North Port’s Leading Addiction Treatment Center

The signs and symptoms of addiction can vary from person to person, but they often include noticeable behavioral, physical, and emotional changes. In terms of behavior, individuals may become more secretive, isolate themselves, neglect their personal responsibilities, or engage in risky activities such as unsafe driving or unprotected sex. They may also change their social circles or begin to avoid their family and friends. Physically, addiction can manifest as bloodshot eyes, dilated pupils, sudden weight changes, or disrupted sleep patterns, along with poor coordination or frequent injuries. Emotionally and psychologically, people who have an addiction may struggle with mood swings, irritability, depression, or anxiety, often coupled with difficulty concentrating or making decisions. They may lose interest in hobbies or activities they once enjoyed. Other warning signs include sudden financial struggles, an obvious increased tolerance to substances, withdrawal symptoms like nausea or shaking when not using substances, and unsuccessful attempts to cut down on or quit using substances. Recognizing these symptoms can be a crucial first step in addressing addiction and seeking support. 

Addiction is a widespread health concern that affects millions of people in the United States each year. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), a 2022 national survey on drug use showed that:  

• Approximately 70.3 million people age 12 and older reported using illicit drugs in the past year, which is about 1 in 4 individuals in this age group.  
• Around 21.5 million adults age 18 and older had both a substance use disorder and a co-occurring mental health concern, which is about 1 in 4 adults in this age group.  

These statistics highlight how widespread addiction is and how frequently it overlaps with other mental health concerns. If someone you care about is showing signs or symptoms of addiction, seeking help at a trusted treatment center like North Port is a critical first step on the path to recovery. 

A range of biological, psychological, and environmental factors can increase the likelihood that a person will struggle with addiction during their lifetime. Key risk factors include: 

• Genetics: A family history of addiction can increase the likelihood that a person will struggle with addiction themselves.  
• Early exposure or access to substances: Experimenting with substances at a young age or being frequently exposed to them can shape a person’s future habits. 
• Lack of coping skills: People who haven’t developed healthy ways to manage their emotions or overcome personal challenges may turn to substances as a coping mechanism. 
• Social environment: Peer pressure and social influences can play a significant role in substance use. 
• Stressful life events: High stress levels or exposure to trauma can increase a person’s risk for substance abuse and addiction. 

Addiction often develops due to a combination of influences and experiences. To best address someone’s addiction treatment needs, it is important to understand their specific circumstances. At North Port, we take each patient’s unique experiences and history into account before we create their individualized treatment plan. We are deeply committed to our patients’ holistic well-being and to supporting them with compassion on their journey to hope and healing.  

If it is left untreated, addiction can have devastating effects on nearly every aspect of a person’s life, from their relationships to their health and overall stability. Financial and legal troubles are common with addiction, as it can lead to overspending on substances, arrests or incarceration, and even the loss of a person’s housing or essential resources. These challenges often create a cycle of instability that is difficult to break without support. 

Untreated addiction can also cause a person’s relationships and social connections to suffer. It can strain or destroy bonds with their family and friends, which can lead to isolation and a loss of support systems. Social withdrawal can also cause a person to have difficulties maintaining their employment or pursuing their educational goals, which can further contribute to feelings of disconnection and despair. 

Addiction can also take a severe physical toll on people. It increases the risk for chronic conditions like heart problems, liver damage, and malnutrition. Infectious diseases such as HIV or hepatitis may result from risky behaviors, and overdoses or accidents can have life-threatening consequences.  

A person’s mental and emotional health often deteriorate alongside their physical health when they are struggling with addiction. Addiction can worsen the symptoms of other mental health concerns such as anxiety or depression and may lead to cognitive impairments, including memory loss and difficulty focusing. It also heightens the risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. 

In the long term, untreated addiction can diminish a person’s quality of life, self-esteem, and sense of purpose while significantly reducing their life expectancy. However, early intervention and addiction treatment can offer a path to recovery and can help people improve their health, relationships, and overall well-being. 

Effective addiction treatment typically involves a range of therapies that are tailored to a person’s specific symptoms and needs. Common addiction treatment options include: 

• Behavioral therapies: Therapeutic options such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help people recognize and change negative patterns linked to addiction. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) can help people manage strong emotions. Motivational interviewing (MI) encourages people to set goals to build motivation for long-term recovery. 12-Step programming or principles can also provide a structured path to recovery with built-in peer support. 
• Group therapy: A supportive group environment can help individuals connect with others who are facing similar challenges, which can foster a sense of community and shared understanding. 
• Family therapy: Addiction can put strain on a person’s relationships, and family therapy provides a space to rebuild trust and connection. It also allows loved ones to participate actively in a person’s recovery process and can help them better understand addiction. 
• Holistic therapies: Therapeutic options such as mindfulness, yoga, and art therapy promote personal wellness and emotional balance. Physical activities including regular exercise can also be valuable in supporting recovery. 
• Medication-assisted treatment (MAT): MAT is an opioid addiction treatment option that combines therapy with medication. At North Port, whether a person takes medication as part of their treatment plan is entirely up to the individual and their preferences. 
• Dual diagnosis treatment: For people who are struggling with both an addiction and a mental health condition like depression or anxiety, dual diagnosis treatment addresses both concerns simultaneously. 

Effective addiction treatment programs offer a combination of these treatment options. At North Port, patients can tailor their care plans to include a variety of therapeutic options based on their unique symptoms and needs. 

Addiction treatment offers a wide range of possible benefits and can help people who are struggling with addiction begin to move toward healthier, more fulfilling lives. Possible benefits include:  

• Improved mental health: Therapy received as part of addiction treatment can help people address emotional and psychological concerns, such as anxiety, depression, and the effects of trauma, which can lead to an improved sense of overall well-being.  
• Improved physical health: Addressing the physical impact of addiction can help people improve their overall health. It can also help reduce the risk for long-term physical damage. 
• Greater self-awareness: By fostering self-awareness, treatment also helps people better understand addiction, its effects on others, and the changes needed for their continued personal growth and resilience. 
• Improved relationships: Rebuilding relationships is an important part of recovery, and addiction treatment encourages trust and improved communication with loved ones. 
• Improved coping skills: In addiction treatment programs, patients can learn healthy coping skills so that they are better equipped to manage stress, emotions, and triggers in more constructive ways.  
• Safe, structured environment: Treatment provides a safe, structured environment where people can focus on their healing without exposure to triggers or distractions. 
• Personalized care: Effective addiction treatment is personalized based on each patient’s unique needs and goals. Individualized treatment plans can help support a person’s long-term recovery. The ongoing support and relapse prevention tools provided in treatment can also reduce a person’s risk for relapse. 
• Increased sense of security and stability: After receiving treatment, many people experience an increased sense of stability, which can help them focus on long-term goals. Many also discover a stronger sense of joy and purpose, which can help them set meaningful goals for the future.  

Effective treatment helps people address not just their symptoms but also the root causes of addiction and can empower them to begin on the path to a healthier lifestyle. 

Located in North Port, Florida, North Port Behavioral Health offers a supportive environment where individuals can focus entirely on their recovery. Designed to provide a sense of peace and refuge, our addiction and mental health treatment center allows patients to step away from their everyday stressors and prioritize their health. We offer comprehensive, compassionate care that is designed for patients who are struggling with mental health concerns and co-occurring addictions. 

Our care team is dedicated to guiding patients through every stage of recovery. At North Port, we are proud to provide: 

• Comprehensive assessments: We begin with detailed evaluations so that we can understand each person’s unique circumstances. This allows us to create a treatment plan that aligns with both their immediate needs and their long-term goals. 
• Care from compassionate professionals: Our experienced team is committed to offering empathetic support and expert guidance, and to helping each of our patients make meaningful progress toward a healthier life. 
• Individualized treatment plans: Each patient’s treatment plan is tailored to their specific needs, which ensures that the therapies and services we provide are relevant for their unique situation. 
• Evidence-based therapies: Our therapeutic options include evidence-based therapies like CBT, DBT, and MI, which have been shown to help people who are struggling with mental health concerns and co-occurring addictions. We also offer 12-Step programming, which can help foster accountability and lead to improved relationships with loved ones. 
• Aftercare planning: A person’s recovery journey extends beyond the treatment phase. To help support our patients’ long-term recovery, we provide personalized aftercare plans that include a variety of referrals and resources. 

At North Port Behavioral Health, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to heal and thrive. If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental health concern and a co-occurring addiction, we’re here to help. Contact us today to take the first step toward recovery and a healthier, more fulfilling life.