Addiction is a common problem, and it can affect the lives
of everyone involved. If you would like to know more about addiction, check out
these four commonly asked questions.
1. What Causes Addiction?
Many activities trigger your brain's reward center, such as
exercising. However, many drugs (and alcohol) also trigger this center. This
causes some people to continue using the drug to keep getting that euphoric
feeling. However, eventually, the brain's tolerance rises, and it craves more
and more just to feel normal.
If someone with an addiction stops taking the drug, this can
bring on withdrawal symptoms, which can send them back to the drug to feel better.
At the same time, some drugs and alcohol affects your prefrontal cortex, which
affects your decision-making. As a result, you may be more inclined to make
poor decisions like continuing the drug or trying another drug.
Additionally, some substances are naturally more addictive
than others, such as opioids.
2. Do Some People Have a Higher Risk of Addiction?
Many risk factors can lead to addiction. But, unfortunately,
you can't prevent the first risk factor: genetics. Genetically, some people are
more prone to addiction. If this is the case, one or both of your parents may
also likely struggle with addiction.
Regardless of your genetic history, however, a bad
environment can increase your risk of addiction. This is especially problematic
for teens and people who are recovering from addiction. For example, teens with
little to no parental monitoring may sneak drugs and alcohol. Similarly, peer
pressure for teens and people in recovery is a possible danger.
Finally, people who struggle with mood disorders like
depression or anxiety are at a higher risk. When they develop addiction, it is
considered a dual diagnosis. The two diagnoses can interfere with each other:
drugs and alcohol can worsen your mood disorder, and your mood disorder can
make you want to use the drug or drink the alcohol to escape.
3. What Are the Physical and Behavioral Symptoms of
Addiction?
There are many symptoms of drug use, but they depend on the
type of drug. Club drugs like MDMA can cause hallucinations, reduced
inhibitions, and paranoia, but stimulates like meth may make you feel
exhilarated, alert, aggressive, and restless. Barbiturates, however, make you
feel drowsy and give you a lack of inhibition.
However, once addiction sets in, the symptoms become more
complex. People with addiction often think about the drug or alcohol regularly
and may feel they need to consume it daily. They likely always make sure they
have the drug on hand, and they may avoid other activities to focus on getting
the drug or taking the drug.
Because of these behaviors, many people with addiction stop
spending time with friends and family. They may lose their job or start failing
in school. They may steal to get money for the drug, and they may forgo all
their responsibilities, including bathing and cleaning, just to get and take
the drug.
4. How Is Addiction Treated?
Addiction usually needs to be treated with therapy, but the
exact type of therapy depends on the personal situation. For example, in
extreme conditions, the individual may need to check into an in-patient
rehabilitation center. These centers allow the person to solely focus on their
recovery.
Some people do well with outpatient rehabilitation therapy,
and outpatient rehabilitation therapy is also needed for patients after leaving
an in-patient facility. If the individual has a dual diagnosis, they will also
need to address the underlying cause of their depression, anxiety, etc. as
well.
Addiction is a disease, and like any disease, you should
consider professional help. With a professional, you'll be able to detox safely
and work on new coping methods. If you would like to know more, or if you would
like to see how we can help, contact
us
at Oak Arbor today.
