Indio, California’s Premier Drug Addiction Treatment Center

Substance abuse can alter the way a person feels, thinks, and acts as their brain adapts to the ongoing use of a drug. The signs and symptoms of drug addiction can vary depending on the substance the person has been using, how long and how much they’ve been using it, and other factors, like age and background. However, there are common physical and behavioral signs and symptoms of substance use disorders.  

Physical signs and symptoms of drug addiction can include: 

• Powerful cravings for a drug that can sometimes cause someone to take extreme or illegal action to get the drug 
• Using a drug to manage painful emotions or to feel happy 
• Trying yet failing to reduce or stop the use of a drug 
• Physical changes such as weight loss, fatigue, and problems with sleep 
• Experiencing uncomfortable symptoms of withdrawal when using less of the drug than usual 
• Needing to use the drug every day or multiple times per day  

Common behavioral signs and symptoms of drug addiction include: 

• Using a drug even when it’s negatively affecting your life 
• Using a drug even when it is dangerous to do so 
• Lying to loved ones about how often and how much you’re using a drug 
• Isolating yourself from loved ones 
• Using a drug in secret 
• Using a drug for a longer period or in larger amounts than you planned 

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you may have a substance use disorder. Receiving professional care may be necessary to help you begin to heal. Achieving lasting recovery is possible when you participate in addiction treatment programming that is designed to help you develop coping skills and relapse prevention strategies.

Millions of Americans, from adolescents to adults, suffer from addiction. And while addiction is treatable, only some of those who have substance use disorders seek help. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reported the results of a survey on drug use and mental health concerns in the United States in 2021: 

• Around 61.2 million Americans age 12 and older used illicit drugs. 
• Nearly 2 out of 5 young people ages 18-25 used illicit drugs. 
• 9.2 million Americans age 12 and older abused opioids. 
• 46.3 million people age 12 and older met the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) criteria for having a substance use disorder. 24 million of those Americans had drug use disorders. 
• Approximately 94% of people age 12 and older who had a substance use disorder did not receive treatment. 

Government agencies continue to acknowledge the national population’s struggle with substance abuse and drug overdose. Based on SAMHSA’s yearly surveys, a greater percentage of Americans use illicit drugs each year, and fewer of them are receiving the addiction treatment they need.  

When someone stops or reduces the use of an addictive drug after a period when they regularly used that substance, they can experience withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms can vary depending on the substance the person was using.  

Heroin and prescription painkiller withdrawal symptoms can include: 

• Muscle aches 
• Gastrointestinal discomfort, including vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea 
• Anxiousness and agitation  
• Sweating and cold chills 
• Runny nose and watery eyes 
• Restlessness 
• Dilated pupils 
• Insomnia 

Withdrawal symptoms caused by stopping the use of benzos include: 

• Panic attacks 
• Insomnia 
• Irritability and mood swings 
• Tremors 
• Gastrointestinal problems 
• Headaches 
• Sweating 
• Rapid heart rate 
• Hallucinations 
• Seizures 
• Confusion and delirium  

Depending on whether a person has a co-occurring mental health concern and how long they used the substance, withdrawal symptoms can vary in severity and duration. Withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable and physically dangerous. If you are planning to quit using an addictive substance like heroin, prescription painkillers, or benzos, it is best to receive professional help to do so. 

Those who use addictive substances are also at risk for overdosing. If a loved one is experiencing any of the following common overdose symptoms, you should get medical help for them as soon as possible: 

• Blue-tinted lips or fingers 
• Shallow breathing 
• Narrowed pupils 
• Loss of consciousness 
• Lack of response 
• Increased or decreased heart rate 
• Chest pain 
• Seizures 
• Extreme drowsiness or confusion 
• Choking due to vomiting 
• High or low body temperature 

If someone is experiencing any of these symptoms, call emergency services. When your loved one has stabilized, they can receive drug addiction treatment from a qualified behavioral health professional.  

If you’ve been struggling with an addiction to a substance like heroin, prescription medication, or benzos for any amount of time, you may feel isolated and discouraged. However, receiving effective care at a professional addiction treatment center can be life-changing. We believe that it is possible to achieve lasting recovery, and it’s our goal to help each of our patients work toward a healthier, happier future.  

At Coachella Valley Behavioral Health, we provide co-occurring drug addiction treatment for patients who have a primary mental health concern. We believe that by helping patients learn to manage the symptoms of a mental health concern and a co-occurring drug addiction simultaneously, we can provide the most effective care for them.  

Every patient who receives treatment in our inpatient program completes an evaluation that gives us insight into their background, symptoms, and therapeutic goals. Our team uses the information we gather from the patient’s evaluation to design a personalized treatment plan for them. Treatment plans at our hospital can include: 

• Medical care provided by physicians and nurses 
• Medication management services delivered by a psychiatrist or other qualified professionals 
• Group therapy sessions that cover topics like coping strategies and trauma 
• Family therapy sessions led by social workers or professional counselors 
• Evidence-based interventions such as motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy  
• Art, music, and yoga therapies led by recreational therapists 

Inpatient treatment at Coachella Valley Behavioral Health involves intensive care that can benefit our patients. A typical stay in our inpatient program is five to seven days, though the exact length of stay depends on the patient’s progress. We aim to help each patient stabilize so that they can return home or step down to a lower level of care that allows them to maintain their daily routine. 

Located in Indio, California, Coachella Valley Behavioral Health offers inpatient programming that can help patients live happier, healthier lives. Patients who receive treatment at our treatment center may experience the following benefits: 

• Improved coping, problem-solving, and communication skills 
• Insight into their symptoms and diagnosis 
• Better relationships with loved ones 
• Improved physical and mental health 

We designed Coachella Valley Behavioral Health to be a comfortable place that can support the needs of our patients. Features of our co-occurring drug addiction treatment center include: 

• Safe and secure environment: We have put safety precautions in place and have trained our staff to provide a safe and secure environment for our patients and their loved ones. 
• Nutritious meals: Our staff provides delicious and nutritious meals in our well-appointed cafeteria.  
• Outdoor spaces: Coachella Valley Behavioral Health has beautiful outdoor spaces for our patients and their visitors to enjoy. 
• State-of-the-art equipment: Our addiction treatment center features the newest and most up-to-date equipment available. 
• Structured daily schedules: Following a structured schedule can be helpful for patients who are experiencing symptoms of mental health concerns. 
• Aftercare planning: Before a patient leaves our inpatient treatment center, our team provides them with an aftercare plan, which may include referrals to community services that can help them continue to progress.  

If you or someone you love is struggling with an addiction to a substance like heroin, prescription painkillers, or benzos, please reach out to our hospital staff. Our admissions team is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to answer your questions and help you begin the admissions process.  

This content was written on behalf of and reviewed by the clinical staff at Coachella Valley Behavioral Health.