Young woman with hand to head in the dark concerned about her drug use.

Drug use affects people of every race, gender, religion and age group. It does not discriminate against anyone. Most people start out as recreational users and quickly develop a full-blown addiction. Other individuals use for years before they develop an addiction. Once someone has an addiction, they need professional help to treat it.

What Is Drug Use and Addiction?

An addiction is considered a chronic disease. While it can be treated, it cannot be cured. When someone has an addiction, they lose their ability to control their drug use. Repeated drug abuse can change their ability to resist urges to use. It can also affect their self-control and ability to limit their drug habit.

Brain changes from an addiction can last for a long time after the individual decides to sober up. Because of this, patients must get professional treatment for their addiction. With the right support and treatment, patients can prevent the chances of having a relapse.

When Does Someone Develop an Addiction?

There is no way to know when or if someone will have an addiction. While there is no way to forecast an addiction, many people develop substance abuse disorders after a traumatic event. Other risk factors can increase the chances that someone will develop an addiction such as:

  • Mental disorders
  • Genetics
  • A family history of drug or alcohol abuse
  • The individual’s environment

There is a genetic basis for addiction, so people who have a family history of drug use are more likely to have an addiction. Likewise, individuals who have drug-using friends or peers are more likely to try drugs as well. Someone who has more addiction risk factors is more likely to use.

Can an Addiction Be Cured?

Like other chronic diseases like diabetes or heart disease, an addiction cannot be cured. While there may not be a single cure, addictions can be managed. With help of an addiction rehab, individuals can manage their addiction and remain sober. Studies show that a combination of therapy options, support and treatment for co-occurring disorders can increase someone’s chances of staying sober.

While it may not be possible to completely cure an addiction, they are preventable. Parents and teachers can educate students about risk factors. While traumatic events and risk factors may make someone more likely to use later on, it is possible to prevent drug use. People who are taught that drug use is harmful may be less likely to use later on.

Finding the Right Treatment Program

Once someone has developed a drug or alcohol abuse problem, they will need help getting their addiction treated. Rehab centers can provide patients with the support they need to recover. At the rehab treatment program, patients can get help through:

Each addiction is unique, so patients need to find programs that offer individualized care and programs that have various addictions treated. Some of the best programs focus holistically on the patient’s mental, physical and emotional health. These treatment centers focus on treating the whole person and targeting the root causes of the addiction. As a result, patients are less likely to relapse in the future.

While the first goal is to prevent an addiction from happening, it is not always possible. Once someone has developed drug use problems, the next step is to get help. Individuals who recognize that they have a problem can find the support, treatment and rehab options they need to recover. To find out more information and get started on your journey toward sobriety, call the addiction specialists Beaches Recovery at 8666050532.