There is a lot of misinformation you may have heard about addiction and its real effect on the human body and psyche – to this day, many people believe that an addict is beyond help or that every person who destroys their body with alcohol or drugs chose this life because they are stupid or weak. Despite these false ideas, addiction is a much more complicated issue than you think.
In our guide, we will analyze the connection between dopamine and addiction, dismantle certain addiction-related myths, and showcase there is a proven science behind addiction as well as addiction treatment.
The Science of Addiction
Addiction is a chronic disease and a brain disorder. There is a misconception that only weak people with a lack of self-respect, self-control, and willpower may become victims of addiction, yet it is not so. When you drink too much or use addictive substances, your brain chemistry is altered. For instance, meth addiction and the brain damage are intertwined – the more drugs you use, the more likely your inner circle will stop recognizing you after a few months of drug abuse.
Addiction Is a Treatable Medical Illness
Thankfully, you can treat addiction – even if a complete cure is not possible since this condition is not like other physical or mental issues you can fully heal from, there are many effective ways to manage the condition in question and ensure the person leads a happy and fulfilling life:
- Seek Emergency Care
Withdrawal can be the most painful thing to experience – if your symptoms are life-threatening, go to a doctor without delay or you may risk brain damage whether you were addicted to alcohol or drugs.
- Commit to Therapy
Talk to a mental health professional about the causes of your addiction, recognize the patterns that harmed you and your loved ones, and learn coping mechanisms that will help you in lasting recovery.
- Continue With Aftercare
Even after you leave rehab and do not drink or do drugs again, it is difficult to say with complete confidence your problems are behind you. Triggering circumstances and dangerous people may appear in your life again which is why we recommend you to join a support group to relate to other people in your common fight and support each other in case a relapse is likely.
How Does Addiction Affect the Body?
Physical weakness and illnesses are very common side effects of addiction – here are just a few issues you may deal with because of alcohol use disorder or drug addiction:
- Weak immune system which leads to higher odds of getting infected.
- Cardiovascular diseases.
- Nausea and lack of appetite.
- Liver damage and kidney failure.
- Seizures, tremors, and strokes.
- Cognitive decline – forgetfulness, absentmindedness, and inability to make decisions quickly.
An Addicted Brain Causes Behavior Changes
It can be easy to spot an addict – their behavior changes quickly and drastically. Look out for the following signs if you suspect someone you know well may be addicted to drugs or alcohol:
- Social isolation and lack of interest for previously loved activities.
- Aggressiveness and violent outbursts.
- Paranoia and schizophrenia.
- Impulsive behavior encouraged by intrusive thoughts and lack of self-control.
- Hallucinations and development of further mental health issues.
Why Do Some People Get Addicted But Others Don’t?
It is difficult to predict whether someone will be addicted to drugs and alcohol before the addiction actually manifests – it may be surprising to see a person trying random drugs just once and not ever doing that again. The following factors affect the likelihood of addiction:
- Ethnic background, gender, and mental health diagnosis will increase the odds of getting addicted to drugs or alcohol.
- Age plays a significant role in the development of addiction – for example, if the first drink or drug is consumed when the individual is a teenager, their lack of self-control can lead them to drinking and using drugs over and over again.
- Depending on the circumstances that surround you, you may be more vulnerable to addiction than other people – if you went through a life-changing event, were a victim of abuse, or lacked parental guidance, there is a chance you will get addicted faster than your peers.
Addiction Myths Vs. Facts
Myth: Drug Addiction Is Always a Choice
Fact: Although in many instances the person starts using drugs or drinking of their own volition, the addiction is not a decision you can make – once the symptoms are severe enough, your brain is incapable of making a conscious choice. Nevertheless, you can remain in control of your future and health if you decide to treat your addiction
Myth: Relapse Means I Failed
Fact: Setbacks are hard to take – even if you did your best to dedicate yourself to a sober lifestyle, one slip up will feel like the end of the world. Yet the journey towards full recovery is not always linear – there will be ups and downs. Do not be too harsh on yourself and get extra psychological help to avoid making another mistake.
Myth: I Can Develop Dopamine Addiction
Fact: No, it is not possible to be addicted to dopamine; however, with the release of dopamine that comes as a result of doing drugs or drinking alcohol, you will experience intense pleasure which means you are addicted to various substances and not the hormone itself.
Myth: I Do Not Need Mental Health Support for Addiction
Fact: Some individuals believe treating the symptoms of withdrawal will be enough to recover and live a life free of alcohol and drugs. Sadly, it is very easy to get back on the wrong path and continue harming your health with these substances again – seek therapy in order to commit to your sobriety.
Addiction in America
Millions of Americans struggle with alcohol and drug addiction – up to 50 million people have been diagnosed with a substance use disorder. Moreover, a large number of these people have had issues with both alcohol and drugs simultaneously, which makes it harder to give up on bad habits. Personal and professional troubles, the influence of peers, physical and mental abuse, accidents that left lasting trauma that remained untreated, and a great deal of stress cause more and more people to believe binge drinking or doing drugs can be the escape they need, the salvation from all the trouble in their lives, and the source of solace when all other things seem dark.
Remember that recovery statistics may look bleak – full recovery is rare, and many individuals relapse at some point in their lives which may discourage a person from seeking treatment and getting sober. Nonetheless, addiction can be treated and managed long-term as long as the person is willing to make fundamental changes in their behavior and lifestyle as well as make amends with people they have hurt in the past.
Addiction Treatment
The causes of addiction are diverse, the symptoms of this illness are devastating, and the chances of getting your life back to where it was after a prolonged addiction are low – yet hope remains when the person is committed to treatment. Forget about the stigma of getting therapeutic counseling to work on your issues – make yourself and your physical and mental health the priority and do your best for yourself and your family by talking privately with a therapist, joining a group of people that experienced the same problems you have had, and finding a balance between your body, mind, and spirit by opting for a healthy lifestyle.
If you or your loved ones feel all the negative impact of drinking or doing drugs, do not postpone a visit to a doctor – a decision to quit alcohol or drugs abruptly may lead to severe withdrawal, so put your faith in the hands of a medical professional and let them guide you on your way to full recovery. There is real, evidence-based science behind addiction treatment, so make sure you trust the medical facility or therapist you choose.
FAQs
- How does addiction change your body?
Addiction alters the person’s appearance – your skin, teeth, and hair suffer when you drink or use drugs all the time. Heart diseases, infections, seizures – the list of physical changes that may not even be healed when you seek treatment is endless.
- What happens to your mind when you are addicted?
Psychological and behavioral changes are a frequent result of prolonged addiction – brain damage is another negative consequence you should bear in mind whether you are worried about constant irritability or lack of concentration that does not let you work, study, or take care of your family anymore.
- Is dopamine psychological addiction real?
Despite what many people think, you cannot get addicted to the dopamine itself – you are addicted to substances that make your body release dopamine.
- Can you treat addiction?
Thankfully, addicts do not need to give up on themselves no matter how far they have gone – treatment is possible. Make sure you talk to a mental health professional in order to address your personal choices that led to the addiction in the first place and figure out what practices can work for you and allow you to stay sober.
- Do I need to be in therapy forever because of past addiction?
Aftercare therapy is real – once you go to several counseling sessions and attend group therapy, you will be equipped with knowledge and skills that will help you stay afloat even if you are triggered into drinking or doing drugs again. Still, if you want to have a private conversation with a therapist about your addiction, you can do it at any time during your recovery.
