The Basics: What is Drug Addiction

What Is Drug Addiction?

What is drug addiction? According to the National Institute on Drug Addiction, addiction is defined as a chronic disease which is characterized by uncontrollable, compulsive drug use and drug seeking, despite harmful consequences. Typically when people first use drugs it's voluntary, however, repeated use of a substance can lead to changes in the brain which can alter your ability to exercise self control. These changes in the brain can make it difficult to resist urges to use. Over time the brain starts to adjust to the excess levels of dopamine, which ultimately leads to the development of a tolerance. Once a tolerance develops, a person will start taking more of the drug to achieve the same high. The changes which your brain undergoes can be persistent, this can be attributed to why addiction is referred to as a relapsing disease. Individuals who have been diagnosed with addiction are at increased risk for using the drug again, even if they haven't used the drug in years.

Can Drug Addiction Be Cured?

Many people who are learning about what addiction is, want to know can addiction be cured. Similar to other chronic diseases, there is no cure for addiction. Nonetheless, addiction can be treated and managed with effective treatment. Research has shown that a combination of behavioral therapy approaches and pharmacological (medication) approaches will ensure a successful recovery for most. However, it's essential that every individual's treatment plan is customized to meet their unique needs and to address the roots of their addiction.

What Causes Addiction?

There's no single cause for what is drug addiction, a single factor is not able to determine if a person will become addicted. There are a combination of factors that can influence a person's susceptibility for becoming an addict. These factors include:

• Biology: A person's genetic makeup can influence their risk for addiction.
• Environment: A person's environment can be a great risk for addiction, especially if they are in an environment where drugs are abuse and easily accessible.
• Development: Addiction can happen at any age, however the sooner drug use begins, the more susceptible an individual is to progressing into an addict.

Signs of Addiction

Addiction is very powerful and has the ability to singlehandedly ruin your life if you let it continue. It is important to get addiction treated as soon as you see the signs of it. Some signs of addiction may include:

• Loss of control over drug and/or alcohol use
• Neglecting commitments and responsibilities in relation to substance use
• Exhibiting risky behaviors to obtain drugs
• Experiencing relationship issues due to substance use
• Being very secretive and isolating themselves
• Decline in personal hygiene and appearance; poor hygiene, wearing dirty clothes & etc.
• Developing a tolerance for the drug and using it more frequent and in larger amounts
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not under the influence
• Continuous use of the drug despite experiencing negative consequences

If you or your loved one are in need of addiction treatment, call drug rehab centers White Plains today at (877) 804-1531 to locate a rehab facility.

Helping A Loved One: How Do You Help An Addict?

If you are led to believe your loved one is suffering from addiction you may be wondering 'how do you help an addict'? You can help your loved one by being supportive and encouraging them to seek treatment. Once they have sought and completed treatment, you can be especially helpful by supporting them after treatment. You can help your loved one by using some of the following tips:

• Be supportive and motivating
• Be patient
• Help to create an environment free of substances and triggers that may influence drug using behaviors
• Make your self available to be a listening ear
• Encourage your loved one to develop healthy habits, and even participate in some activities with them
• Be nonjudgmental

If you believe that your loved one may be suffering from addiction, you can help them by encouraging them to enroll in treatment for substance abuse or addiction. Call drug rehab centers White Plains today at (877) 804-1531 to find a treatment facility.

Get Started With Treatment at Drug Treatment Centers White Plains

While addiction cannot be cure, it can be treated. If you or a loved one are suffering from addiction, get help today! Drug rehab centers White Plains for help in locating a rehab facility. Don't let addiction ruin your life, get free of it today by calling now at (877) 804-1531.