Commonly Abused Substances

Commonly Abused Substances in Modesto

An orange prescription pill bottle lies on its side with several white tablets spilled out—an image highlighting the risks of substance abuse; blurred medication bottles are in the background.

Prescription Opioids

Used to treat pain, prescription opioids are often prescribed for pain or following an injury. The United States is currently suffering from an opioid epidemic as a consequence of the wide availability of these medications.

Various bottles and glasses filled with different types of alcoholic beverages—commonly abused drugs such as wine, beer, and spirits—displayed against an orange background.

Alcohol

The most commonly abused substance, alcohol is a central nervous system depressant active ingredient in drinks such as beer, wine, and distilled spirits. Alcohol abuse is the third leading cause of death in the United States.

Close-up view of several green cannabis leaves overlapping each other, highlighting one of the most commonly abused drugs.

Marijuana

Marijuana refers to the dried leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds from the Cannabis sativa or Cannabis indica plant. While marijuana has medically recognized uses, it is also a highly abused substance because of its calming effects.

A small pile of white powder and two lines next to a rolled paper on a dark surface, often associated with substance abuse involving commonly abused drugs.

Cocaine

Cocaine and crack cocaine are stimulants that make people feel more confident and energetic for short periods of time. They are highly addictive and can cause life-threatening damage to the cardiovascular system.

A hand holds a lighter under a metal spoon containing white powder, heating the substance—a scene often linked to substance abuse and the dangers of abused substances.

Heroin

A common street opioid, heroin can be smoked, snorted, and injected. This highly addictive analgesic drug derived from morphine, often used illicitly as a narcotic producing euphoria. It can take over a person’s life very quickly.

Gloved hand holding a vial labeled “Vaccine” and a syringe, set against a blurred medical background—used to combat health threats, unlike abused substances that harm communities.

Fentanyl

Fentanyl is a pain-relieving narcotic that is similar to morphine, but much more intense. Due to its potency, it is commonly abused and mixed with heroin to increase the users high. Fentanyl overdose deaths are on the rise in recent years.

A prescription pill bottle labeled "Benzodiazepines" with yellow tablets inside, set against a blue background—highlighting drugs that are often linked to substance abuse. Another prescription bottle appears blurred in the background.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines are a class of psychoactive medications used to treat a scope of conditions, including anxiety and sleep deprivation. They are one of the most generally endorsed prescriptions in the United States.

White crystalline solid, resembling common drugs, being poured from a container onto a pile of similar crystals, set against a blue background.

Meth

Closely related to amphetamine, “crystal meth,” as it is often known can do irreversible physical and neurological damage. User’s experience a stimulated euphoria, much more intense and longer lasting than other stimulants.

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After Care

GPS Counseling Center for Addiction Treatment, we extend our commitment to our graduates and alumni by offering 42 additional weeks of aftercare.
This program permits weekly drop-in sessions, fostering long-term recovery and stability for our graduates.

Simultaneously, these sessions provide essential guidance and encouragement to new participants embarking on their journey to recovery.

Family Therapy

Family therapy provides education and support so family members of loved ones can better understand the role and impact of substance abuse.

Learning how to support a loved one in treatment and after treatment. Addressing issues such as communication, co-dependency, and recognizing how to set boundaries.

Red line drawing of a generic female user icon on a light beige circular background, symbolizing Individual Therapy and personal growth.

Individual Therapy

Individual Therapy provides an opportunity to develop and modify relapse prevention plans, identify triggers and develop coping skills.

Sessions are designed to support clients as they work on the identification and resolution of alcohol and or substance-related problems.

Exploring personal barriers, behaviors, and or challenges in the way of recovery. Uncovering the underlying roots of substance abuse addiction.

Group Therapy

At GPS Counseling Center for Addiction Treatment Intensive Outpatient Program group therapy is the primary mode of treatment. Group therapy allows participants to step out of the shadows of shame, secrecy, and isolation and develop a level of community among fellow participants.

Participants who take part in group therapy sessions can improve their communication skills and build connections with other people who are also working to recover from addictions.

Group therapy reinforces mindfulness and healthy ways of interacting and relapse prevention. Allowing participants to learn from the experiences and perspectives of other people. Those that are newer to recovery noticeably benefit from those who have been sober longer.