Many people are confused about how and why others get hooked on drugs. Some people mistakenly believe that drug addicts lack moral convictions and willpower, so they might be able to give up on drugs. Substance addiction is more than just a difficult condition. It requires more than strong willpower and good intentions. Even for those who wish to stop using drugs, it is difficult to quit because of the way they alter the brain. Experts today know more about how drugs affect the brain than ever before and have developed therapies to help people recover from addiction and live productive lives.
Addiction refers to a persistent condition that is defined as obsessive, difficult-to-control drug seeking and use. Although most people choose to use drugs involuntarily, chronic drug abuse can lead to brain changes that affect self-control and make it difficult to resist cravings for more. These brain changes can last for years, so drug addiction is often called a "relapsing disease". People who have recovered from drug addiction are more likely than others to relapse after years of abstinence.
Although recurrences are common, they do not necessarily mean that treatment is ineffective. Like other chronic diseases, treatment should be ongoing and modified based on the patient's reactions. To meet changing needs, treatment plans should be reviewed and modified on a regular basis.
What happens to the brain of someone who uses drugs?
If you take drugs for a prolonged period of time, they can cause brain chemical changes and circuit alterations. These drugs can impair your judgment, ability to make choices, memory, and ability learn. Combining these brain alterations can make it hard to resist the temptation of using drugs in ways you cannot control.
Which person is most likely to develop an addiction? Every person has a different body and brain. Different people have different reactions to medication. Some people are captivated by the sensation and want more. Some people hate it and won't give it another chance.
Some people who experiment with drugs do not become dependent on them. It is possible to develop a dependency on drugs at any age. There are several factors that increase the risk of addiction, including: The family's past. Your genetic makeup is responsible for nearly half of your chances. It is more likely that you will become addicted if your parents or siblings are struggling with substance abuse. Both men and women can develop an addiction. The first time you are exposed to drugs. Children's brains are still developing and drugs can affect this process. As you age, you might develop a drug addiction if you start using drugs young. Mental disorders. If someone is sad, has difficulty paying attention or worries constantly, it's more likely they will become addicted to the substance. In the hope of feeling better, you could self-medicate by taking medication. You are more likely to develop an addiction if you have had traumatic experiences in the past. It is possible to have difficult relationships. If you come from a difficult home, it is possible to be more inclined toward addiction.
The following signs are indicative of addiction: You may be experiencing some or all the following warning signs: A strong desire to use the substance daily, sometimes multiple times per day. You may be taking more of the drug than you intended and continue to take it for a longer time than you anticipated. You should always have a supply of the medication and purchase it even if your finances prohibit you from purchasing it. Even if drugs cause you problems at work, or make it difficult to communicate with your family and friends, you should still use them. Spending more alone. Neglecting to take care of one's own hygiene and worrying about one’s appearance can lead to theft, lying, and other risky actions like driving under the influence or engaging in unsafe sexual activity. Spending too much time on the drug, using it, or recovering from its effects. Quitting smoking can make you feel uneasy.