By some estimates, more than 21 million Americans struggle with substance abuse and addiction. Despite the millions diagnosed with addiction, it can be hard to define. Exploring the addiction definition, what causes addiction and how it can be treated with an effective addiction treatment program can help you understand it better.
The addiction definition, first and foremost, establishes that addiction is a disease. Therefore, it’s not a choice, a moral flaw or a failing of any kind. In decades past, society looked down on anyone with an addiction. Today, however, we know that it’s an illness just like any other.
Addiction is a change in the brain. When addiction occurs, users often become single-minded about the substance they crave. The brain's circuitry and reward system get rewired, and the focus of life becomes maintaining the addiction.
Often, individuals develop addictions to specific substances that are, by nature, highly addictive. Drug addiction and alcohol addiction, for example, are among the most common types. However, individuals can develop addictions to spending, gambling or even eating. Any type of addiction is dangerous because it prevents people from living a healthy, balanced life.
At San Antonio Recovery Center, we know the addiction definition. That's why we treat a variety of substance addictions—we want to help you overcome the disease that is addiction. San Antonio Recovery Center offers rehab programs that can help you. No matter the substance, the intensity of your addiction, or how long you've been addicted, we can help you. Addictions treated at San Antonio Recovery Center include:
A wide range of factors can contribute to addiction. Just some of the components that can lead to the development of an addiction include accessibility, social environment, mental health and genetic predisposition.
Accessibility is a big factor, particularly when it comes to drug and alcohol addiction. If the substances are readily available, then individuals are more likely to try them and develop addictions. This is especially true for young people. Trying addictive substances while the brain is still developing is more likely to lead to addiction.
People's social environment is also critical. For example, if people are often around individuals who abuse substances, they’re more likely to see the behavior as normal.
Evidence points to a hereditary component for addiction, as well. This might explain why addiction commonly runs in families. Some people may be more likely, genetically, to develop substance abuse problems.
Mental health and addiction often share a link. Unfortunately, some individuals struggle with an untreated mental illness. These individuals are particularly likely to turn to addictive substances and behaviors in order to find relief.
According to many health care professionals, drug addiction is a disease. It causes the affected individual to become totally dependent on drugs for control of his/her behavior. Drugs are used to reduce distress, alleviate pain or increase pleasure. Without them, the addicted individual will experience discomfort and irritability, which leads to relapse into drug use even if it means committing crimes to obtain them.
Drug addiction is a complicated brain disease, but it occurs because drugs interfere with the way the brain functions. Drug and alcohol addiction cause long-lasting changes in the structure and function of your brain. These changes can prevent you from resisting urges and drives, even when you really want to stop using drugs or drinking.
As previously, stated, addiction is not a choice, it's a disease. Therefore, you don't choose to become addicted anymore than you choose to have liver disease or diabetes. Things happen inside your brain when you use drugs which change how you act and think without your being aware of it. As a result, the changes in your brain result in destructive behaviors that continue even when you desperately want them to stop.
Although an addiction can be overwhelming, recovery is possible. However, solo treatment is often ineffective, and in some cases, it can be dangerous. Typically, the best chance of lasting sobriety is participating in an addiction treatment program.
This may start with a detox, but what helps people maintain sobriety is the drug and alcohol rehab that comes next. Overcoming addiction can require some or all of the following treatment methods and therapies:
If you or someone you know struggles with addiction, by this addiction definition, seek help as soon as possible. San Antonio Recovery Center in Texas can be a great option to help you embrace sobriety. Contact us or call us at 866.957.7885 to overcome addiction and get on the road to lasting recovery.
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