Drug addiction is a chronic condition that manifests itself through compulsive, or uncontrollable, drug seeking and use despite harmful effects and changes to the brain that can be lasting. These changes in the brain can cause the negative behaviors seen in people who are addicted to substances. Drug addiction can also be a relapsing disease. Relapse is the return to drug use after a failed attempt to stop.
The meth-related skin sores develop because people using meth often scratch and scratch their skin, creating tiny cuts and lesions which could develop into infections. Learn...
The path to drug addiction starts with the act of taking drugs. However, over time, the ability to refuse to take a drug becomes less likely. To take and seek the drug becomes a habit. This is mostly due to the long-term effects of exposure to drugs on brain functions. Addiction affects areas of the brain involved in reward and motivation memory, learning, and control over behavior.
Psychoactive drugs can cause temporary changes in mood and behavior. Learn more about the different types of psychoactive substances.
Yes, but it's not easy. Because addiction is a chronic disease, people can't simply stop using for a few days and be cured. Patients require long-term, or ongoing treatment to quit completely and to regain their lives.
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Based on research conducted by scientists since the mid-1970s, the following important principles should form the basis of any effective treatment program:
A disorder of the mind (SUD) is a complex disease that is characterized by inexplicably high levels of use of a drug despite harmful consequences. People suffering from SUD experience an intense interest in using one particular substance(s) such as alcohol tobacco, cigarettes, or illegal substances, to the point that the person's ability to function in day-to-day life becomes compromised. The person continues to use the substance even when they know it's causing or is likely to cause problems. The most serious SUDs are often referred to as addictions.
A variety of services that is tailored to the patient's needs and follow-up services is essential for the success. Treatment should incorporate both mental and medical services as needed. The follow-up treatment could be provided through family or community-based Recovery support services.
People with a substance use disorder may have distorted thinking and behaviors. Brain structure and function causes people to experience extreme cravings and change in the personality of people, abnormal movements, and other behaviors. Brain imaging studies reveal changes in the brain regions of the brain which are connected to decision-making, judgment memory, learning, and behavior control.
Devices and medications can be used to manage withdrawal symptoms, prevent relapse, and treat co-occurring conditions.
Repeated substance use can cause changes in how the brain works. These changes can last long after the initial effects of the substance wear off, or in other words, after the period of intoxication. Intoxication can be described as the feeling of feeling of intense joy, euphoria tranquility, enhanced perception and sense of smell, as well as other sensations that are due to the substance. Intoxication symptoms are different for each substance.
Withdrawal. The use of medications and devices can to reduce withdrawal symptoms in detoxification. Detoxification isn't a "treatment," but only the beginning of the process. Patients who do not receive further treatment following detox usually return to their addiction. A investigation of detox facilities found that medication was used in almost 80 percent of detoxifications (SAMHSA 2014). In November 2017, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a new prescription to the electronic stimulation devices, NSS-2 Bridge, which is intended for helping reduce opioid withdrawal symptoms. The device is placed behind the ear and emits electrical signals to stimulate certain brain nerves. Also, in May 2018, the FDA approved lofexidine, a non-opioid drug that is designed to lessen withdrawal symptoms from opioids.
If someone suffers from an addiction to drugs, they usually build up tolerance to the substance, meaning they require more of it to feel the effects.