Breaking the addiction cycle takes determination, commitment, and time. People must change their lifestyle habits and attend recovery meetings regularly to achieve this. They must also cultivate new relationships and participate in activities they enjoy.

During treatment, individuals can learn healthier coping skills by participating in group therapy and one-on-one counseling with mental health professionals. This will help them identify their triggers and discover the root causes of their substance abuse.

Addiction is a brain disease.

Like diabetes or heart disease, addiction is a chronic disease that can be managed but not cured. People who struggle with drug and alcohol use disorders are often unable to maintain their relationships or work and often have trouble finding housing or supporting their education. Fortunately, these individuals can recover and lead healthy, productive lives with the proper addiction treatment Yorktown Heights NY.

Addiction changes the brain areas responsible for judgment, decision-making, learning, and memory. These changes can result in a good student flunking out, a wife lying about draining the family savings account, or an overdose in a grocery store parking lot while children watch from their car seats.

It is for these reasons that most of the biomedical research community now regards addiction as a brain disease. This is a view that is backed by clear, convincing scientific evidence and has outsized influence on research funding, direction, and how addiction is viewed worldwide.

Addiction is a cycle.

Addiction is a cycle that starts with the use of drugs or alcohol and ends with a compulsion to keep using. This pattern of behavior can cause a significant change in brain function and impair the ability to control one’s impulses. This is why it’s important to recognize addiction as a disease and seek treatment.

The cycle begins with the binge/intoxication stage when the person takes enormous amounts of their drug of choice in a short period (these periods are known as “binges”). This phase triggers changes in brain reward and stress neurotransmitter systems, impairing executive function.

This impulsive behavior is followed by the withdrawal/negative affect stage, which is characterized by unpleasant and sometimes dangerous physical symptoms. This negative reinforcement drives a user to continue abusing drugs to try and alleviate these symptoms, but this only makes the pain worse. The last phase is the preoccupation/anticipation stage when a person becomes obsessed with the desire to use drugs again.

Addiction is a choice.

Addiction is a disease, and it should be treated in the same way as other chronic illnesses, such as diabetes or asthma. The disease model of addiction has gained wide acceptance among most healthcare professionals. It also reflects current research showing that chemical dependency causes changes in the brain, which impair judgment and self-control.

Those who have struggled with substance abuse know how difficult it can be to break the habit. Substance use ruins relationships and careers, and it leads to legal troubles that can make life even more difficult. Many people with an addiction become unable to take care of basic needs, such as paying bills or buying food.

During treatment, you will work with a therapist to resolve the underlying problems that led to drug abuse. You will learn how to cope with negative emotions that used to be dampened by drugs – anger, sadness, stress, loneliness, and frustration. You will also learn healthy coping strategies that help you avoid triggers and stay sober.

Addiction is a problem.

If you know someone with a drug addiction, it’s essential to get help for them. This is because drug use causes a variety of problems for everyone involved. It may also cause severe consequences for their health and well-being. People with a drug problem often don’t recognize that their substance use is causing problems. This is sometimes referred to as denial.

Some factors that lead to the development of addiction include a family history of alcohol or drug abuse, exposure to drugs in school and peer groups, and genetic predisposition. In addition, the availability of drugs and the ease with which they can be obtained increases the risk of drug use.

During treatment, people learn new ways of dealing with stress and pain. They also develop new skills to improve relationships with others. In addition, they are taught how to refocus their life away from drugs and into something more meaningful. They can take up new hobbies or interests, such as playing sports or learning a musical instrument.