What is addiction?
We consider addiction as an illness, just as cancer and heart disease is an illness. But for the addicts, this disease brings immense judgment, not sympathy. It is not a moral failing and one assumes a person shows weakness or entertains a bad habit. This is where the stigma comes from.
People from all backgrounds can become addicted. Poor or rich, educated or not. Local statistics have shown addiction is prone is urban areas. Becoming an addict can happen to anyone regardless of your race, age or gender. This disease does not discriminate.
No one plans on becoming addicted. But after experiencing desired effects, a substance use disorder can become apparent as the amount of use starts increasing. Most addicts believe they can control their use.
However, it is apparent that the brain chemistry changes after continuous use in a way that it disrupts the normal function of a person’s decision-making process, inhibitions and risk vs. reward analysis.
There is no timeline attached to becoming an addict and some people may reason that the substance they are using is not that severe.
Ultimately addiction is a behaviour that controls you, taking centre stage over your better judgement or reasoned decisions. For some people with severe addictions, taking drugs can become more important than the need to eat or sleep.
The urge to get and use the drug can fill every moment of a person's life. The addiction can replace all the things the person used to enjoy. Some people who are addicted may do almost anything—lying, stealing—to keep using the substance.
Read more on how to know if you're addicted?
Many people don't understand why or how other people become addicted to drugs. They may mistakenly think that those who use drugs lack moral principles or willpower and that they could stop their drug use simply by choosing to. In reality, drug addiction is a complex disease, and quitting usually takes more than good intentions or a strong will.
Why do some people become addicted to drugs while others don't?
No one factor can predict if a person will become addicted to drugs. A combination of factors influences the risk of addiction. The more risk factors a person has, the greater the chance that taking drugs can lead to addiction. For example:
Biology. The genes that people are born with account for about half of a person's risk of addiction. Gender, ethnicity, and the presence of other mental disorders may also influence the risk of drug use and addiction.
Environment. A person’s environment includes many different influences, from family and friends to economic status and general quality of life. Factors such as peer pressure, physical and sexual abuse, early exposure to drugs, stress, and parental guidance can greatly affect a person’s likelihood of drug use and addiction.
Development. Genetic and environmental factors interact with critical developmental stages in a person’s life to affect addiction risk. Although taking drugs at any age can lead to addiction, the earlier that drug use begins, the more likely it will progress to addiction.
If you think someone you love may be an addict, please read more on how to approach someone in addiction. Everyone deserves a chance to re-discover their purpose in life and be the best person they can be in life.
Contact us today or visit our site for more information on our programme.
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More articles to read.
There is no timeline attached to becoming an addict and some people may reason that the substance they are using is not that severe.
Why do I need help with my addiction?
Trying to go into recovery can be daunting in itself. Though getting sober on your own is possible, it is staying sober that most people need help with.
Going into detail why our treatment program is effective and sets us apart from other centres.
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