Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center in Cottage Lake
What happens to a person's mind when they use drugs?
Most drugs have a negative effect on the brain's "reward system," which floods it the chemical messenger dopamine, making you feel good. A well-functioning reward system keeps people doing things that are good for their health, such eating and spending time together with loved ones. The reward circuit can reinforce behaviors that are both fun and bad for you like using drugs. This can cause people to repeat the behavior repeatedly.
A person who continues to use drugs will experience brain changes. Cells in the reward circuit are less likely to respond. This causes people to feel lower than they did the first time they used the drug. This is known to be tolerance. They may try to get the exact same high by using more of the drug. These brain changes often lead to people being less able or unable to enjoy things like food, sexual activity, and other social activities they once enjoyed.
Signs that you may have a dependency: These warning signs include the urge to use the substance frequently or daily. Consuming more medication than you would like and for a longer amount of time than you expected. You should always keep the medication handy and purchase it no matter what your financial situation. Drug use despite the fact they cause problems at home or can make you mad at your loved ones. Spending more time alone. Not taking care of yourself or your appearance. Theft, lying, or other dangerous behaviours such as driving under the effects of drugs or engaging with unsafe sex. Spending most time intoxicated, procuring, or using the drug. Feeling nauseated if you try to quit.
Development. Addiction risk can be affected by genetic and environmental factors. While drug addiction can occur at any age, it is more common for those who start using drugs earlier than others. Teens are particularly vulnerable to this. Teens may be more prone to dangerous behaviors such as drug use, because their brains are still developing.
Treatment for drug addiction is not a cure, as it is with many chronic diseases like diabetes, asthma, heart disease, and heart disease. But addiction can be treated and managed. Relapses can occur for many years for people who have been addicted. Research has shown that patients who combine addiction treatment with behavioral therapy have the best chance of success. For continued recovery, treatment can be tailored to the individual's drug use and co-occurring mental, medical, and social issues.
The good news is that addiction and drug use can be prevented. NIDA-funded research has shown that prevention programs that involve families, schools and communities are effective in reducing or stopping drug abuse and addiction. Even though personal and cultural factors can influence drug use, young people tend to reduce their drug intake when they see drug use as dangerous. Education and outreach are crucial in helping people to understand the potential risks of drug abuse. Education and prevention of drug abuse and addiction are crucially important for parents, teachers, and health care professionals.
Keep in mind: Drug addiction can be defined as a chronic condition that involves compulsive drug use and seeking.