Addiction has become one of the most pressing issues in modern society, as more people are exposed to substances such as alcohol, drugs, and nicotine. It’s estimated that one in seven individuals in the United States will experience an addiction in their lifetime. While addiction is complex, having a basic understanding of the concepts behind the disorder is vital for those who are suffering from addiction, as well as for those who may be affected by someone else’s substance abuse.
The biological components of addiction involve an individual’s neurochemistry. When a person ingests substances such as drugs or alcohol, they are introduced into the body. Because drugs and alcohol are foreign substances, they can affect the body’s neurotransmitters (brain chemicals) than function to shape how we feel and think. When a person becomes addicted to a substance, their brain chemistry begins to work differently. This alteration is referred to as “neuroadaptation,” and over time, it can lead to physical and psychological dependence on the substance.
One of the key psychological processes involved in addiction is the cycle of craving, using the substance, and pleasure. Substance abusers begin the cycle when they experience a craving for the pleasure associated with using the substance. In response to an urge or craving, the substance abuser will return to the source of the pleasure—the drug or alcohol—and will consume it. This creates a cycle of dependence and addiction as more and more of the substance is used, and the pleasure it brings becomes increasingly necessary to function throughout the day.
Another important concept in addiction is the idea of tolerance. When an individual’s body develops a tolerance to the substance they are addicted to, it requires more of the substance in order to produce the same feelings of pleasure. This means that addiction can be particularly harmful as the individual’s consumption increases over time, leading to greater levels of addiction.
Withdrawal is another concept often associated with addiction. Withdrawal symptoms can occur when the individual stops taking a substance, and can include physical ailments such as nausea, shakes, and sleeplessness, as well as depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. In extreme cases, withdrawal symptoms can be life-threatening.
The final major concept related to addiction is relapse. Relapse refers to the return to substance abuse after a period of abstinence. Often times, substance abusers find themselves relapsing as the cycle of craving, pleasure, and using perpetuates itself and becomes harder to overcome.
Addiction is a complicated disorder, and it takes more than just basic knowledge to fully understand it. However, having a strong base understanding of the concepts involved in substance abuse can help those in recovery and their families spot warning signs, work through their addictions, and strive towards recovery. By gaining more familiarity with addiction, it’s possible to reach a place of health and understanding.