Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center in Port Angeles
Drug addiction does not mean that you are addicted to heroin, cocaine or any other illegal drug. It is possible to become addicted to drugs such as alcohol, cigarettes and sleep- and anxiety-reducing drugs.
Opioids, which are prescription and illegally obtained pain medication medications, can also lead to addiction. This problem has become epidemic in the United States. In 2018, opioids were responsible for two-thirds (33%) of all drug overdose deaths.
Remember that it is common for people with a high tolerance to pain medication to require higher dosages of pain medication to obtain the same level. This is normal and does not indicate an addiction. Addiction can lead to greater amounts of pain relief, but you won't need them. Talk to your doctor if you find this bothersome.
Many people are confused about why and how other people become dependent on drug use. Some people mistakenly believe that addicts are lacking moral standards or willpower. If they made the choice to quit, they wouldn't be able to stop using drugs. To be honest, substance addiction can be a complex condition. It requires more than positive thinking and strong willpower to break the habit. People who are trying to stop using drugs may find it difficult due to the many ways that drug use can alter the brain. Researchers now have a better understanding of how drugs affect the brain and have developed therapies that can help addicts to stop using drugs and lead productive lives.