The 5 Most Important Things to Know About Addiction

Addiction has become an epidemic in the United States. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) of 2020, over 21 million Americans aged 12 or older had a substance use disorder involving either alcohol or illicit drugs. Of those 21 million people, 14.5 million had an alcohol use disorder and 7.7 million had an illicit drug use disorder. These numbers indicate that addiction is a serious issue in the United States and that it affects millions of Americans each year.

Furthermore, opioid use disorder has been on the rise since 1999, with a staggering two million people struggling with opioid addiction in 2020. This figure includes those addicted to both prescription and illegal opioids. Clearly, addiction is a serious problem. But what causes and drives addiction? And does drug and alcohol addiction treatment help?

The 5 Most Important Facts to Know About Addiction

Addiction is running rampant throughout the United States. It takes good, hardworking people and turns their lives upside down. If you’re wondering about the 5 most important things to know about addiction, you’re not alone. Learn more today by calling Beaches Recovery.

1: Compulsive Behavior Drives Addiction

One of the most important things to know about addiction is that many people can’t control their actions. Many substances, such as alcohol or opioids, alter the reward centers of the human brain. The mind can no longer release dopamine or other naturally occurring chemicals on its own. It needs the drug or alcohol in order to do so. As a result, the person who has the addiction feels that they must seek out that drug or alcohol to feel happy.

2: Addiction Can Be Passed Down From Your Family

While addiction is not technically inherited, a family member using drugs or alcohol can significantly increase your chances of being addicted. One of the most important things to know about addiction is that your family can influence whether or not you become addicted. For example, you may know that children don’t learn from what you say. Instead, they learn from what you do. Therefore, if you see your loved one using drugs or alcohol consistently, you may also take up that behavior.

3: Addiction is Often Linked to Mental Health Problems

If you struggle with both an addiction and a mental health problem such as depression or anxiety, you may have a dual diagnosis. People struggling with an addiction often also have mental health problems. Sometimes addiction causes these mental health problems. Other times, mental health problems cause a person to use drugs or alcohol. If this describes your situation, another of the most important things to know about addiction is that it is essential to treat both problems. An untreated mental health problem may cause you to relapse back into addiction. Conversely, an untreated addiction may cause additional mental health problems.

4: An Individualized Treatment Regimen Gives Better Results

The days of cookie-cutter addiction treatments are fading. New research has found that when you get treatment that addresses your unique needs, you are more likely not to relapse. As a result, one of the most important things to know about addiction is that when you’re seeking treatment, you should attempt to find a treatment that fits your situation. Some of the treatment options you may decide to choose to include are:

• Hiking therapy
• Group therapy
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• PTSD therapy
• Experiential therapy

5: Recovery is a Lifelong Process

The idea that addiction recovery is a one-and-done treatment is a myth. One of the most important things to know about addiction is that the recovery process takes time. It is hard work. Many people relapse at least once. However, relapse is not a sign of failure. Instead, it is a sign that you need more treatment.

Addiction Treatment Help at Beaches Recovery

It’s clear that addiction is a major problem in the United States and that it affects people from all walks of life. The good news, however, is that there are many resources available to help those struggling with addiction find treatment and support. With proper care and assistance, individuals can overcome their addictions and lead healthier lives.

Additionally, it’s important to remember that addiction is a disease and that it is not something people can simply “snap out of.” It takes time and consistent effort to manage an addiction and gain control of one’s life. With the right treatment, though, anyone can break free from their addiction and start living a healthier and more fulfilling life.

The best way to overcome your addiction is to get help from an addiction treatment program such as Beaches Recovery. We offer a variety of treatment programs and will work with you to create a treatment plan to address your needs. To learn more about the 5 most important things to know about addiction, contact Beaches Recovery today about 866.605.0532.