Drug addiction can be a mystifying disease to both bystanders and to the addicted individual. Even with repeated trips through detox and withdrawal and with a seeming mountain of commitment and resolve to stay clean, most users will continue to relapse until they get the right professional help. While each case of addiction is unique, the reason for most failed attempts at lasting recovery is the brain itself. Psychology, therapy and counseling is needed to prevent recurring addiction and provide long-term freedom.
Ending Physical Addiction Does Not End Addiction
Many people can understand physical addiction. Drugs replace naturally occurring chemicals that are required for proper brain function and emotion regulation. When the drug leaves the user’s system, he or she experiences potentially severe withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms usually last several days, but depending on the drug and the level of addiction they may last several weeks. Once the body reestablishes its natural chemical balance, withdrawal symptoms end and the physical aspects of the disease are over. Unfortunately this is not where the addiction ends, and the addicted individual cannot just stop using drugs and be done.
Ending Psychological Drug Addiction Requires Help
Drugs and addiction affect the chemical wiring and psychology of the brain. Neural pathways affect the choices we make, the emotions we feel and the actions we take. The euphoric high felt when taking drugs directly affects the pleasure center of the brain. This is the same area that does the following:
- Manages emotions
- Forms and recalls memories
- Regulates anxiety and stress
- Reinforces behavior and habits
- Manages impulse control
When a person gets high, he or she blocks feelings of pain or distress by washing the pleasure center of the brain with an overwhelming sense of euphoria and ease. The brain will crave this sensation and will use every psychological tool at its disposal to continue the experience. This is why an addicted individual is powerless to resist drugs. Ending drug addiction will require experienced, caring and professional help.
Anyone Can Stop Using Drugs
Addicted individuals may not reach out for help, until they reach their rock bottom. Unfortunately rock bottom often involves the loss of relationships, jobs, interests and finances, and it should not be necessary for an individual to reach this point before finding the resources needed to stop using drugs. If drug users are ready to change and find best treatment options available, their odds of achieving lasting recovery are good. If they listen to the psychological addiction that tells them they can wait another day, they can get clean on their own or they can have just one drink after attempting to end use, they may not live to experience the freedom they so crave. The important job of friends, loved ones and recovery professionals is to help addicted individuals realize the impact drug use has on their lives and that this impact can be ended.
0 komentar:
Posting Komentar