Drug addiction substance use disorder Symptoms and causes

Because addiction can affect so many aspects of a person’s life, treatment should address the needs of the whole person to be successful. Counselors may select from a menu of services that meet the specific medical, mental, social, occupational, family, and legal needs of their patients to help in their recovery. Medications are also available to help treat addiction to alcohol and nicotine. Like treatment for other chronic diseases such as heart disease or asthma, addiction treatment is not a cure, but a way of managing the condition. Treatment enables people to counteract addiction’s disruptive effects on their brain and behavior and regain control of their lives.

Changes in the brain

  • NIDA is a biomedical research organization and does not provide personalized medical advice, treatment, counseling, or legal consultation.
  • Methamphetamine addiction is primarily caused by repeated use of the drug, leading to changes in brain chemistry that drive compulsive use.
  • While no specific medication is yet approved for meth addiction, medications like Bupropion and Naltrexone have shown promise in reducing cravings and improving recovery rates.
  • Meth addiction is a serious condition that can have devastating consequences.

Depending on how a person uses it, it may keep someone awake and alert for many hours. Pseudoephedrine, an marijuana addiction ingredient in over-the-counter cold medicines, is usually the main ingredient used in illicit methamphetamine. However, meth can contain other ingredients, including solvents, gasoline, starter fluid, acids, rubbing alcohol, metals, and salts, making it extremely dangerous to digest. Application of CBT in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) communitie consistently showed positive results. Thus, CBT either alone or combined with CM reduced METH use, cravings or relapse during treatment in this population 74, 92.

meth dependence

What is the most effective treatment for meth addiction?

Treatment approaches tailored to each patient’s drug use patterns and any co-occurring medical, mental, and social problems can lead to continued recovery. Inpatient treatment is always the best option for addicts, especially long-term users who will have more severe withdrawal symptoms. Inpatient treatment allows for close medical oversight, in a safe environment that can prevent triggers, and relapse from occurring. Alongside inpatient treatment, patients can also be involved in therapy programs to help address the underlying causes of their addiction, such problems with their mental health. The withdrawal symptoms of meth addiction are anxiety, intense cravings, irritability, and muscle aches. Withdrawal occurs because meth alters the brain’s dopamine production, leaving users unable to experience normal pleasure or function without the drug.

Mental Health Complications Due to Meth Use

meth dependence

During this period, the body is deprived of the dopamine that meth was previously supplying and causes extreme exhaustion. A crash can last anywhere from 1 to 3 days and is characterized by long periods of sleep, intense drug cravings, and depression. This crawling feeling is due to an increased body temperature, leading to sweating and oily skin, combined with the fact that the body is dehydrated. Some of these effects will naturally subside on their own within a few hours while others could take days or more to go away even after the last dose of crystal meth was administered. One of the largest and fastest growing epidemics in the nation that is crippling Americans at an alarmingly fast rate is crystal meth addiction. It is estimated that more than 1.5 million people are addicted to crystal meth in the United States alone, and this number seems to be growing.

According to Courtney KE et al., 2014, developing effective pharmacological treatments for methamphetamine addiction remains an important area of focus. Yes, you can die from long-term addiction to meth due to severe health complications and overdose risks. Meth use damages the heart, leading to cardiac arrest and other cardiovascular problems. It also causes neurological issues, such as seizures and permanent cognitive decline, which increase https://candramaquinaria.com/alcohol-night-sweats-understanding-alcohol-2/ the likelihood of fatal complications. Social impacts further isolate individuals struggling with methamphetamine addiction.

  • Cannabinoid CB1 receptors modulate the dopamine-releasing effects of drugs of abuse and are involved in relapse to drug seeking for many addictive drugs 130.
  • Meth is more dangerous than other stimulants because a larger percentage of the drug remains unchanged in the body and stays present in the brain longer.
  • Tweaking from meth can also cause people to experience hallucinations and become prone to violent behavior.

Medical Detox

An interim analysis showed that aripiprazole-treated subjects had significantly more amphetamine-positive urines than those meth dependence treated with placebo 67. As with most other chronic diseases, such as diabetes, asthma, or heart disease, treatment for drug addiction generally isn’t a cure. People who are recovering from an addiction will be at risk for relapse for years and possibly for their whole lives. Research shows that combining addiction treatment medicines with behavioral therapy ensures the best chance of success for most patients.

Behavioral Signs and Symptoms of Meth Addiction

Monoamine transporter ligands have been tested for their inhibition of monoamine uptake. Both types of medications, agonists and uptake blockers, increase monoaminergic neurotransmission. Some medications tested in clinical trials had dual actions, e.g., as monoamine stimulators and antidepressants. They included medications targeting opioid, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) or the cholinergic system. As aforementioned, the glutamatergic system plays a key role in MUD; consequently, several glutamatergic ligands have been evaluated for their efficacy to treat MUD as well.

Dispelling 7 Common Myths About Addiction Recovery

This is why addiction is so difficult to manage without proper treatment and support. It’s important to recognize that setbacks are a natural part of the recovery process and do not negate the progress an individual has made. Embracing flexibility, patience, and perseverance can help individuals navigate the challenges of recovery and maintain their commitment to sobriety. Although this is the case, some people do not accept the need for treatment until a “rock bottom” scenario occurs. But this is far from being the case for everyone who struggles with an addiction.

Early intervention and benefits of treatment

However, research shows that professional treatment can significantly improve outcomes for people struggling with substance use disorder. The key is finding the right program that addresses individual needs and provides comprehensive support. When it comes to drug addiction, people often think of substances like heroin or methamphetamine. But addiction doesn’t only stem from illegal drugs; prescription medications, alcohol, and even some over-the-counter drugs can lead to dependency. Additionally, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) reported that 22.35 million Americans aged 18 or older are in recovery from alcohol or drug addiction.

Common Myths About Addiction Recovery Debunked

myths about addiction and recovery

It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers. There are numerous misconceptions surrounding addiction and its treatment, https://casablancabarbershop.ca/2021/01/14/how-alcohol-abuse-affects-your-appearance/ which can deter individuals from seeking the help they need. Here, we aim to clarify and debunk seven prevalent myths about addiction recovery.

How to Support and Educate Others About Addiction

Joining them in activities like hiking, cooking, or volunteering keeps them engaged in positive habits. Removing alcohol or drugs from the home creates a safer environment. For many people, sober living homes can be a game-changer in early recovery. These structured living environments provide a safe, supportive space to navigate the challenges of early sobriety, while also offering accountability, community, and life skills training. By living in a sober home, individuals can build a strong myths about addiction foundation for long-term recovery and gradually transition back into independent living.

The Importance of Developing Emotional Balance in Sobriety

So, it is important to address these issues and give support to people with addiction. Addiction is a complex disease needing understanding, compassion, and a comprehensive approach. Acknowledging the limits of willpower and seeking support can help individuals conquer addiction and achieve long-term recovery. Addiction is a complex issue influenced by multiple factors – it’s not a mere choice.

myths about addiction and recovery

Many treatment centers offer aftercare programs with relapse prevention strategies. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, seeking help and support is crucial. Recovery is a challenging journey, but with the right resources and support, anyone can achieve lasting Sober living house recovery and a fulfilling life free from addiction. Recovery involves healing on multiple levels, including physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. Addressing co-occurring mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, is essential for long-term success.

  • Relapse doesn’t mean failure—it’s actually a normal part of recovery for many people.
  • Creating a safe space for open conversations helps reduce stigma.
  • This might mean talking to a sponsor, going to a meeting, or seeking professional help from a therapist or addiction specialist.
  • The “rock bottom” concept isn’t a medical term and doesn’t apply to other medical issues such as cancer or diabetes, so it should never be in the conversation when encouraging recovery.
  • Understanding relapse and changing treatment is important for better outcomes.

myths about addiction and recovery

For those struggling, knowing that loved ones understand and care can be the first step toward healing. Instead, you’ll need to constantly work towards your goal, which might involve therapy, support groups, aftercare, and lifestyle shifts. That’s why professional support isn’t just helpful—it’s often essential.

  • It might be seen as a moral failing or a sign of weakness, rather than a disease.
  • By acknowledging that addiction recovery is a complex and sometimes unpredictable journey, we can better support those in recovery and celebrate their progress, even when faced with setbacks.
  • Addiction isn’t a choice, but a result of genetics, environment, and mental health.
  • Another misconception is that quitting substances is simply about willpower, but neurochemical changes in the brain make it very difficult to control cravings without professional help.

This misconception leads many to believe that individuals suffering from addiction simply choose not to stop using substances. However, addiction is a complex disease that affects brain function and behavior. It alters the brain’s reward system, making it increasingly difficult for individuals to control their impulses, even when faced with negative consequences. One of the most harmful myths about addiction is that people can simply “quit” with sheer willpower. Substance use disorder is a complex condition that affects brain chemistry and behavior.

Supportive family and friends play a crucial role in recovery for most people in treatment programs. The goal is to find a balance between offering support and avoiding enabling destructive behaviors. These statistics demonstrate that recovery is not only possible but is a reality for millions of people who have overcome addiction. Rather than viewing relapse as a failure, it’s important to recognize it as an opportunity to reevaluate and adjust one’s recovery plan.

These changes primarily occur in the brain’s reward pathway, which is responsible for experiencing pleasure and reinforcing behaviors. Another misconception is that quitting substances is simply about willpower, but neurochemical changes in the brain make it very difficult to control cravings without professional help. Through Sheppard Pratt’s outpatient addiction services, people dealing with alcohol, drug addiction, and substance use will find compassionate, individualized care. Recognizing these facts about addiction recovery fosters a more compassionate approach, both for those experiencing it and their support networks.