Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center in Lakewood
Relapses can happen, but that does not make the treatment ineffective. Chronic health problems should be treated and monitored. The patient's response to treatment should also be considered. This is true for any chronic condition. Regular evaluations and adjustments to treatment plans are necessary to keep them in line with the patient's changing needs.
What brain changes are caused by drug abuse?
Most drugs act on the brain’s "reward circuit", which leads to pleasure and floods the body with the chemical messenger dopamine. A functioning reward system encourages people's to do the necessary things to live well, such eat and spend time with their loved ones. Dopamine increases in the reward circuit encourage people to engage in dangerous, but enjoyable behaviors such as drug addiction. Individuals then feel compelled repeat the activity.