Atascadero, CA Drug & Alcohol Treatment Centers

Midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, historic Atascadero is part of the San Luis Obispo metropolitan area. People here who are experiencing substance use disorder (SUD) can find individualized treatment resources through drug rehab Atascadero. SUD is a chronic brain disorder characterized by compulsive drug-seeking and drug-using behaviors regardless of adverse consequences. Millions of people in the United States are affected by SUD, resulting in billions spent on healthcare, crime, and lost productivity each year. Unfortunately, thousands of people die prematurely each year from causes related to SUD. Illegal drugs like cocaine and heroin, prescription drugs like opioid pain killers, and over-the-counter medications contribute to this crisis. People begin taking drugs voluntarily for several reasons. One reason is they want to feel good—they want a “high.” Another reason is that they want to feel better—to reduce anxiety or provide pain relief. Whatever the reason a person first tries a substance, a few will develop SUD. There is no universal cause determining who will become addicted to a substance, but adolescents who try substances are at higher risk than adults, as are people who smoke or inject drugs. People with SUD are more likely to succeed with detox when medically supervised during the withdrawal process; few people completely detox independently. Defined as a relapsing disorder, people with SUD need ongoing support that helps them explore the underlying causes of drug use and helps them develop new tools to deal with situations that led to substance use. Drug treatment centers in California offer hope to people with substance use disorder as they begin their recovery journey.