Drug Addiction

Drug addiction is not something to take lightly, it can overtake someone’s life and will have a ripple effect that impacts everyone that person is close to. Drug addiction is a serious problem in the United States and around the world. There are many different types of drugs that people can become addicted to, including heroin, cocaine, prescription drugs, and more.

drug addiction | ohio community health recovery centers
drug addiction | ohio community health recovery centers

How Drug Addiction Develops

Most people don’t set out to become addicted to drugs, it usually starts with casual use that escalates into something more frequent and eventually leads to dependence. Drug addiction can be guided by drug availability, peer pressure, mental health issues, and curiosity. Once someone is addicted, drug-seeking behavior takes over. The addict will do whatever it takes to get their hands on drugs, even if that means breaking the law. Let’s take a look at some of the most commonly used drugs of abuse.

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What Are the Most Addictive Drugs?

There are a variety of drugs that can lead to addiction, but some are more addictive than others. The most addictive drugs include:

Along with these, prescription drugs are another class of substance that are commonly misused and abused.

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Features of Drug Addiction Treatment

While all addiction treatment looks different, these are a few of the key features you may expect

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Detoxification

This is the process of allowing your body to rid itself of the drug. It is often the first step in drug addiction treatment.

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Inpatient Rehab

Inpatient rehab refers to a 24/7 care facility in which a client lives in the facility to get the treatment they need.

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Outpatient Rehab

Outpatient rehab generally follows inpatient and allows clients to continue treatment as they adjust to their new life.

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Counseling

This can be done in individual or group settings, and it focuses on helping you understand your addiction and how to cope with triggers and cravings.

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Support Groups

These can provide you with moral support and practical advice from people who have been through drug addiction and recovery.

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Post-Care

Clients who have been through the treatment process can still keep in touch to ensure they remain on track and living a healthy, sober life.

drug addiction | ohio community health recovery centers
drug addiction | ohio community health recovery centers

Is Drug Addiction a Disease?

While drug addiction is often referred to as a disease, there is some debate over whether or not it actually is one. The American Society of Addiction Medicine defines addiction as a “primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory and related circuitry.”

What we know for sure is that substance abuse can lead to a number of issues including organ damage, financial problems, relationship problems, and mental health issues. So, what can you do?

Addiction is likely not something that you can solve on your own. Get the help you need at our Cincinnati alcohol and drug rehab center.

Treatments for Drug Addictions

Learn more about other types of common addictions people deal with and how we treat them

Family
Therapy

Opioid
Addiction

Alcohol
Addiction

Prescription
Drugs

Fentanyl
Addiction

OxyContin
Addiction

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Christopher Glover CDCA

My name is Christopher Glover, and I am from Cincinnati, Ohio. I am currently in school and working to grow in competence to better support our community. As a recovering individual I know the struggles that you or a loved one can go through and that there is help for anything you may be struggling with.

The hardest part is asking for help and we are here as a team to best support you and your decision to start your journey towards a better future. Connect with Chris on LinkedIn

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Amanda Kuchenberg PRS CDCA

I recently joined Ohio Community Health Recovery Centers as a Clinical Case Manager. I am originally from Wisconsin but settled in the Cincinnati area in my early 20s.  My career started in the fashion industry but quickly changed as I searched to find my drive and passion through helping others who struggle with addiction. 

As someone who is also in recovery, I wanted to provide hope, share lived experience, and support others on their journey.  I currently have my Peer Recovery Support Supervision Certification along with my CDCA and plan to continue my education with University of Cincinnati so I can continue to aid in the battle against substance addiction. Connect with Amanda on LinkedIn.

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Patrick McCamley LCDC III

 Patrick McCamley (Clinical Therapist) is a Cincinnati native who has worked in substance use disorder/co-occurring mental health disorder treatment since 2019. Patrick received his bachelors degree in psychology from University of Cincinnati in 2021 and received his LCDC III (Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor) license from the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board in 2022. Patrick has worked in Clinical Operations, Clinical Case Management, and Clinical Therapy throughout his career.

Patrick has tremendous empathy and compassion for the recovery community, being in recovery himself since 2018. Patrick is uniquely qualified to be helpful because of the specific combination of his academic background and his own experience in recovery.

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Bill Zimmerman CDCA

Bill Zimmerman is a Greater Cincinnati Area native who has worked in substance use disorder/co-occurring mental health disorder treatment since 2018. Bill received his (Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant) license from the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board in 2020.

Bill has worked in Clinical Operations in both support and supervision, and Program facilitating and 12 step recovery support during his career. Bill has a passion for the recovery community, having been in recovery himself since 1982. Connect with Bill on LinkedIn

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Taylor Lilley CDCA, PRS

Growing up in Louisiana with addiction running rampant on both sides of my family. A life away from drugs and alcohol seemed impossible for someone like me. I remember what it was like sitting across from someone thinking there is no way they could ever understand what I was going through.

Sharing my experience offers a credibility and a certain type of trust with clients that only someone who has walked down this road can illustrate. To immerse myself further into the field of addiction, I am currently studying at Cincinnati State for Human and Social Services.  I hope I never forget where I came from, if I can do it, so can you!

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Thomas Hunter LSW

Hello my name is Thomas Hunter. I was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. I am a licensed social worker.In my scope of practice I have worked in the areas of mental health and recovery for thirty years. The clients I have worked with in my career have ranged in age from seven to seventy.

I strive each day to serve my purpose of helping those in need and I believe I do so by utilizing all of my experiences to accomplish my goal of supporting those who desire to establish their sobriety and maintain it in their recovery. Connect with Thomas on LinkedIn.

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Mary D.Porter,LICDC

 My name is Mary D. Porter. I received my Masters of Social Work in 2008 from The University of Cincinnati. I received My Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor Licensure in 2001. I retired from The Department of Veteran Affairs Medical Center on April 14, 2014. Currently, I am the Associate Clinical Director for The Ohio Community Health Recovery Centers in Cincinnati.. Due to the fourth wave of the Opioid Epidemic in 2019,  I decided to enter back into the workforce to assist the addicted population.

The overdoses were astounding and I wanted to help.  I consider myself  to be an advocate for the addicted population. My compassion, resilience, empathy, wisdom, knowledge, experience and  love I have for this forgotten population goes beyond words. I consider what I do for the addicted population as a calling versus a “career,” because I too was once an “addict and alcoholic.” Today I am 45.5 years alcohol and substance free.

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Ben Lemmon LCDC III

Hello, my name is Ben Lemmon, and I’m the Vice President and Clinical Director at Ohio Community Health Recovery Centers. I’ve been working in the addiction and mental health field since 2013 and decided to enter the field after overcoming my own challenges with addiction.

When I first meet a client, I always explain to them that the reason we are meeting is because they are not capable of obtaining or maintaining sobriety, and my goal is to create a person that can maintain sobriety. I believe a person’s personality is made up of their thoughts, feelings and actions and my job is to help clients identify the thoughts, feelings and actions that have them disconnected from recovery and provide them with the tools to live a healthy and happy life. Connect with Ben on LinkedIn