The Cycle of Substance and Drug Addiction

Did you know that many individuals with substance addiction are aware of their problem, but are unable to stop on their own? Well, due to the development of rehab facilities such as My Recovery Corps to aid in the muddle, the individuals with the urge to sobriety can get the medical help they need. Drug and substance addiction comes in after repeated consumption of a particular drug which builds desire for large amounts and tolerance in the system to achieve the same effects as when you began.

Nobody ever plans to be an addict to any substance. Prolonged abuse of substances leads to an addiction cycle that entails the addict consuming and using drugs or alcohol to feel comfortable in a particular situation. The uncomfortable symptoms of withdrawal felt by the abuser result from using drugs and substances without control and prioritizing drugs over everything else in life.

The risk and how fast you become addicted to drugs depends on the type of drug being abused. Millions of people worldwide struggle with substance abuse with the most common drugs impeded including;

  1. Alcohol
  2. Cocaine
  3. Opioid painkillers
  4. Heroin
  5. Nicotine

Reasons as to why people try out mentioned drugs, substances, or behavior may include;

  • Curiosity and experimentation
  • Peer pressure
  • Stress
  • Surrounding environment
  • Mental health disorder

How to determine the presence and severity of substance abuse

  1. Lack of control by using large amounts of the substance over a long period of time than you intended
  2. Desire to limit and stop use but being unable to do so
  3. Spending a lot of time trying to acquire a substance and making certain you maintain a supply of the drug
  4. Experiencing intense cravings desires and urges to use drugs that block other thoughts
  5. Lack of responsibility as the substance takes priority over home obligations and work
  6. Experiencing consistent interpersonal relationship problems strained from drug usage
  7. Loss of interest in important social engagements in favor of drug use
  8. Continuous usage of drugs despite dangerous circumstances
  9. Continued use despite psychological problems and worsened physical problems
  10. Unable to tolerate the urge for larger amounts of drugs to achieve desired or same effects
  11. Encountering adverse side effects such as irritability, nausea, anxiety, and vomiting

To overcome drug addiction and stay drug-free as an addict, you need help from family, friends, doctors, support groups, and an organized treatment program like My Recovery Corps and Phoenix Treatment Center. As people differ, it may be hard to detect addiction in some people than in others. Some general warning signs that may depict struggling with addiction and raise the red flag include;

  1. Considerable monetary fluctuations. Spending large amounts of money even though you can’t afford it
  2. Doing risky activities such as driving when under the influence of the drug
  3. Appearing to have a new set of friends
  4. Sudden mood swings and change in behavior
  5. Weight loss and changes in personal grooming appearance
  6. Staying up later than usual or sleeping for long hours
  7. Ignoring commitments, responsibilities, and withdrawal from normal social contacts
  8. Mess and troubles at school, home, or work as you fail to meet obligations
  9. Lack of motivation
  10. Unexplained absences and oddly secretive about personal life
  11. Lapses in memory and concentration

Conclusion

The best prevention measure to drug addiction is not to take the drug at all. It is recommended that people struggling with addiction to accept the problem un-reluctantly and seek treatment with intervention help from professional drug counselors and consultants. Such intervention and therapy talk aids in developing adaptive skills and coping skills on sobriety.