Drug Rehab Shoreline WA

Many people are puzzled about why and how others get addicted to drugs. Many people mistakenly believe that those who abuse drugs are lacking moral standards or willpower and would not be able to quit. Drug addiction is complex. To overcome it, you need more than strong willpower and positive thinking. Even those who want to quit drug use may not be able to do so due the many ways it affects their brains. Researchers now know more about the brain effects of drugs and have developed treatments that can help addicts to stop using and lead productive lives.
Addiction refers to a persistent disorder that is marked by excessive drug use and seeking, without regard for the health consequences. Addiction is difficult to manage. While most people use drugs for pleasure, addiction can make it difficult to manage. This brain change can be permanent and drug addiction is called a "relapsing” disorder. This means that those who are in recovery from drug addiction have a higher likelihood of returning to drug use even after they have stopped using it.
Although it is common for people to relapse, this does not necessarily mean that the treatment was ineffective. A patient should continue treatment for any chronic health problem and adjust the therapy according to their response. The same applies to other chronic diseases. This is also true for other chronic conditions.

There are two types of addiction: physical dependence and tolerance. Withdrawal symptoms can occur when you abruptly stop using a substance. Tolerance occurs when the effectiveness of a drug is reduced over time.
For example, if you take opioids for long periods of time, you might develop tolerance or even physical dependence. However, this does not mean that you are addicted. Addiction is rare when drugs are given under medical supervision.
Drugs that are addictive can target your brain's reward systems. Dopamine floods your brain. This creates a feeling of immense pleasure. To chase this high, you keep taking the drug.
Your brain adapts to the additional dopamine over time. To get the same feeling, you may need to take more dopamine. You may also find less pleasure from other things, such as food or spending time with loved ones.

Biology. Genetics are responsible for half of an individual's chances of developing addiction. Drug abuse and addiction can also be influenced by a person’s gender, race, or the presence of mental disorders.
Environment. Environment can refer to many things, including the environment of a person's family, friends, financial situation and overall quality. Peer pressure, sexual and physical abuse, stress and parental supervision all can increase the likelihood of someone using drugs and becoming addicted.
Development. Addiction is caused by a complex interaction of genes, environment and key developmental stages. You can become dependent on drugs at any age. The sooner you begin using drugs, however, the more likely you are to become addicted. This creates new problems for teens. Teenagers' brains still have a lot of development, making them more likely to experiment with dangerous substances like drugs. These behaviors include making poor decisions, not using sound judgment, and not being capable of controlling yourself.
Is it possible for someone to quit using drugs?

What kinds of brain changes can people experience when they take drugs?
Most drugs have a negative effect on the brain's reward circuit. Dopamine floods the brain and makes it feel good. A well-functioning reward system encourages people to do things they enjoy, such as eating and spending quality time with loved ones. People feel a rush of dopamine when they are rewarded. This encourages them to continue doing things that are both fun and harmful for their health, such as taking drugs. This causes people to repeat the action.