Understanding the Science of Addiction

Last updated 11 months ago

A common misconception about drug and alcohol addiction is that it is a voluntary choice that can be stopped at any time. The truth is that these substances create a very real chemical, biological hold over the addict, making it very difficult for that person to refrain from using these substances without help from drug rehabilitation programs. Keep reading to learn more about the science of addiction.

How Addiction Forms

A person may experiment with various drugs or alcohol out of curiosity, to try to feel good, or to perform better. With repeated use, chemical changes begin to occur in the brain, changing its structure and function. As these changes progress, the individual may begin to need more or higher doses of the substance in order to feel normal, making what was initially a voluntary choice a physical “need.”

Why Addiction Occurs in Some People and Not Others

Various physical, emotional, genetic, and environmental factors all come together to determine whether a person will develop a chemical dependence on drugs or alcohol. The earlier an individual experiments with illicit substances, the greater the chance that addiction will occur. The type of substance used will also help to determine the risk level of developing addiction, as some substances cause more drastic chemical changes than others.

How Addiction is Treated

Alcohol and drug rehabilitation begins with a detoxification process. In order to eliminate the dependence on a substance, it must first be flushed from the body. After that, an extensive psychological healing process is necessary to help the individual cope with the feeling of needing a foreign substance. This is a delicate process, and that is why professional drug or alcohol rehab programs are so important for successful recovery.

If you or a loved one is suffering from substance dependence, then it is important to get help as soon as possible. Call Astoria Pointe for men or The Rosebriar for women at (503) 298-4393 to learn about our rehab centers and programs.