It is impossible to predict with certainty whether someone will become drug-dependent. A person's likelihood of developing an addictive behavior can be affected by many factors. These include genetic, developmental, and environmental factors. The more predisposing elements a person has, the higher their chances of becoming addicted.
Drug addiction can be treated.
Another promising development is the possibility that drug addiction and use can be avoided. Education is a shared responsibility of parents, schools, medical professionals, and teachers.
Even though some people might experience a period of regression, this doesn't mean their treatment was ineffective. Patient with a chronic disease should have continuous treatment and be able to adapt. This is also true for other long-term illnesses. It is crucial to constantly review and adjust treatment plans in order to meet changing patient needs.
Drugs can cause brain damage.
The majority of drugs cause a change in the "reward" circuit in the brain. This leads to pleasure and a flood dopamine. To thrive, people need to be engaged in activities such as eating or spending time with loved ones. Because of the reinforcement they give, dopamine rushes within the reward circuit can encourage drug-related behaviours such as drug use. In this way, people are more likely again to take part in the activity.
Is it possible for drug addicts to be cured?
Like treatment for other chronic conditions like diabetes, asthma or heart disease therapy for drug addiction is not a cure. Addiction can be curable and managed. Addiction recovery is possible, but people who have been through it are vulnerable to relapse over the course of their lives. Research has shown that people who combine addiction treatment with behavioural therapy have the best chance at recovery. Long-term recovery is possible with treatment options that are tailored to each individual's drug usage patterns and co-occurring social, mental, or physical issues.
As with most other chronic diseases, such as diabetes, asthma, or heart disease, treatment for drug addiction generally isn’t a cure. However, addiction is treatable and can be successfully managed. People who are recovering from an addiction will be at risk for relapse for years and possibly for their whole lives. Research shows that combining addiction treatment medicines with behavioral therapy ensures the best chance of success for most patients. Treatment approaches tailored to each patient’s drug use patterns and any co-occurring medical, mental, and social problems can lead to continued recovery.
More good news is that drug use and addiction are preventable. Results from NIDA-funded research have shown that prevention programs involving families, schools, communities, and the media are effective for preventing or reducing drug use and addiction. Although personal events and cultural factors affect drug use trends, when young people view drug use as harmful, they tend to decrease their drug taking. Therefore, education and outreach are key in helping people understand the possible risks of drug use. Teachers, parents, and health care providers have crucial roles in educating young people and preventing drug use and addiction.
Effect on Your Brain Then you are motivated to do it again and again.
Addictive drugs target your brain’s reward system. Dopamine is the chemical that floods your brain. This produces intense pleasure. You continue to use the drug to achieve that high.
Your brain adjusts to the extra dopamine gradually. To feel the same great feeling, you might need to take more dopamine. Other pleasures, like food and time spent with family, could also be less enjoyable.
Other illicit drugs, such as heroin, can lead to drug addiction. You can become addicted to a number of legal drugs, such as nicotine, alcohol, or sleep and anxiety medicine.
It is possible to become addicted to opioids, and other narcotic pain pills, legally or illegally. This epidemic is currently being experienced in the United States. In 2018, opioids contributed to the deaths of nearly two-thirds all drug overdose victims.
You may initially decide to use a medication because you love the way it makes me feel. It is possible to regret the decision. You may believe you have full control over how many and how often you use your medication. The way your brain functions can be affected by repeated medication use. These alterations can affect the body for a significant time. They may cause you to lose your control and lead to other activities that could be harmful to you.
Relapse is when you relapse after stopping using drugs. Relapse indicates that more or other treatment is needed.