Posted: June 11th, 2023
Substance Abuse and Addiction
Substance Abuse and Addiction.
There are numerous misconceptions revolving substance abuse and addiction. These misconceptions often stem from a lack of understanding about the complex nature of addiction and its physiological effects on the brain. From a distance, people who have never experienced or had anyone close to them abuse or fall into addiction often question and criticize people’s inability to stop drug use. This judgmental perspective fails to consider the neurological and psychological factors that contribute to addiction. However, unknown to many, drug addiction is a serious and complex mental disorder that demands more than mere intention and will to quit. It requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction. Continued use of drugs changes the brain such that quitting becomes almost impossible to stop. This neuroplasticity is a key factor in the persistence of addiction and the difficulty of recovery. Luckily, years of research have found different treatment plans that can help people successfully recover from addiction. These treatment plans often involve a combination of medical intervention, behavioral therapy, and support systems.
Substance addiction or drug addiction as most people call is a chronic mental illness that affects the brain and impacts behaviour. The chronic nature of addiction means that it requires long-term management, similar to other chronic diseases like diabetes or hypertension. It is characterized by drug seeking and use that is compulsive in a way that is difficult to resist despite the negative consequences and harm associated with use. This compulsive behavior is a hallmark of addiction and distinguishes it from casual or recreational drug use. Addiction does not only involve illegal drugs like cocaine and heroin. The scope of addiction is much broader and includes substances that are often considered less harmful or are legally available. People can also become addicted to other substances like alcohol, tobacco and prescription medications like opioid painkillers, antidepressants, sleeping pills, and other legal substances and cause the same complications. The addictive potential of these legal substances is often underestimated, leading to a higher risk of developing dependency. In fact, in the United States, prescription painkillers, specifically opioid painkillers, have become a major risk, with thousands of people dying from overdosing strong opioid medications. This opioid crisis has highlighted the need for more stringent regulations and better education about the risks associated with prescription medications.
Addiction does not occur overnight. The gradual onset of addiction often makes it difficult for individuals to recognize the problem in its early stages. It is a gradual process that can develop over months or years. This slow progression allows the brain to adapt to the presence of the substance, leading to tolerance and dependence. As a result, most people don’t even know they are addicted until they cannot stop using a drug. The realization often comes when attempts to quit or reduce use are met with significant difficulty. Also, not all people who use drugs develop an addiction. Individual susceptibility to addiction varies based on genetic, environmental, and personal factors. Some people can use a drug for recreational purposes without falling into addiction. This variability in addiction susceptibility is an important area of ongoing research. However, for some people, drug use causes severe effects and may take a toll on their health and even extend to their work and social life. The far-reaching consequences of addiction underscore the importance of early intervention and comprehensive treatment approaches.
When does abuse become an addiction?
The line between abuse and addiction is thin. Understanding this distinction is crucial for early intervention and appropriate treatment. Drug abuse is when one uses a substance for other purposes than the intended. This misuse of substances can be a precursor to addiction but doesn’t always lead to it. It could start as taking an extra dose of prescribed medication or taking someone else’ prescription. These seemingly minor deviations from prescribed use can be the first steps towards problematic substance use. Often, most people begin using drugs voluntarily to feel happy, relieve stress, or avoid reality. The initial positive effects of drug use can be deceptive, masking the potential for addiction. With time, it blossoms to a regular habit and becomes a part of their daily lives. This habituation process is a key step in the transition from use to abuse to addiction. Continued drug use grows to impact the brain such that it becomes dependent on the substance to function normally. This neuroadaptation is a critical factor in the development of addiction. Dependence begins to cause behavioural changes, and one continues to use despite harmful consequences. These behavioral changes are often noticeable to friends and family before the individual recognizes them in themselves. Addiction occurs when someone can’t stop using even when there are apparent health, behavioural, emotional, and financial problems to the user and people close to them. At this stage, the addiction has taken control, overriding rational decision-making processes. The urge to get and use is so intense and any attempts to quit results in severe withdrawal symptoms. These withdrawal symptoms can be both physically and psychologically distressing, further reinforcing the cycle of addiction. Once addicted, quitting may require treatment and help from family and friends. Professional intervention and a strong support system are often crucial for successful recovery from addiction.
References
Compton, P., & Chang, Y. P. (2017). Substance Abuse and Addiction. Clinical journal of oncology nursing, 21(2).
Green, J. (2017). Epidemiology of opioid abuse and addiction. Journal of Emergency Nursing, 43(2), 106-113.
MacNicol, B. (2017). The biology of addiction. Canadian Journal of Anesthesia/Journal canadien d’anesthésie, 64(2), 141-148.
Volkow, N. D., & Boyle, M. (2022). Neuroscience of addiction: Relevance to prevention and treatment. American Journal of Psychiatry, 179(1), 11-24.
Koob, G. F., & Volkow, N. D. (2023). Neurobiology of addiction: a neurocircuitry analysis. The Lancet Psychiatry, 10(1), 69-86.
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Addiction Treatment Approaches,
Neuroplasticity in Addiction,
Prescription Drug Abuse,
Substance Addiction
