Development. Dependency is determined by the complex interactions between genes, environment, and key developmental periods throughout a person’s life. You can become dependent on drugs at any age. However, it is more common to do so earlier in your life. This presents teenagers with unique challenges. Teenagers have brains that are still developing, so they may be more inclined to take part in dangerous activities such as drug experimentation. These behaviors include poor decision-making and poor judgement as well as a lack or control over one's actions.
Is it possible to overcome or avoid addiction to drugs?
The good news is that addiction and drug use can be prevented. NIDA-funded research has shown that prevention programmes, which include families, schools and communities, are effective in preventing or decreasing drug abuse and addiction. Individual and cultural factors can have an impact on drug usage patterns. However, young people who consider drug use dangerous tend to reduce their drug use. Education and outreach are essential in helping people understand the potential consequences of drug use. Teaching young people about drug addiction and prevention is a responsibility that includes parents and teachers.
Keep in mind: Drug addiction can be defined as a persistent condition that involves drug seeking and use. It is difficult to quit despite the severe consequences.
Brain alterations caused by drug addiction can lead to a loss of self-control and a reduction in the ability to resist the urge to use drugs. Drug addiction can also be a relapsing disease.
Other chemical systems and neural circuits can also be altered in the brain from long-term use. This can lead to a variety of cognitive and behavioral functions including learning, judgement and decision-making, stress, memory and behaviour. Many addicts continue using drugs even though they are aware of the potential adverse effects.
Another encouraging aspect is the possibility of avoiding both drug abuse and addiction. National Institute on Drug Abuse funded research which found that programs to prevent drug abuse and reduce addiction that involve schools, families, communities, the media, and other stakeholders were more effective than those that focus solely on the individual. The influence of society and individual experiences can have an impact on drug use patterns. Studies have shown that young people are more likely to stop using drugs if they see it as risky. In order to help individuals comprehend the potential dangers of drug abuse, education and outreach are vital components. It is up to parents, educators, as well as medical professionals, to educate young people about drug abuse and prevention.
Why is it that some people have a tolerance for drugs and others can avoid this fate? It is impossible to predict whether someone will become dependent on drugs. There are many factors that influence the likelihood of an addict developing. Predisposing traits are the most likely to lead to addiction.
Biology. Genetics are responsible for half of an individual's likelihood of developing addiction. Gender, ethnicity, and other mental disorders can also increase the risk of drug abuse or addiction.
Most drugs alter the "reward system" in the brain. This makes people feel happy and floods their brain with dopamine. If a reward system works, it encourages people to do good things like eating well and spending time with friends and family. People are more likely to continue doing activities that are enjoyable but not good for them like drug use. This leads to people doing the same action over and over again.
If a person continues to use drugs, the brain adapts by making reward circuit cells less able to respond. As long as they continue to use drugs, this will continue. This is known as tolerance. It makes the user feel less high after they have taken the drug again. You can try to get the same high by consuming more of the drug. The brain's changes often cause the person to feel less pleasure in things like eating, sexuality, and being with others.
The brain's chemical systems and circuits are also affected by long-term use. These changes can impact learning, judgement and decision-making as well as memory and behavior. People who use drugs often continue using them even though they are aware of the dangers.
Brain changes that occur when someone uses drugs over time make it difficult to keep their mind in check and resist the urges to use. This is also why drug addiction can be reversed.