Understanding the Cycle of Addiction

Alcohol and drug addictions are not a matter of choice and willpower. Despite the negative effects drugs and alcohol has on the body and despite the fact that most people do not expect an alcohol or drug addiction to happen because they use them, it oftentimes does happen. To understand the forces behind addiction, we have to first understand the cycle of drug and alcohol addiction.

When someone starts taking drugs or drinking alcohol, the compounds in the drugs and alcohol change the chemical composition in the brain. Both drugs and alcohol cause a release of endorphins from the brain. The endorphins are the agents that make us feel pleasure. Consequently, the person feels “high” and loses his or her inhibitions.

The process of addiction is full of peaks and troughs. When the intoxication begins wearing off, feelings of depression and let down occur. The person begins automatically craving the next fix because his or her body needs it. His or her focus becomes one single thing – the next rush or high. The person then spends a lot of time and energy finding the drug or alcohol they need. Nothing else in life matters.

Addiction is Not a Matter of Choice

 

Being addicted to drugs or alcohol is not a matter of choice. It goes beyond having the willpower to just say no. When a person becomes addicted, willpower weakens and using the drug or alcohol becomes a conditioned reflex. Almost every single person is at risk of addiction; however, some people have a greater risk than others. Many factors are considered with addictions:

• Genetics – If a substance or drug abuse runs in the family, there is naturally a greater risk of someone in the family becoming addicted due to the chemically altered nature of the person’s brain being potentially hereditary.
• Low Self-Esteem – A person with depression or low self-esteem tendencies is more inclined to become an addict. Why? People who suffer low self-esteem and lack of confidence might search for outlets to make them feel better. Alcohol and drugs will give the person the high feeling they need and makes that person feel that they are good enough or better than they perceive before using these substances.
• Emotional Factors – For a person who has not felt loved, known unconditional love or never had their needs met, there is a higher risk of them becoming addicted to drugs or alcohol. Some children want to feel loved and needed. When they do not get that affection at home, they seek this from their peers. In many cases, just to feel that they fit in with friends or to please their friends, they get involved in alcohol and drugs. Oftentimes, this leads to an addiction.

 

 The Dangers

 

An addiction is a serious problem that is capable of ruining an intelligent person. Drug and alcohol addiction requires treatment just like other serious diseases and illnesses. In many cases, the patient is not aware of his or her addiction and might deny it. With the right inpatient treatment center for drugs and alcohol addictions, the person can have his or her life put back in order.