Understanding Addiction

Can addiction come back?


Substance use disorder can kill. If left untreated, you could die by overdose or engage in risky behavior in the presence of drugs. Treatment can help people recover from addiction and prevent serious consequences.
Anyone can develop a substance use disorder. No one thing can predict the likelihood of developing an addiction. You may be more prone to drug use due to:


Staying clear of drugs is the best way to take care of yourself. If you begin to experiment with substance consumption, it can be difficult to stop. If you suspect you may have substance use disorder and want to stop, talk to an expert in healthcare who will provide guidance on the your next steps.
Substance use disorders and alcohol abuse are among the top causes of illness that can be prevented and early death. Research has shown that about one in nine Americans is addicted to illicit drugs (about 11 percent of the population). Most commonly abused drugs are marijuana and prescription drugs.

How can I best take care of myself?


Drug addiction, also known as substance use disorder, is a brain disorder. Drugs affect your brain, including your decision-making ability. This makes it difficult to stop taking drugs, even if you want to. If you or someone you love has a substance use disorder, talk to a healthcare provider. A qualified professional can assist you in obtaining the treatment you need. Usually the combination of medications and therapy continues to help patients overcome addiction and get back to normal.
Humans are biologically driven to seek out rewards. The rewards often come from healthy behavior. When it is a time to spend with a beloved one or eat a delicious meal, your body releases a substance called dopamine that causes you to feel happy. This creates a loop that you seek these moments because they reward you with happiness.

What else should I ask my healthcare provider?


There are many treatment options a person can select from. For instance, some individuals suffering from addictions that are severe undergo detox before beginning rehab. Others might decide to start recovery at an outpatient or inpatient facility. After treatment, it's advised to reinforce the lessons learned during rehab by attending support groups and therapy sessions.
Drugs send massive surges of dopamine to the brain as well. Instead of feeling motivated to do the things that are necessary to live (eat or work, or spend time with loved ones), such massive dopamine levels can cause damaging changes that change your thoughts, emotions and behaviour. That can create an unhealthy desire to get pleasure from the drug and less from more healthy pleasurable experiences. The cycle revolves around seeking and using drugs to attain the pleasure.

Types Of Treatment


Recovering from addiction isn't an easy task. It takes a large amount of self-control and willpower to achieve and maintain long-term sobriety. However, you're never alone in this journey. In rehab, you'll develop solid relationships with other people in recovery who can understand the struggles you're experiencing. Family, friends, as well as other loved ones are at your heart during this time.
The effects of addiction to drugs alter the brain in time. It alters the way that the brain functions and the brain's structure. That's why healthcare providers consider substance use disorder a brain disorder.

Therapies


Your recovery from an addiction is contingent on how much you commit to the process. Discover the ways addiction is handled in this article to understand what lies ahead.
The initial recourse to a drug is to make a decision. But addiction can develop, creating a very dangerous condition. Drugs can alter your decision-making capacity which includes the decision to stop drug use.

Questions about treatment?


Inpatient rehabs offer targeted treatment programs that tackle all aspects of an individual's addiction. During inpatient rehab, patients are housed in a non-smoking facility and receive around-the-clock medical care as well as therapeutic support. Inpatient rehabs are a great option for individuals battling addiction that is chronic and also those suffering from a co-occurring mental or behavioral disorder.
There's a possibility that you're aware of an issue, but are unable to end. With addiction, stopping drug use can be physically uncomfortable. It could make you sick or even life-threatening.