Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center in Mercer Island
Addiction is a chronic disease that manifests as compulsive drug use and seeking. It can be difficult to stop an addict from using drugs. Most people will take the first step to get high. However, if they continue to consume drugs, their brains can become altered. This can make it more difficult to control your behavior and decrease your ability to resist the urge to use drugs. Drug addiction is known as a "relapsing disease" due to its persistence. This means that people who have recovered from substance abuse disorders are more likely to relapse to drug use even after having abstained for a while.
Although relapses are not uncommon, they don't necessarily mean that the treatment failed. A chronic health problem must be treated continuously and based on the patient's response. This is also true for other chronic conditions. It is important to regularly evaluate and modify treatment programs to meet the changing needs of patients.
What are the changes in the brains of people who have taken drugs?
Most drugs affect the brain's reward circuit, which creates pleasure and floods it with dopamine. A functioning reward system will motivate an individual to do the things that are necessary for survival. The reward circuit is responsible for promoting pleasurable, but dangerous, behaviours such as drug use. The behavior is repeated by the individual.
Long-term use of drugs can lead to changes in brain circuits and chemical systems. They can affect your judgment, decision-making, memory, ability to learn, and judgement. These brain changes, when combined, can cause you to look for and take drugs in ways beyond your control.
Which person is most likely to become addicted? Every person is unique. Different people react to drugs differently. Some people love it the first time they use it, and then want more. Some people hate it and will never attempt it again.
However, not everyone who uses drugs becomes addicted. It can happen to anyone at any age. Your chances of becoming addicted are increased by your family history. About half of your chances are due to genetics. Your chances of becoming addicted are higher if your parents or siblings abuse alcohol or drugs. Both men and women are equally susceptible to becoming addicted. Early drug abuse is the most common. Drug use can alter the brain's development. Taking drugs early in life can make it more difficult to become addicted later on. Mental disorders. You are more likely to become addicted if you are depressed, anxious, have trouble paying attention or have constant worry. To feel better, you may resort to using drugs. An addiction is more common in those who have experienced trauma. Troubled relationships. It may increase your chances of becoming addicted if you have had family problems growing up and are not close to your siblings or parents.
Signs of addiction: These are signs that you may be struggling with an addiction. You are taking more drugs than you need and using them for longer periods of time than you expected. You should always have the drug handy, even if it isn't affordable. Even if drugs cause problems at work, or make it difficult to be kind to your family and friends, you should still use them. Spending more alone. Neglecting to take care of your body and how it looks. Stealing, lying, and engaging in dangerous activities, such as driving while high, or having unsanitary sex. Spending the majority of your time using, getting high, or recovering from the effects. You feel sick when you quit.