Important points to be aware Drug addiction, a chronic disorder, is defined as compulsive drug search and use. While it is not easy to control its negative consequences, it is often a permanent condition.
Although relapses are not uncommon, it does not mean that the therapy did not work. It is important to continue treatment for long-term problems. However, the patient's response will determine how the treatment should be adjusted. The same applies to long-term problems. To ensure that treatment plans are still in line with patient needs, they must be regularly reviewed and updated.
Your brain will eventually adapt to the increased levels dopamine. It is possible to need to take more medicine to achieve the same effect. Even things that used be so important to you, like family time and eating well, might no longer bring you joy.
Development. Genetic and environmental factors interact with critical developmental stages in a person’s life to affect addiction risk. Although taking drugs at any age can lead to addiction, the earlier that drug use begins, the more likely it will progress to addiction. This is particularly problematic for teens. Because areas in their brains that control decision-making, judgment, and self-control are still developing, teens may be especially prone to risky behaviors, including trying drugs.
The Impact on Your Brain: Your brain is structured to make you desire to repeat positive events. As a result, you're inspired to do things again and again.
Addiction is a condition whereby a person becomes obsessed with or unable to stop using drugs. Most people will not make a decision to use drugs. But repeated use of drugs can cause brain alterations. This can affect a person's ability to control their impulses and to resist the urge to take more. The brain alterations that can result from drug addiction can last a long time. People in recovery from substance abuse disorders have a greater chance of relapsing, even after years.
Is there a way to stop using drugs or to get out of addiction?
Environment. The environment a person lives in has many factors. This includes family and friends as well as economic situation and overall quality of living. Peer pressure and early exposure to drugs, stress and parental supervision all can have an important impact on someone's chances of developing a drug addiction.
Relapsed drug users will relapse if they have not made an effort to stop using drugs. Relapses are a sign that you need more therapy or a different therapeutic approach.
Don't Wait; Get Help Now. If you feel that your drug abuse is getting out of control or causing you problems, talk to your doctor. Sometimes it can take time to overcome a drug addiction. Although there is no cure for drug addiction, therapy can help you stop using drugs and stay clean over the long-term. Talking to a therapist or taking medication can be part of your therapy. Talk to your doctor to determine which treatment is best for you.
Get immediate help. Your doctor should be consulted if your drug abuse is serious or causing you harm. It might take time to get clean of a drug addiction. Be patient. Even if there's no cure, therapy can help you quit using drugs and stay clean for the long-term. You can talk to a therapist, or you may take medication as part your treatment. Talk to your doctor about the best treatment option for you.
Biology. Around 50% of an individual's risk for addiction is determined by the genes they inherit from their parents. Other factors that can increase the likelihood of addiction and drug use include gender, ethnicity, and presence of mental illness.
What exactly is addiction to drug? Addiction affects the brain, and the behavior of those affected. A person who is addicted can't resist the temptation to take drugs regardless of the harm they cause. The sooner someone gets treatment for their drug addiction, they are more likely to be able stop some of the more severe consequences.
Compulsive drug use and seeking must be a part of the definition of addiction. Addiction is difficult to manage. Addicts are generally those who make an active decision to use drugs. But, chronic drug abuse can lead to brain changes that can make it hard to maintain self-control and resist the urge to take more. Due to the long-term brain effects that drug addiction causes, it can be a "relapsing” disease. Recovering from a drug problem means that people who have used drugs in the past are more likely than others to return to it.