Drug addiction is something that occurs when an addictive drug is used over an extended period of time often in ever-increasing amounts and a dependency develops. Drug addiction can occur with the repeated use of illegal drugs or it can happen when someone becomes dependant on a prescription drug. Regardless of what led to the drug addiction, few people expect it to happen to them.
Factors often seen as drug addiction causes include:
There are many life events that can be described as drug addiction causes, but what they really are, are triggers for drug use. Some common triggers might be death of a loved one, divorce, physical pain or an overall unhappiness with oneself or feeling like an outsider. When a person suffers from a mental illness, such as depression or anxiety to name just two, they will sometimes turn to drug use as a form of self-medication in order to relieve the feelings that they are unable or unwilling to deal with. The coexistence of a mental disorder and a drug addiction is known as a dual diagnosis, and both can and should be treated concurrently.
The real cause of drug addiction is a brain disease. Drug and alcohol addiction are referred to as a disease by alcohol addiction treatment professionals nationwide and classified as such by the American Medical Association. Addiction actually alters the chemical makeup in the brain and changes the flow of certain chemicals such as dopamine. One of the incredible features of the brain is that it will alter its chemical make up to deal with the addition of drugs and alcohol in large amounts.
Once a person becomes physically dependent on drugs or alcohol, withdrawal symptoms will occur when the drug or alcohol use is discontinued. Withdrawal requires professional help for medical stabilization in a licensed drug and alcohol detox center. The most effective drug addiction programs incorporate a combination of clinical services and holistic treatment service – all based upon individualized addiction treatment plans.
Research shows us that drug addiction causes tremendous damage in our lives and the lives of those that love us. Regardless of what causes drug addiction, there is treatment and treatment works. Don’t wait any longer, get help now! Call 1-866-657-4357 today for quality drug addiction treatment. All calls are toll-free and confidential.