Addictions cause psychological and physical changes in those who have them. Even a nicotine addiction can impact the way someone acts and feels. Addiction to one substance could indicate that someone uses unhealthy coping methods to overcome stressful events. Therefore, other types of addictions, such as those to drugs and alcohol, may follow a reliance on nicotine. Quitting nicotine could help with drug addiction recovery, too.
Connection Between Nicotine Addiction and Drug Addiction
Nicotine addiction and drug addiction may happen together in some patients. For instance, patients may have smoked cigarettes or vaped at the same time or leading up to drug or alcohol use at an event. The use of nicotine, therefore, has a mental connection to drug use in the mind. Quitting drugs requires breaking away from nicotine use, too. Otherwise, the next time the patient uses nicotine, they will experience another craving for drugs or alcohol.
Another issue with nicotine addiction and drug use is their combined effects on the body. For instance, alcohol addiction has links to liver problems, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Cigarettes also have cancer connections. Therefore, people who use both increase their overall risk of long-term serious health problems.
Another concern is using nicotine addiction to replace drug addiction. Detoxing from drugs and alcohol is stressful. Consequently, some patients find ways to cope. One unhealthy method that some people may use is increasing nicotine use. However, using an addiction to supplant another does not help solve either problem. Addiction recovery therapy programs can help patients to learn better ways of stress reduction.
Nicotine Addiction Beyond Cigarettes
At our facility, we see nicotine addiction in Florida that goes beyond people smoking cigarettes. For instance, Juul use in Florida is another way of getting nicotine without cigarettes. However, vaping, nicotine patches, and nicotine gum, and other forms of this drug only help when the patient actively reduces the amount of nicotine they use.
Juul use in Florida that maintains the same nicotine use for a patient does not help the individual recover from their nicotine addiction. Therefore, Florida patients at our recovery center are encouraged to break from nicotine addiction and other unhealthy coping methods.
Treatment for Nicotine Addiction and Drug Addiction
Drug addiction treatment has several steps. First, though, patients should go through detox. In fact, some people claim detox is a difficult time that requires high levels of support. Therefore, at detox facilities, patients get mental and medical care throughout their stays. Some common side effects from drug or alcohol detox may include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Anxiety, depression, or irritability
- Fatigue or restlessness
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations
- Strong cravings
Of course, the specific withdrawal effects will depend on the drug the person quits. However, in detox, these side effects, especially cravings, require strong resolve and intensive care to get through without resorting to less healthy coping methods. This means good support in detox may prevent a nicotine addiction from worsening as the patient might want to turn to cigarettes or vaping to ease their stress.
Among the ways, detox facilities can prevent patients from turning to other addictions are through addiction therapy programs. For instance, patients may go through dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) with a therapist to identify ways of thinking about their emotions and choosing healthier reactions that don’t include nicotine.
Contact Pines Recovery Life Detox for Help with Drug and Nicotine Addiction
Becoming healthier starts with making a move to choose a life without substance addiction. However, this may also mean combating nicotine addiction and drug addiction in recovery. For more information about detoxing and therapy for substance abuse, reach out to us at 800.263.3869 or through our website’s contact form. At Pines Recovery Life Detox, we offer therapies and detox care for those ready to begin their move into healthier lives. Get help toward becoming sober and breaking substance abuse and nicotine addiction today.
