Thursday, October 6, 2011

Four Things to Know About Addiction


In the past few decades, limited research and resources influenced people into believing addiction could easily be overcome if an addict simply “said no” to drugs and alcohol. In today’s society, we know that addiction is classified as a “disease of the brain” rather than a recreational hobby. In order to better understand addiction, one must consider four key components: 

Genetics:
The National Association for Children of Alcoholics warns that not only are children of alcoholics 8 times likelier to develop alcoholism , but they are more likely to choose a partner who is also an alcoholic, which ultimately leads to alcoholic offspring. Furthermore, males are 4 times likelier to develop alcoholism than females are.

Biology:

Just as genetics plays an important role in alcoholism, so does brain chemistry. There are many addicts, who will give priority to alcohol and other substances and eventually neglect their spouses and children, all because their bodies were intensely “craving” the substance. These substances ultimately change the chemistry of the brain once they enter the body and researchers across the world believe they will soon be able to identify why the changes occur and how reverse them. 

Self-Motivation:
A peer reviewed journal known as “Health Psychology” will soon publish an article on how brain scans can predict just how motivated addicts are to overcome their addiction.

Learning to Take Personal Responsibility:
Many addicts blame their social status, living conditions, souses and families for their addiction and often feel “victimized” by society. Addicts must learn how to change their outlook on life by choosing better friends, healthier lifestyles and by mending broken relationship with loved-ones.
 

Because drug addiction as well as alcohol addiction, have so many dimensions and disrupt so many aspects of an individual's life, addiction treatment is not simple. Effective addiction treatment programs incorporate many components, each directed to a particular aspect of the illness and its consequences. Addiction treatment must help the individual stop using drugs (interventions), maintain a drug-free lifestyle, and achieve productive functioning in the family, at work, and in society. Because addiction is typically a chronic disease, people cannot simply stop using drugs or alcohol for a few days and be cured. Most patients addicted to drugs and alcohol require long-term or repeated episodes of care to achieve the ultimate goal of sustained abstinence of drug and alcohol, and recovery of their lives.


Addiction Treatment Helpline for Young Adults and Adults:
1-888-387-6237
http://www.covecenterforrecovery.com

Addiction Treatment Helpline for Adolescents:
1-888-757-6237

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