Why some cities face funding challenges when trying to open drug detox facilities
(InvestigateTV) — Addiction is a complex and often misunderstood condition.
At times, addiction is attributed to a lack of willpower or determination. However, further scientific research has developed a diagnosis known as substance use disorder.
It is defined as a disease that the NIH says changes the structure of the brain and how it processes information.
Experts say there’s emerging evidence that the brain can heal during sobriety.
Now that we know addiction is a disease and that recovery is possible, our investigators chose to examine the process of taking one of the first steps toward sobriety.
For people who face severe substance abuse, that means overcoming the effects of withdrawal.
Some of the symptoms are nausea and vomiting, anxiety, insomnia, excess sweating and muscle cramps.
The treatment centers that specialize in withdrawal management are called detoxification centers or detox.
We found that this critical treatment is in short supply in cities across the U.S. One of those communities is Portland, Oregon, where state funding for detox centers is drying up.
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