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Many people don’t comprehend why or how other people develop drug addictions. They may erroneously believe that drug users lack moral standards or willpower and that they can end their drug use at any time by making the decision to do so.
The condition of drug addiction is widely misunderstood. We frequently have no idea how or why other people develop drug addictions. Many of us falsely believe that “drug addicts” lack morals and willfully choose to continue using drugs in spite of the repercussions. Some people hold the view that it is simple to stop using drugs and that those who are addicted merely lack the will or willpower to do so. These beliefs which could not be further from the reality, are precisely what fuel the stigma around substance misuse.
A chronic disease called addiction is defined by compulsive drug seeking and usage that is difficult to stop despite negative effects. The majority of people choose to use drugs voluntarily at first, but continued drug use can result in brain changes that impair an addict’s capacity to control their behavior and prevent them from resisting strong desires to use drugs. Drug addiction is seen as a “relapsing” disease because it can lead to lasting brain alterations. Making it more likely for those in recovery from drug use disorders to relapse even after years without using the drug.
Relapses are typical, but they don’t necessarily indicate that treatment is ineffective. Like other chronic health diseases. Treatment should be ongoing and altered in accordance with the patient’s response. As a patient’s needs change, treatment plans must be often examined and adjusted.
1. What changes occur in the brain when someone uses drugs?
The “reward circuit” of the brain is affected by most drugs, which elicit euphoria and flood the brain with the chemical messenger dopamine. A person is motivated to repeat behaviors necessary for survival, such as eating and spending time with loved ones, when a reward system is working effectively. Dopamine rushes in the reward circuit encourage pleasurable but harmful behaviors like drug use, encouraging users to keep engaging in the action.
The reward circuit’s cells’ capacity to respond is decreased when a person continues to consume drugs as the brain adjusts. Tolerance is the result of this; it causes the high that the user experiences to be less intense than it was when they initially started using the substance. To attempt to attain the same high, they may use more of the substance. These brain changes frequently result in the person’s ability to enjoy formerly enjoyable behaviors like eating, having intercourse, or participating in social situations less and less.
2. Why do some people develop drug addiction while others do not?
Nobody’s susceptibility to drug addiction can be predicted by a single factor. Risk for addiction is influenced by a number of variables. A person is more likely to develop an addiction to drugs if they have more risk factors.
For instance:
- Biology: The genes that people are born with account for about half of a person’s risk for addiction. Gender, ethnicity, and the presence of other mental disorders may also influence risk for drug use and addiction.
- Environment: The environment of a person encompasses a variety of factors, such as family and friends, socioeconomic level, and overall quality of life. The risk that someone would take drugs and become addicted can be significantly influenced by a variety of factors, including peer pressure, physical and sexual abuse, early drug exposure, stress, and parental guidance.
- Development: A person’s risk of addiction is influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors that interact with key life stages. Drug use can result in addiction at any age, although it is more likely to develop into addiction the sooner drug use starts. Teenagers in particular struggle with this. Teenagers may be more prone to risky behaviors, such as attempting drugs, because the parts of their brains that regulate decision-making, judgment, and self-control are still growing.
3. Is it possible to treat or prevent drug addiction?
Treatment for drug addiction is typically not a cure, much like with the majority of other chronic conditions like diabetes, asthma, or heart disease. Addiction can be effectively treated and managed, though. For years, maybe for the rest of their lives, those who are in recovery from addiction are at danger of relapsing. According to research, individuals have the best chance of success when using prescription medications for addiction along with behavioral therapy. Approaches to treatment that are specifically designed for each patient’s drug use history and any co-occurring physical, mental, and social issues can promote long-term recovery.
The ability to avoid drug use and addiction is additional good news. In order to prevent or lessen drug use and addiction, preventative programs including families, schools, communities, and the media are beneficial, according to research that was financed by the NIDA. Even while societal norms and personal experiences shape drug use patterns, young individuals are more likely to cut back when they perceive drugs as hazardous. Therefore, it is crucial to educate the public about the potential consequences of drug usage. When it comes to educating young people and avoiding drug use and addiction, teachers, parents, and healthcare professionals play a critical role.
4. CONCLUSION:
Drug addiction is a long-term illness marked by obsessive drug seeking and use, which is difficult to control despite negative effects.
Drug addiction impairs an individual’s ability to exercise self-control and interferes with their capacity to withstand strong drug cravings. Drug addiction causes brain alterations over time. Because of this, drug addiction is a recurring disease.
The majority of medications work by overstimulating the reward circuit in the brain with the chemical messenger dopamine. Dopamine reward circuit surges encourage pleasurable but unhealthy behaviors, encouraging people to engage in the behavior repeatedly.
The fact that drug abuse and addiction are preventable is more good news. In order to educate children and prevent drug usage and addiction, parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals play critical responsibilities.