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Addiction, whether it be alcoholism, a sex addiction, or a drug addiction, is difficult to define but fairly easy to identify. Addiction leaves a person powerless to the desire to use. Addiction is a disease. It can ruin the lives of both the addict and those around him. When it comes to battling addiction, the toughest part is the first step – admitting there is a problem.

Causes

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, addiction is the “chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences.” It is considered a brain disease because drugs change the brain; they change its structure and how it works. These brain changes can be long lasting and can lead to many harmful, often self-destructive, behaviors.

Anyone is susceptible to addiction, but according to the Mayo Clinic there are several factors that can make some people more likely to become addicts:

Signs and symptoms of substance use disorder oftentimes manifest in a person over a period of time, as does the increasing use of drugs throughout the progression of a substance use disorder. It is important to pay attention to the actions of a family member, your friend, or yourself as time progresses. Feelings, actions, and mindsets all become altered and if you begin to notice some of the changes below it could be the sign of a substance use disorder.

Addiction is a chronic disease and can be managed successfully. Research shows that combining behavioral therapy with medications, where available, is the best way to ensure success for most patients. Treatment approaches must be tailored to address each patient’s drug abuse patterns and drug-related medical, psychiatric and social problems.

Treatment helps people stop using the problem drug. It helps them get through withdrawal and cope with cravings. Treatment also helps the individual move away from other harmful behaviors and helps the individual address life issues they may have due to their addiction. These issues can range from feelings of low self-worth, a bad situation at work/home or associating with others who abuse drugs.

If you think a friend, family member or even yourself may be addicted to drugs, know that there is help available. Horizon Behavioral Health is dedicated to helping individuals who struggle with substance use disorder. We want people to succeed and will work to provide individuals with the tools and support that they need to quit and move on with their life.