The purpose of this addiction glossary is to assist in identifying the signs of specific substance addictions, relay their dangers, and explain the proper treatment processes. This comprehensive list aims to make navigating addiction and treatment a little easier. You and your loved ones have enough to worry about and we are eager to help. 

Addictions manifest in various forms, depending on the substance being abused.  Some drugs act as depressants, such as alcohol or opiates. When abused, depressants impact heart and respiratory functioning by slowing down the body’s organ response. In contrast, stimulants like cocaine or methamphetamine increase blood pressure and heart rate and cause severe, irreversible damage to the heart and nervous system. 

Despite these variances, the signs that someone has developed a substance addiction are, for the most part, universal. The most common signs of addiction are a change in appearance or weight loss/gain, neglect for responsibilities, intense mood swings, financial hardship, legal troubles, and loss of interest in hobbies or relationships once enjoyed and nurtured. By utilizing the addiction glossary, you can search for specific addictions, their implications and signs of abuse, and various treatments. 

If you or a loved one is exhibiting any of the signs found within the addiction glossary, the specialists at Asheville Recovery Center want you to know that you aren’t alone. The founders of Asheville Recovery Center, as well as many of their addiction therapists, have struggled with addiction and now enjoy life in recovery. They understand the struggles of addiction and how difficult it is to overcome alone. Having developed a unique, hybrid model of treatment which combines a traditional 12-step program with holistic rehabilitation, Asheville Recovery Center offers superior addiction treatment services within the region.