The Hills Treatment Center

Understanding the Relationship Between Drug Abuse and Sleep Disorders

Individuals who suffer from drug abuse feel a compulsive desire to continue using a destructive substance even though they know it is causing bodily harm. Over time, dependency on chemical substances can alter brain waves and function, making it even more difficult to discontinue use. A common symptom of these changes in the brain is the development of a sleep disorder, a condition that prevents addicts from getting healthy, restorative sleep.

Disrupts Circadian Rhythm

Your body has a natural biological clock that signals when it should be awake or asleep. If this internal rhythm is disrupted, you will have difficulty falling asleep or waking up at certain times of the day. Alcohol and drug abuse can cause permanent changes to brain structure, which directly affects circadian rhythm. As a result, addicts may begin to fall asleep at irregular times and for strange intervals throughout the day.

Decreases Quality of Sleep

Drugs that are depressants, such as alcohol, can actually make it easier to fall asleep initially. However, this substance dramatically alters the quality of sleep during the second half of the night. Excessive alcohol consumption can make it difficult for the body to enter into REM sleep, which is needed to heal and repair the body.

Leads to Sleep Apnea

Depressants are also commonly associated with sleep apnea, a disorder in which individuals suddenly stop breathing throughout the night. In order for the body to catch its breath, an individual will suddenly wake up in the middle of the night before falling right back to sleep. The frequent interruptions can make it impossible for an addict to achieve REM sleep.

The New Lease on Life program offered by The Hills Treatment Center in Los Angeles is specifically designed to help adults who suffer from chronic pain and sleep disorders as a result of addiction. We help our patients address these issues spiritually, mentally, and physically. To learn more, call us at (323) 774-1153.

The Facts of Drug and Alcohol Addiction [INFOGRAPHIC]

Every day, America sees over 8,400 new drug users. Yet only one in 10 drug users ever seek treatment and rehabilitation. It’s important to understand the current statistics behind drug and alcohol addiction as well as how essential treatment is to regaining control of your life. At The Hills Treatment Center of Los Angeles, we understand the courage it takes to seek treatment. Furthermore, we acknowledge the necessity of personalized drug rehabilitation for each patient, using the most recent and successful methods of addiction treatment. Please take a look at this infographic about drug and alcohol abuse statistics—share it with family and friends to spread this important knowledge.

Keep Track of Your Success

During your alcohol rehabilitation journey, knowing—and celebrating—how long you’ve been sober is important. The Sobriety Keeper app for your iPad or iPhone will help you recognize your success by keeping track of sobriety dates automatically. It is simple to use for instant information during meetings and counseling sessions. The app can also be used to calculate other time and date information by utilizing its start and end date functions.

At The Hills Treatment Center of Los Angeles, you’ll find the support and direction you need to successfully eliminate drugs and alcohol from your life. You can get more information about our rehabilitation center and programs by calling (323) 774-1153 today. Please visit our website for further details about our treatment plans or to download our drug rehab guide.

America's Most Abused Drug

The recreational use of chemical substances has been practiced by a variety of cultures throughout history. In fact, opium use was prevalent in Mesopotamia in 5000 BC, and alcohol use traces its roots back to 3500 BC.

There are four kinds of chemical substances that are regularly abused across the country: alcohol, nicotine, marijuana, and prescription painkillers. The wide availability of these substances often leads to the misconception that they aren’t incredibly addictive or dangerous. As this video explains, excessive consumption of these drugs can lead to painful physical and emotional symptoms.

To learn more about drug abuse treatment options, call The Hills Treatment Center at (323) 774-1153. Our program provides drug and alcohol rehab services to the Los Angeles area.

How Does Alcoholism Affect Your Family?

When individuals turn to drugs and alcohol, they rarely stop to think of how this behavior might affect others in their lives. Unfortunately, substance abuse doesn’t just affect an addict—this behavior also begins to damage family dynamics. Here’s a brief look at how alcoholism affects the entire family:

Challenges the Family Structure

Alcoholism is considered to be a family disease because it threatens the entire family structure and dynamic. The family unit struggling to help an alcoholic member typically experiences a range of symptoms, including denial, enabling, and victimization. Family members sometimes cope by denying how serious the problem is or by worrying excessively about the wellbeing of the alcoholic. Other family members may begin to resent the alcoholic for causing harm to the family.

Leads to Codependency

Many addicts become codependent on their friends or family members because these individuals provide much-needed support and stability. Unfortunately, a direct result of codependency is enabling, a process in which particular friends or family members try to help the addict. This help often makes the situation worse, as it encourages the self-destructive behavior and reinforces the sense of entitlement.

Fosters Resentment

After a long period of codependency and enabling, it is easy for those close to the addict to begin to blame and resent each other for the situation. Sometimes family members internalize this anger and become frustrated that, despite their efforts, an addict hasn’t become less dependent on alcohol. Many family members lash out at those they care about most.

If a loved one is suffering from alcoholism, you can help him or her get the treatment needed by calling The Hills Treatment Center at (323) 774-1153. Located on a private Los Angeles road, our facility provides patients with a unique and comprehensive treatment experience. You can visit our website to learn more.