It’s also considered by experts to be an actual mental disease rather than a problem of willpower.
This guide takes a look at some of the major questions surrounding addiction. What is addiction? How common is addiction? And why do people get addicted? It also points out some of the most commonly abused types of addictive substances and what makes them unique.
Addiction is a complex disease that’s still not fully understood today. But as with any problem, overcoming it begins with learning about it.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA):
Addiction is defined as a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite adverse consequences. It is considered a brain disorder, because it involves functional changes to brain circuits involved in reward, stress, and self-control, and those changes may last a long time after a person has stopped taking drugs.
It’s worth noting that addiction is an actual disease rather than a choice. And as such, that means that it requires professional treatment in order to recover from it.
One of the first steps in getting help for an addiction is spotting the signs. And the earlier you can do that, the sooner you can seek out professional treatment.
There are a few signs of addiction to watch out for in others. Below are some of the most common.
Yes.
While it is possible to overcome an addiction without professional treatment, the overwhelming majority of addicts will need expert help in order to stay clean permanently.
A professional program is designed to give recovering addicts the strategies and tools they need to deal with overpowering cravings, avoid unexpected triggers, and replace self-destructive life behaviors with healthier ones.
These programs are also essential for treating the dangerous and even life-threatening complications that often come with the first stages of getting clean. This is especially important when it comes to detoxing from prescription CNS depressants, alcohol, or opioids because withdrawals can be deadly.
The trick, however, is knowing how to find a treatment program that actually works.
Alcohol use is common around the world, but addiction to alcohol can be deadly.
The Cannabinoid category of drugs is named because of how they affect the cannabinoid receptors in the human brain.
Depressants are a classification of drugs that are very dangerous, and they only become more dangerous with long term usage.
Hallucinogens have been around for a very long time and are popular because they cause the user to lose touch with reality.
There are so many products that you can find in your home that are actually very addictive and harmful for you.
Opiates (which are sometimes referred to as Opioids) can be derived from the poppy plant, partially synthesized, or fully synthesized.
When people learn that they've become addicted to prescription medications, once they recover from their surprise, they can understand how this occurred.
In many ways, prescription medications are some of the most dangerous options when you're talking about addiction.
Anabolic steroids generally conjure up visions of athletes who use them to improve their performance in various sports, and the only time it really seems to be a problem for them is when they get caught.
It is very easy to become addicted to stimulants, and once you're addicted, getting professional stimulant addiction treatment is the best way to stop taking them safely.
Addiction is a complex and devastating disease. And only a qualified treatment program can offer the absolute best chances at long-term recovery.
When it does come time to partner with a professional addiction program, Northpoint Recovery in Boise is the best in the Pacific Northwest.
Our 28-day inpatient program uses only evidence-based treatments that have been proven to promote recovery. Every plan is individually tailored to meet the specific needs of each patient. And we also have one of the highest staff-to-patient ratios in the region.
Plus, we’re nationally accredited by the Joint Commission – a testament to our dedication to quality service.
Just have a look at some of the testimonials from past patients.
Addiction doesn’t have to be a lifelong disease. And with the right support, it can be overcome.
We’d love to help you recover today. So please, contact us now to get started.
Our admissions coordinators are here to help you get started with treatment the right way. They'll verify your health insurance, help set up travel arrangements, and make sure your transition into treatment is smooth and hassle-free.
Verify Insurance (888) 280-3348