Some people are more likely to experience addiction due to factors like family history or environment, but in reality, virtually anyone can develop an addiction. Certain substances impact the brain in such a way that once you’ve used them enough times, your brain and body develop a dependency on them.
What is Addiction?
Addiction is a mental health disorder that impacts neurological functioning and causes an individual to engage in repeated behaviors, regardless of the repercussions of those behaviors. While most commonly associated with substance abuse, addiction can also develop towards things like gambling, sex, or other activities. However, addictions to certain substances can cause changes to the brain and body in such a way that using substances is not only triggered by uncontrollable impulses but also out of necessity. When certain substances (or chemicals) enter our systems enough times, our bodies respond by integrating these chemicals into their normal functioning. Once this happens abruptly stopping the use of that substance can cause intense withdrawal symptoms and in certain cases, death. When dealing with substance addiction, medical help is often necessary to recover.
How Does Someone Become Addicted?
While genetics and environment may play a large role in what substances an individual is more likely to become addicted to and how long developing an addiction may take, becoming addicted to a substance can happen in many ways. It’s incredibly common for young adults to develop addictions in high school or college simply by overdoing recreational use of alcohol and/or party drugs. Without realizing it, habits can quickly turn into dependency and before you know it you are unable to stop. Using a substance once, even if it is highly addictive, does not mean you will immediately become addicted to it. Before an addiction develops the brain must undergo a change that will only result from prolonged and repeated use. However, this does not mean that “just trying” an addictive substance is safe. Even if you have not become physically addicted to a substance, using it even once can entice you to continue using it and after enough time this will lead to an addiction.
Does Being an Addict Make Me a Failure?
Having an addiction does not make you a failure. Sometimes developing an addiction is out of our control and happens to us without us noticing. Other times we may simply just make a mistake. The important part is that you address your addiction and take accountability for the way it has impacted you and those around you. Again, addiction can happen to anyone! You are also not a failure for not immediately being able to quit. For some people, recovery is a life-long journey. Addiction works by completely rewiring our systems and as humans, there’s only so much we can do. Showing ourselves compassion and recognizing that once an addiction develops it is no longer in our control are important things we must do for ourselves. The biggest thing you can do for yourself and your loved ones when experiencing addiction is to seek treatment.
I’m Afraid I Might Be an Addict, What Do I Do?
If you are worried that you may have or be developing an addiction, do not panic. Avoid places and people that could promote you to use the substance you are concerned over and remove that substance from your home. However, if you were using alcohol, opioids, or other serious drugs contact a medical professional before taking other action. Withdrawing from these substances without medical attention can cause serious and fatal reactions. These reactions are usually more common among individuals with long-term dependency, but if you are at all unsure, seek medical care. Depending on the substance and the frequency of your use, you may be able to recover on your own without medical attention.
What Does Medical Treatment for Addiction Look Like?
Medical addiction treatment can include detoxification, withdrawal management, and supervised recovery. Treating an addiction typically begins with detox where the chemicals in your body are completely removed in a safe and monitored setting. After that, a doctor may prescribe different medications that can assist in preventing withdrawal symptoms. Throughout all of this, a doctor will likely monitor you closely to make sure that you are healthy throughout your recovery. If you have comorbid disorders these will likely be addressed in your treatment. Your care team may also provide you with different resources and therapies that can make the mental and emotional components of recovery easier.
Addiction is not a disorder exclusive to one type of person — anyone can develop an addiction. If you are struggling with addiction and ready to receive treatment, call Rancho Milagro at (951) 526-4582. Rancho Milagro is a treatment facility located in the secluded hills of Temecula, CA, and offers both detox and inpatient care in a peaceful and private setting. We have a team of medical professionals that are committed to your recovery and will develop a personal plan for treatment that fits your needs. At Rancho Milagro, we know there is no one path to recovery. Here we treat the entire person to ensure that you can become your healthiest self. We offer many kinds of therapy and our ranch is home to more than 20 rescued farm and therapy animals as well as miles of private hiking trails. If you are looking for a compassionate treatment team that will listen to you and honors your needs, Rancho Milagro may be the place for you.