An active addiction refers to a situation where someone is not in recovery, and they are currently using drugs or alcohol. In effect, this describes a situation where someone is either openly or secretly abusing drugs or alcohol and doesn’t currently have the control or willpower to stop.
That person might be taking measures to try and overcome their addiction by themselves, but any attempt to control triggers or quit cold turkey without the right support often results in a relapse.
The withdrawal symptoms for things like opioids and alcohol can be so severe that those with active addictions will return immediately to drugs or alcohol to overcome the symptoms of withdrawal.
Only with a professional treatment center can those with an active addiction be guided through a professional detox process and learn to manage withdrawal and behaviors with things like therapy and medication.
Inactive Addiction vs. Active Addiction
So, what is the difference between an active addiction and an inactive addiction?
When someone is struggling with an active addiction that they cannot control, modify, or quit, and they haven’t reached out for help or substance abuse treatment, this is considered an active addiction because the addiction itself is active and thriving.
Once someone comes to a treatment center like East Coast Recovery and starts a program like our Partial Day Program, then they will have put themselves in a position to learn how to control things like cravings. At this point, the addiction is considered “inactive,” meaning it might still be there, but it is not currently active.
In effect, the difference between an active addiction and an inactive addiction is whether someone has acknowledged the problem and sought help, particularly with the tools needed to avoid a relapse.
These tools are things that can be learned during individual and group therapy sessions as well as holistic therapy sessions. They might include recognizing an underlying mental health disorder and getting the right medication to manage the symptoms of a mental health disorder so that drugs and alcohol no longer become a form of self-medication. They might also include undergoing things like cognitive behavioral therapy to develop coping strategies for managing stress or difficult emotions instead of turning to drugs and alcohol.
Break Free From Active Addiction
If you are looking for help with an active addiction in yourself or someone else, our team can help. We offer flexible outpatient programs that can fit in and around your other commitments.
Call our team today or check your insurance benefits now.
FAQ
Can You Overcome an Active Addiction?
Yes, you can absolutely overcome an act of addiction. The most dangerous part about an active addiction is when people don’t try to get help or won’t accept help trying to overcome addiction. This puts people at risk for complications and health problems associated with things like withdrawal and continued substance abuse.Â
That said, with our team, you can participate in an outpatient program that gives you the tools you need to overcome an active addiction.Â
Are There Physical Signs of an Active Addiction?
Yes, physical signs of active addiction can include things like drastic weight loss or weight gain accompanied by a change in eating habits as well as a decline in personal hygiene, changes to speech patterns or behaviors, as well as changes to eyes like bloodshot eyes or dilated pupils.Â
The physical signs of an act of addiction will vary based on the substance being abused, but when you call our team, we can help you learn what signs might indicate a problem in yourself or someone else.
Are There Behavioral Signs of an Active Addiction?
Yes, behavioral signs of an active addiction typically include extreme mood swings or aggressive behavior, as well as things like paranoia, lies, or secretive behavior. Someone struggling with an active addiction might have unexplained absences from work, from school, or from their daily home life. They might isolate themselves and go to great lengths to cover up what they are doing. If asked, they typically become very defensive.
How Can I Help a Loved One With an Active Addiction?
If you notice that someone calls you has an active addiction, the best thing you can do is to offer your support and understanding. A lot of people throughout the Boston area and the state at large still struggle with shame and the belief that addictions should be within their control and should be something they can stop at any time.
If you have a loved one who is struggling, you can let them know that you have noticed these signs and that your love for them or feelings toward them have not changed but that you want to support them by helping them connect with nearby programs.Â
What if My Loved One Isn’t Ready to Get Help for Active Addiction?
Always be patient. Even though you might offer your support and encouragement for them to get help, they might not be ready. Don’t let that stop you from continuing to support them and encouraging them to get help.Â
How Do I Get Help for an Active Addiction?
If you are struggling with an active addiction, it is important to find the right level of care from a reliable, trustworthy treatment center. At East Coast Recovery, we provide a handful of outpatient programs that can fit into any schedule. Our goal is to improve things like communication and relationships through family therapy, as well as to improve your entire person, which we achieve through things like holistic programs.Â
