Cincinnati Rehab Center

     Are you, a family member, or a friend suffering from addiction?  There are a number of signs that show that you are suffering from addiction.  First, there are a number of physical signs.  Rapid weight loss or gain, bloodshot eyes, changes in sleeping patterns, poor hygiene or an unkempt appearance, frequently sick, accident-prone or injured a lot, and bruises and abrasions present.  Mental and emotional signs may include loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed, missing work or school, changing friends, unusual smells, hiding, lying, or disappearing, hyperactive or emotionally unstable, depression, and desperation.

     Drugs have a powerful negative effect on the user and the user's friends and families.  You may notice that the user's personality changes.  The user may have difficulty financially supporting his habit, especially when his drug habit is keeping him from being able to hold the same job.  A user's brain becomes toxic and they do not have the ability to think clearly and logically.  This is why you see irrational behavior.  An addict will steal from his own mother or child to get what he wants.  This is very difficult to understand; it is a result of the drug addiction.  There are a number of drugs out there that people are addicted to:

Heroin:

Heroin usually comes in a white or brown powder.  It is processed from morphine.  In the short-term, heroin makes the user feel a surge of euphoria and then alternating drowsy and awake states.  Long-term users of heroin can develop liver disease, lung complications, and collapsed veins.

Marijuana:

Marijuana is the most common of the illegal drugs.  The active chemical in marijuana is THC.  Some of the short-term effects include learning and memory problems and the inability to think clearly and logically.

Cocaine:

Cocaine is snorted, sniffed, smoked, or injected.  It is powerfully addictive.  It typically makes a person feel energetic and as if they are in a state of euphoria.  Cocaine causes respiratory failure, seizures, strokes, heart attacks, and death.

Prescription Medications:

Prescription drugs can be used for non medical reasons.  When used inappropriately, they can become addicting.  Some types of prescription drugs that are abused are opioids (prescribed for pain), stimulants (prescribed for ADHD, obesity, and narcolepsy), and central nervous system depressants (for sleep disorders and for people suffering with anxiety).  In the long term, abuse of these drugs will lead to addiction.  Possible effects are irregular heartbeat, paranoia, and body temperatures that are too high.

Club Drugs:

Ecstasy, GHB, Ketamine, Methamphetamine, Acid, and Rohypnol are used by teenagers and young adults at club scenes.  Possible effects of these drugs include coma, seizures, delirium, amnesia, and changes in brain function.

Alcohol:

Alcohol impairs judgment.  It can lead to coma and death.  Drinking alcohol leads to slowed reflexes, memory lapses, blackouts, and loss of coordination.  Short term effects also lead to nausea, shakiness "hangover".  Alcoholism leads to liver damage and heart disease.  A pregnant woman who drinks may pass on birth defects to her unborn baby.  When a person becomes dependent on alcohol, if they try to quit, they will suffer from withdrawal symptoms.  Alcohol abuse also leads to violence and conflict.

Methamphetamine:

This drug has a high potential for addiction.  It is a stimulant that is related to amphetamine.  It causes decreased appetite and wakefulness.  Long-term effects include stroke, hallucinations, and psychotic behavior.

Center for Chemical Addictions Treatment

(513) 381-6672

You can call the Center for Chemical Addictions Treatment Center for confidential help.  They will discuss your situation with you privately.  They understand that drug addiction is a vicious cycle, and they want to help you.

Each of the following Drug Treatment Programs at Bethesda has a combination of treatment options.  These programs are recommended for people who can benefit from treatment in an outpatient program in the day or evening.  They may include ambulatory detoxification, daytime and evening intensive outpatient treatment, individual outpatient counseling, and volunteer and counselor led continuing care. 

Bethesda Oak

619 Oak Street, 4-West

Cincinnati, Ohio 45206

(513) 569-6116

    Treatment includes outpatient levels of care and continuing care for you for a year or more of recovery support.

Blue Ash

Reed Hartman Business Park

11305 Reed Hartman Hwy., Suite 106

Cincinnati, OH 45242

(513) 489-6011

     Treatment provided includes outpatient levels of care and also continuing care for a year or longer of recovery support.