Data from a recent Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) research reveals that more than 2.3 million American adults grapple with drug and substance abuse (including alcoholism) disorders. The challenge of drug and substance abuse and addiction is real and is getting serious by the day.
Addiction and drug abuse do not mean the same thing, although they’re often used interchangeably. Abuse is using a substance or drug, whether prescriptive or over-the-counter medications, in the wrong way—this could be overdose or underdose. Drug addiction, on the other hand, is defined as the involuntary use of dangerous drugs and substances, notwithstanding their negative consequences. When most people mention “substance abuse,” they’re referring to drug addiction.
What Causes Substance Abuse and Addiction?
Numerous factors contribute to drug addiction, including work stress, financial difficulties, family challenges, and the death of loved ones, to name a few. They all boil down to one thing, however: a change in the brain’s reward system.
In a healthy brain, the reward system uses dopamine to reinforce essential behaviors like social interactions, eating, and drinking water. Dopamine is a feel-good hormone that induces pleasurable sensations in the brain whenever we participate in certain activities. Essentially, it makes these activities so enjoyable and memorable that you’d want to do them repeatedly. For instance, you shower whenever you feel sweaty because your brain associates showering with feeling good.
Drugs and substance abuse hijacks the normal functioning of the reward system, replacing your essential needs with drug cravings. Most drugs like alcohol indirectly stimulate dopamine-generating neurons. As a result, they flood the reward pathway with excess dopamine, gradually de-sensitizing the reward system. This prevents your brain from responding naturally to conventional stimuli like eating and showering. Instead, the only thing that you will find rewarding is the drugs. So, when you feel bored or stressed, the first thing your brain directs you to look for is drugs.
Why Inpatient Treatment Is the Best Solution Substance Abuse and Addiction
Based on professional examination of your condition, a medic can prescribe either an outpatient or inpatient treatment program. However, inpatient substance abuse and addiction treatment is usually the best way to go.
Drug addiction can be a psychological problem. Therefore, the best solution is that which prioritizes your mental recovery. While outpatient treatment programs are relatively effective, you’re still prone to relapse and have to battle other external factors like peer influence. When you opt for inpatient substance abuse and addiction treatment, however, you can get to focus entirely on the recovery process. This is because while at the rehab center, you take a step back from work, parenting, friendships, and other factors that may induce relapse.
Why Consider Treatment at an Inpatient Facility?
Inpatient substance abuse and addiction treatment centers have well-trained professionals to guide you through the recovery process. They continually monitor your condition and are better equipped to identify and avert any developments that may interfere with your recovery. Also, they have vast experience in helping people like you overcome addiction; hence know just the right measures to put in place.
The other advantage of opting for https://www.myrecoverycorps.com/ is that you won’t feel isolated. You will be among people who are undergoing the same challenges as yours. And while the outside world may judge you, caregivers understand your situation and are genuinely committed to helping you out.
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism estimates that alcohol alone is responsible for over 261 deaths in the U.S. per day. So, whenever you notice any signs of substance abuse and addiction in you or a friend, seek help as soon as possible.
