While some people are in denial about their addiction, it can actually be difficult to tell when recreational drug use has turned into an addiction. The addiction definition says that an addiction is when the brain’s memory, reward and motivation systems are rewired by drug abuse. Anyone can develop an addiction, and the right treatment can help people become sober and stay that way.
What Is the Addiction Definition?
According to the addiction definition, an addiction is a chronic disease that affects the brain’s circuitry. Over time, the drug targets how chemicals are processed in the brain. The reward system is affected, so individuals stop feeling pleasure from normal experiences. An addiction can cause cravings for drugs and alcohol, along with other behaviors.
Someone who fits the addiction definition may have symptoms such as:
- Inability to stop using or limit drug abuse
- Problems controlling their behavior
- Inability to recognize how drug abuse affects their life
- Changes in their emotional response
The addiction definition fits more than just drugs. Someone can have an alcohol addiction, gambling addiction or other process addiction. An individual who fits the addiction definition has a problem controlling their behavior and is unable to stop their addiction alone. While there is a genetic component to addiction, anyone can become addicted to drugs and alcohol.
The Signs of an Addiction
Many people who have an addiction will try to hide their problem, so it may be hard for loved ones to tell if an addiction is present. In general, someone who has an addiction will have a physical dependence on the drug. They may feel like they need to use drugs to feel normal or to handle social situations. Dealing with life’s problems seems impossible without a substance to “smooth things out.”
Over time, the individual will develop a tolerance. They basically need more of the drug to achieve the same euphoria. If they are unable to access drugs, they may experience cravings. Before long, they will also exhibit withdrawal symptoms because their body wants to have drugs to feel normal.
Often, someone who has an addiction will exhibit other signs of drug use. As drugs become more important, they may isolate themselves and try to hide drug use. Family members may notice that they develop new, unhealthy friendships with other people who abuse drugs.
As the addiction spirals out of control, the individual may exhibit signs of poor judgment. They may engage in unsafe or risky behaviors to get money for drugs like stealing or selling drugs. This can lead to legal and financial trouble. It can cause the individual to have problems at work. Often, an addiction will cause someone to neglect their other responsibilities as they spend more time trying to find and use their drug of choice.
The Stages of an Addiction
Initially, it may not seem like the individual fits the addiction definition. This is because drug addictions occur in stages. While the individual may initially just experiment with drugs, they may quickly develop a dependence.
In the first stage of a drug, alcohol or opioid addiction, the individual starts by experimenting. This may not initially cause any problems. Often, the individual will rationalize their behavior by saying that they are just having fun. Many individuals think that experimenting is harmless. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Even experimentation can lead to problems like drunk driving and drug overdoses.
As the individual begins to use more frequently, they enter the next stage of an addiction. At this point, they may use drugs regularly in social settings. Before long, they may feel like they need drugs to relax or interact in social situations.
As drug use becomes more frequent, the individual may start to feel the physical effects of his or her addiction. The addiction definition for substance abuse is that it is using a drug in a way that seriously interferes with the individual’s professional life, social interactions or health. The individual may start showing obvious signs of an addiction as their substance abuse leads to problems at home and at work.
In the last stage, the individual has developed a physical dependence on drugs. If they try to quit, they may experience withdrawal symptoms. The addiction has become the main focus of their life, and they will show many of the signs of an addiction. They may engage in risky behaviors, lose their jobs or have other effects of drug abuse.
Recognizing That There Is a Problem
If someone fits the addiction definition, they may need help with recovery. The first step to becoming sober is to realize that there is a problem. Unfortunately, many clients are initially in denial about their problem. It may take time for them to realize that their addiction is hurting themselves and the people around them.
In the early stages, the individual may not show many signs of an addiction. Later on, addiction signs like seeking out situations where drugs are present, experimentation and binging on drugs are obvious indications of a problem. A family history of addiction and an inability to stop drug or alcohol use are other signs that the individual may need help.
Recovering From an Addiction
Realizing that there is a problem is the first step. Once someone realizes that they fit the addiction definition, they need to find the right treatment to recover. An inpatient drug rehab like Healing Springs Ranch can help clients get the care they need. The rehab center offers treatment through programs such as:
- Dual diagnosis care
- Individualized treatment
- Yoga and art therapy
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Exercise therapy and organic nutrition
- Equine therapy
The best treatment centers offer individualized care that treats each client holistically. Individualized care is a type of treatment that looks at the individual’s addiction, their current needs and the root cause of their addiction. By targeting the root problem, individualized programs offer clients a better chance at achieving long-term sobriety.
Individualized care can mean a blend of cognitive behavioral therapy, family therapy, dual diagnosis treatment, and group therapy. At the best treatment centers, it also targets the client’s life holistically. These programs offer treatment options like life skills, identity work, vocational support, purpose work, and relapse prevention. By treating the client holistically, these programs offer each individual the best chance at success. We design and revise a treatment plan for each individual client based on what is needed at any given time during treatment.
Recovering from an addiction is not easy. It takes the right blend of care and support for clients to truly recover. No one has to deal with the pain of an addiction alone. If you or a loved one suffers from an addiction, there are options available that can help. You can overcome your addiction and enjoy a healthier, happier life. To find out how you can begin your recovery today, call Healing Springs Ranch at 866-656-8384.