Addiction is a long-term disorder that results in excessive drug seeking and usage, regardless of any adverse health effects. Addiction can make it difficult to quit. Although the majority of people are willing to take drugs, long-term drug abuse can cause brain damage that makes it difficult to exercise self control and make it difficult to resist the intense urges to use drugs. A "relapsing," or drug addiction, is when brain changes are long-lasting. This suggests that people who have successfully recovered from drug addiction will be more likely than others to return to using drugs, even after a time without the substance.
Relapses can happen, but that does not make the treatment ineffective. Chronic health problems should be treated and monitored. The patient's response to treatment should also be considered. This is true for any chronic condition. Regular evaluations and adjustments to treatment plans are necessary to keep them in line with the patient's changing needs.
What brain changes are caused by drug abuse?
Most drugs act on the brain’s "reward circuit", which leads to pleasure and floods the body with the chemical messenger dopamine. A functioning reward system encourages people's to do the necessary things to live well, such eat and spend time with their loved ones. Dopamine increases in the reward circuit encourage people to engage in dangerous, but enjoyable behaviors such as drug addiction. Individuals then feel compelled repeat the activity.
Who is the Most Prone to Developing an Addiction? Each individual's body and brain are unique. Diverse people also have different responses to medications. Some people fall in love with the sensation after their very first experience and need more. Others despise it and will never give it another go.
Not everyone who experiments with drugs becomes a dependency on them. However, it is possible for it to occur in people of any age. A higher risk of addiction is associated with several factors, including the following: The past of the family. Your genes are responsible for almost half of the factors that determine your probability. If any of your parents or any of your siblings struggle with substance abuse, it is more probable that you will as well. Both men and women have an equal chance of developing an addiction. Initial exposure to drugs. The brains of children are still developing, and the use of drugs can alter this process. Therefore, starting to use drugs at a young age may increase the likelihood that you may develop a drug addiction as you become older. Mental disorders. It is more likely that someone will get addicted to a substance if they are sad, have difficulties paying attention, or worry continuously. You could try to self-medicate with medicines in the hope that it would help you feel better. In addition, having a history of traumatic experiences in your life makes it more probable that you may develop an addiction. Relationships that are difficult. It is possible that your propensity toward addiction will be increased if you came from a troubled home and do not have a strong relationship with either your parents or siblings.
Symptoms of addiction include: You could be exhibiting some or all of the following warning signs: An impulse to take the substance on a daily basis, perhaps many times each day. ingesting more of the substance than you intend to and continuing to do so over a longer period of time than you had anticipated. Maintain a constant supply of the medication, purchasing it even when your finances prevent you from doing so. Using drugs even if they give you difficulties at work or make you lash out at family and friends. Spending more time alone. Neglecting one's personal hygiene or worrying about one's appearance committing theft, lying, or risky acts such as driving under the influence of drugs or engaging in sexual activity that is not safe. Spending the most of your time obtaining the drug, making use of it, or recuperating from its effects on you. When you quit smoking, you could feel queasy.