“I can quit anytime I want.” Most of us have probably said that to someone at least once during our addiction. The truth is it is just not that easy. Addiction is powerful and can steal the control we think we have over our bodies. Even worse, in trying to quit on our own, we may lose the last bit of self-esteem and belief that we had left. Why is it so hard to quit?
Not in Control
We like to believe that we are always in control of our minds and our bodies. However, that is definitely not the case. One example would be when we have a mental illness. That is typically caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain where neurons are not firing correctly and therefore makes our brain malfunction.
While the process in the brain is different for addiction, the idea is the same. The changes made to the brain because of addiction cause our brain to function differently. What we want and what our brain should be telling us to do are not always congruent. In the simplest terms, we are not in control.
What Addiction Does to the Brain
When a substance is first used and gives us a pleasurable sensation dopamine is released into our brain. This dopamine travels through the brain, specifically the reward center. This process is our brain telling us that this is a pleasurable sensation and tries to help us focus on getting more.
As we use more substances and with more frequency often it changes the brain until we are basically hard-wired for the pursuit of and use of substances. This is addiction in the most simple terms. It is nearly impossible to override this new process in our brains. So the things that meant something to us before, such as family, friends, job, etc., all take a backseat to the acquisition of and use of substances.
Why the Reward Center Wants More
Think about a toddler who has never tried candy before. The child tries it, likes it, and quickly devours it and now may have a desire for more. Now imagine being the parent who tries to deny that child the candy. Tears and struggle ensue from one or even both the parent and child.
This is similar to what is happening in our brains as we try to resist our cravings for substances. We are like the parent and the reward center in our brain is like the angry toddler who only understands the pleasurable sensations connected with the substances, not the dangers and risks. Our brain as a whole may understand logically that substance abuse is dangerous and harmful to our lives, but the reward system is like that adorable little toddler who simply wants more.
It’s Not Just Me
One of the most unfortunate side effects of addiction is that there is a stigma associated with it. We end up buying into the concept that our addiction is a moral weakness or flaw. We may believe we deserve every negative consequence because we believe we are innately flawed. Yet that thought process is not true. Many believe that addiction is not caused by a moral weakness, but is caused by the transformation in the brain from substance use and that there is an actual physiological reason that makes it so difficult to stop.
There are two sides to knowing that this is not just us or some moral flaw that we have. The first is relief, to know that we are not bad or wrong, nor are we alone. This happens to a lot of people, and it is not in their control either. The second part of finding out that it is not a moral issue may be the precursor to finding help outside of ourselves. While this may feel like a relief, this can be the most challenging part for some: to admit there is a problem and ask for help.
Willing to Seek Help
Being willing to seek help and following through with it are two separate things. The willingness to seek help means that we acknowledge that it is time for us to find healing for our addiction. Actively seeking help means that we pick up the phone and are calling to admit into a treatment program where we can find healing. Taking action is hard, but it is always worth it. Taking the necessary actions to treat our addiction shows us that we are worth fighting for and worth the healing journey. We may not be in complete control of our addiction, but we can begin to take back our control by asking for help.
Why is it so hard to quit? Because addiction actually changes our brain to become dependent on substances. The reward pathway in the brain begins to rely on our substance of choice. Like a computer that sends commands, it becomes increasingly difficult for our bodies to resist these impulses. Soon we are at the mercy of this process and at the mercy of our addiction. Because of the physiological changes in the brain, it is very difficult to override this process on our own. We may need outside help to take control back of our lives. That is where Rancho Milagro Recovery comes in. We are a residential treatment center in Temecula, California, that can help you take back control of your life and heal from your addiction. Call us at (951) 526-4582 to find out how we can help you to begin the journey of recovery. Together we can find ways to help you heal.