Have you ever wondered why you can’t simply quit using drugs? After all, we make decisions like this throughout our lives. When a person asks us if we want to go to a party, we say “no.” When our friends ask us if we want to grab a drink with them, we say “no.” If you consider whether you need those Oreo cookies or not, you say “no.” So what makes this relationship between drugs and the human brain notoriously difficult to control? Let’s take a closer look at why addicts simply cannot decide to stop using drugs.
Brain Disease Model
Why is drug addiction so hard to shake? Rather than being a nasty habit, addiction is a progressive, potentially degenerative mental illness that has no cure. Addicts can’t simply wish their problems away or say “no” to a drink.
Doctors frequently refer to this cycle of destruction as the brain disease model of addiction. As such, they have identified three ways this sickness injures the brain:
- Less sensitive sensors: After people use drugs, they feel an overwhelming rush of dopamine, but that kick will start to diminish if these people start using larger and larger quantities of drugs. As a result, other happy parts of life won’t bring people joy.
- Hyper-reaction to stress: In addicts’ brains, the system that controls stress management is hypersensitive, meaning these people will super anxious and antsy when they aren’t using their drugs.
- Poor decision-making: Drugs can impede the brain’s frontal cortex, an area that governs decision-making skills. Due to long-term use, these people might have a hard time managing impulses and urges.
Who Is at a High Risk?
Sadly, the only way you can tell if you are a drug addict is to try drugs. However, among the field of potential players, teenagers probably face some of the highest risks, given the fact that the human brain doesn’t stop maturing until people reach their 20s.
Seeking Treatment for Drug Addiction or Alcoholism
Alcoholism anddrug addiction are dangerous sicknesses that should never be taken lightly. All it takes to fall off the wagon and become sick is to take that first sniff, snort, injection, or shot before you are rolling downhill into insanity. Still, you can always push the train back up, but it will be a difficult hike. However, with the right mixture of perseverance and determination, you can easily get back on track and be happy once more.
Are you suffering from a severe case of alcoholism or drug addiction? Do you have a friend or a loved one who is coping with the same illness? In both cases, get in touch us at with Asana Recovery today. Our professional team of counselors and healthcare experts will help you endure the painful process of drug withdrawal and detox and guide you along the rocky road of rehabilitation. Soon enough, you will experience a faster and much more efficient recovery.
If you are seeking more information about our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs or enroll in one of these programs today, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your leisure and your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how you can overcome your mental illness and take an extra step toward becoming a healthier person.
