Overcoming Addiction in New Jersey

Understanding Addiction

Causes, Mechanisms, and Impacts

Addiction is defined as a strong physical or psychological need or desire to do or use something. In the case of drug and alcohol addiction, the person’s capability to function can become dependent on the consumption of the substance. In most cases, addiction also means that the person knows or understands on some level that the substance is harmful to them, but they are compelled to continue using or consuming it. At the Forest, we work with men who have become addicted to alcohol or drugs, which might include cocaine, marijuana, morphine, or hallucinogens. Our goal is to help you regain control of your life and body from these substances that are harming you physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

Types of ADDICTION

Alcohol

Benzodiazepines

Cocaine

Heroin

Methamphetamine

Morphine

Addiction in General

When you do something you find enjoyable, your body is rewarded with dopamine and several other chemicals. This natural reward system does not create happiness or euphoria but is found to reinforce the feelings in your brain. It also builds the mental bridge between the activity and your brain, associating the activity or item with pleasure to motivate you to repeat it. The lack of the feeling of pleasure or happiness can trigger cravings that are often the first steps in addiction. After a short time, your brain has become dependent on a certain amount of dopamine and other chemicals released in the reward system, and it feels as if you need them to simply function.

What are you waiting for?

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Signs of Chemical Addiction

There are many works that are used interchangeably when discussing addiction and how a chemical substance is used or misused by an individual. Some are seen as carrying a more negative connotation. However, what is crucial is understanding when the chemical substance is taking control of your body, mind, and life. The label used is not as critical as the recognition and understanding that you need help from the experts at The Forest when you experience:

Desire or cravings so strong that you cannot think about anything else
A need to use more of a substance to achieve the same level of pleasure or reward
A discomfort or stress when the substance you desire is not easily available
Using the substance in high-risk situations like when driving or working
Difficulty managing life situations at work, school, or home without the substance
Loss of interest in activities other than using the substance
Your use of the substance is creating issues in valued relationships
The inability to stop using the substance
Withdrawal when you stop using the substance

If you find that you are unable to control when you use the substance or that you now need an ever-increasing amount of the substance to function, please know that you need the help of the compassionate professionals at The Forest. Our staff is here to guide and support our residents 24/7 to help them recognize the control the substance has in their lives and how to regain control. In many cases, the impact of prolonged use of these harmful substances can become life-threatening. Please reach out to the staff at The Forest to begin your life-saving journey to recovery, happiness, and the life of success and fulfillment that you deserve.

Addiction Doesn't Have to Define Your Life

Begin your journey to lasting sobriety at The Forest, New Jersey’s premier sober living home, where support, stability, and community help you build a brighter future.