drug and alcohol use can have serious and far-reaching effects on both physical and mental health.
Here are some potential risks:
Physical Health Risks
- Heart Problems: Chronic use can lead to high blood pressure, arrhythmias, and an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
- Liver Disease: Conditions like alcoholic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer can result from long-term alcohol abuse.
- Neurological Issues: Persistent drug and alcohol use can cause brain damage, memory problems, and conditions like Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.
- Respiratory Problems: Smoking drugs or alcohol can lead to chronic respiratory issues, including lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Gastrointestinal Issues: Long-term use can cause ulcers, gastritis, and other digestive problems.
- Immune System: Weakened immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections and diseases.
Mental Health Risks
- Depression and Anxiety: Substance use can exacerbate or even cause mental health disorders.
- Cognitive Impairment: Long-term use can impair cognitive functions, leading to difficulties in thinking, memory, and decision-making.
- Psychosis: Some drugs, particularly stimulants and hallucinogens, can cause or worsen psychotic symptoms.
Social and Behavioral Risks
- Relationship Problems: Substance use can strain relationships with family, friends, and colleagues.
- Work and Financial Issues: Addiction can lead to job loss, financial instability, and legal problems.
- Increased Risk of Accidents: Impaired judgment and coordination increase the risk of accidents and injuries.
Overall Health Risks
- Cancer: Long-term use of alcohol and certain drugs can increase the risk of various cancers, including liver, mouth, throat, and breast cancer.
- Chronic Pain: Some individuals may experience chronic pain as a result of long-term substance use.
What is the Treatment?

There are several effective treatments for alcohol & other drug misuse and dependence, often tailored to the individual’s needs. These treatments can be used individually or in combination, depending on the person’s needs.
Here are some common types of treatments:
Psychotherapy (Talk Therapy)
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): You have an automatic thought. That thought produces an emotion. As humans, our emotions can affect how we act. Once you recognize the thought and emotion associated with that thought, you usually have several choices to make, which can lead to consequences of your behavior. CBT aims to change the thought(s) to more productive and more helpful consequences.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Combines CBT with mindfulness techniques and emotional regulation, often used for borderline personality disorder.
- Psychodynamic Therapy: Explores unconscious thoughts and emotions to understand and resolve psychological conflicts. This is a long-term therapy, typically working with the same psychodynamically trained therapist for several years or longer.
- Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): Focuses on improving interpersonal relationships and social functioning.
Medication Management
There are many different medication options available to those who may be interested in discussing medication management with a medical practitioner at Desert Star. Some types of medication include:
- Anti-craving Medications
- Aversive Agents
- Opioid Antagonists
- Partial Antagonists
- Full Antagonists
Lifestyle and Self-Care
- Exercise: Regular physical activity can improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
- Healthy Diet: Proper nutrition can positively impact mental health.
- Sleep Hygiene: Good sleep practices can help improve overall mental well-being.
- Mindfulness and Meditation: Techniques to help reduce stress and promote mental clarity.
Support Groups
- Peer Support: Groups of individuals with similar experiences can provide mutual support and understanding. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (www.nami.org) is one of the leading organizations in the country that offers free peer support groups.
- 12-Step Programs: Structured support groups for addiction recovery, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Cocaine Anonymous (CA) and Marijuana Anonymous (MA).
Alternative and Complementary Therapies
- Psychodrama: an experiential group therapy that has people re-enact real-life situations through role-playing, storytelling, and dramatic self-presentation.
- Art and Music Therapy: Creative therapies to help express emotions and reduce stress.
- Equine Assisted Therapy: A process that uses horses to help people meet their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health goals. Teaches emotion regulation, self-confidence, and responsibility, while helping reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, or trauma.
- Yoga and Tai Chi: Mind-body practices that promote relaxation and stress reduction.
Hospitalization and Intensive Treatment
Medical Detoxification:
Medical detoxification may be necessary. Desert Star coordinates with a number of Detox facilities and hospitals as deemed clinically necessary. If referred to medical detox their medical team will monitor you for medical stability and safety until you are medically cleared. Their discharge team will then coordinate with Desert Star for admission to the program. The team at Desert Star will coordinate throughout your detoxification process.
Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP):
An intensive outpatient program that provides structured treatment for up to six hours during the day up to five days per week.
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP):
An intensive outpatient program that provides structured treatment for up to three hours during the day up to four days per week.
At Desert Star we combine many of the treatments above including, Partial Hospitalization, Intensive Outpatient, Talk Therapy, Medication Management, Art Therapy, Support Groups, lifestyle, and selfcare to help you on your journey to recovery. We invite you to explore each of the pages in our Addiction Recovery section to familiarize yourself with what we treat and how we may be best suited to your needs. If you want to learn more or have questions schedule a call below or give us a call now!
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and we are here to help you every step of the way.
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Get the help you need without putting your outside commitments on hold! We individualize treatment for every client and can combine groups from different programs to suit your unique needs. We offer varying levels of structure and support, from partial hospitalization to intensive outpatient to once-weekly outpatient groups.