addiction

The Nature of Addiction and Substance Abuse

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Addiction can be social but in most cases it is genetic.  Addition in the brain compels an individual to become physically dependent upon the substance.  This is by far a stronger addiction than social and peer influences.  The individual actually becomes addicted in the brain to the new substance.  It is hard to say who or who will not become addicted to a particular drug, based on the chemical makeup of the drug itself and also the genetic makeup of the individual.  This is why it is critical to avoid addicting substances.  Please also review AIHCP’s Substance Abuse Practitioner Program if you wish to help others face addiction.

The process of addiction starts in the brain. Please also review AIHCP’s Substance Abuse Practitioner Program and see if it meets your professional goals

 

The article, “The Science of Drug Use: How Substance Use Can Lead to Addiction” by Simbiat Bakare looks closer at the process of addiction within the brain and its neuro transmitters.  He states,

“Substances like marijuana, heroin, amphetamine, and cocaine tap into the brain system, causing the neurons to release large amounts of natural neurotransmitters which are chemical brain messengers that amplify a user’s craving for hard drugs. With drug users indulging their cravings, the brain adapts to the surge in dopamine and other neurotransmitters by reducing the number of receptors, thus making the user take a higher dosage of drugs to get the desired euphoria.”

“The Science of Drug Use: How Substance Use Can Lead to Addiction”. Simbiat Bakare. June 15th, 2022. NET.

To read the entire article, please click here

Commentary

Addiction is a state of compulsive engagement in rewarding stimuli, despite adverse consequences. It is a brain disorder characterized by compulsive engagement in activities that are intrinsically rewarding (e.g., eating, sex, gambling) and/or by compulsive engagement in activities that are extrinsically rewarding (e.g., working, caring for others). The former group of activities is typically referred to as natural rewards, while the latter group is typically referred to as conditioned rewards.  Addiction is a complex condition that is characterized by compulsive drug-seeking behavior and continued use despite harmful consequences. Addiction is caused by a variety of factors, including genetic predisposition, social environment, and psychological factors.  The initial decision to take drugs is voluntary for most people, but repeated drug use can lead to brain changes that challenge an addicted person’s self-control and interfere with their ability to resist intense urges to take drugs.

Substance Abuse

Substance abuse is a term used to describe the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs. The term encompasses a range of activities, from binge drinking and occasional drug use to addiction and dependence. Substance abuse is a serious public health problem. It is estimated that one in four adults in the United States has engaged in some form of substance abuse at some point in their lives.

Substance abuse is the overindulgence in or dependence on a psychoactive substance, especially alcohol or drugs. Though often associated with illegal drugs, alcohol and prescription medication can be just as addictive and damaging. Addiction is a chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences. Drugs change the brain in ways that make quitting hard, even for those who want to.

Addiction and the Brain

The brain’s job is to constantly receive information from the body and decide what to do with it. The brain also has to keep track of what is going on around us in our environment.
Addiction occurs when drugs or alcohol change the way the brain works.  There is a growing body of evidence that suggests that addiction is, at least in part, a brain disease. This is because addiction appears to change the structure and function of the brain, which then leads to changes in behavior. These changes in the brain can be long-lasting and can lead to the harmful behaviors seen in people with addiction.

The behaviors that stem from brain issues due to addiction cause an individual to feel a sense of compulsion or obsession with a particular activity. These behaviors can be harmful to the individual’s health and well-being, but they may continue to engage in them despite the negative consequences. There are many different types of addictive behaviors, but some common ones include substance abuse, gambling, sex, and shopping.

Conclusion

In conclusion, addiction is a serious problem that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a complex disease that changes the brain in ways that make it difficult for people to control their impulses and make healthy choices. While there is no easy solution, treatment can help people recover from addiction and lead fulfilling lives.

Addiction and recovery are difficult topics to discuss. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to addiction, and recovery is a lifelong process. However, there is hope for those struggling with addiction, and many resources available to help them on their journey to recovery. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, please reach out for help.

Please also review AIHCP’s Substance Abuse Practitioner Program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.  The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Substance Abuse Counseling.   Those who become certified can offer aid to those affected by addiction.  Many certified members work in lower tier positions under the guidance of a licensed professional at addiction clinics or addiction services.  Licensed social workers and licensed counselors benefit from earning a certification to enhance their resume and practice in helping others deal with the dangers of addiction.

 

Additional Resources

“Neurocircuitry of Addiction”.George F Koob & Nora D Volkow. Neuropsychopharmacology volume 35, pages217–238 (2010).  Access here

“What is addiction?”. Harvard Health Blog.  September 12th, 2021. Harvard Health Publishing. Access here

“What is addiction?”. Alyssa Peckham. June 3rd, 2021. MedicalNewsToday.  Access here

“What Is Addiction?”. Psychology Today Staff. Psychology Today. Access here

“What causes addiction?”. Adam Felman.  November 2nd, 2018. MedicalNewsToday. Access here

“Biology of Addiction”. October 2015. News In Health.  Access here

Substance Abuse Counseling Blog on the Nature of Addiction

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

The science of addiction looks at how one goes from non use to habit to addiction.   Addiction can be in many forms to multiple things from drugs and substances to even actions and various activities.   It is important to never let one thing dominate one’s life and to always remain balanced and moderate in all actions.

The nature of addiction has multiple causes for different people. Please also review AIHCP’s Substance Abuse Counseling Certification

 

The article, “Why do we become addicted to things? Recognizing the top 10 most common addictions” by Dawn Jorgenson looks at the tops types of addiction and the addiction process.  She states,

“As many people can probably guess, most of us aren’t born with an addiction, so how do people become addicted to something, anyway?  The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration says it happens gradually, but it always begins with experimentation. Experts say that when broken down, addiction is a mental disorder — a compulsive engagement with something that makes a person feel rewarded or happy, despite the fact that the experience can bring unfavorable consequences.”

To read the entire article, please click here

Please also review AIHCP’s Substance Abuse Counseling Certification and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.  The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Substance Abuse Counseling.

Substance Abuse Counseling Certification Article on the Nature of Addiction

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Addiction is a disease that can affect a person’s behavior and also cause physical problems.  How to identify addictive behaviors and addiction itself is important in living a healthy life.  Please also review AIHCP’s Substance Abuse Counseling Program to learn more about addiction and how it affects individuals.

 

Addiction can steal one’s life
Please also review AIHCP’s Substance Abuse Counseling Certification and see if it meets your professional and academic goals and needs

 

The article, “Signs of Addiction Denial” by Geralyn Drexter reviews the nature of addiction and the issues that go with it.  She states,

“Addiction is a brain disease characterized by compulsive behaviors that continue despite harmful or negative consequences.1 Usually, people envision drug or alcohol use when they think about addiction. However, addiction can include a variety of behaviors, including substance use, gambling, and sexual fantasies, urges, and actions.  People living with addictions may deny their behavior. This article explores the signs of addiction denial and when to seek help.”

To read the entire article, please click here

Please again also review AIHCP’s Substance Abuse Counseling Certification and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.  The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification

 

Substance Abuse Counseling Certification Article on Types of Addiction

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Addiction is something that is more than just chemical but it can also be behavioral.  It is an urge inside that pushes one to do certain things that are not beneficial in excess.  It distorts something and turns it into something negative for one’s life.   Addiction can come in forms of drugs to certain behaviors.

Addiction can trap one in many different ways. Please also review AIHCP’s Substance Abuse Counseling Certification

 

The article, “Understanding the Different Types of Addiction, From Chemical to Behavioral” by Sara Lindberg takes a closer look how addiction works.  She states,

“Addiction can take shape in two ways: overusing or misusing substances or excessively engaging in behaviors despite the negative consequences either results in. These two types of addiction are typically recognized as chemical or behavioral.”

To read the entire article, please click here

Addiction can be difficult to overcome.  Sometimes it takes counseling and in other cases, it takes drastic measures to remove oneself from a certain type of drug, crowd or activity.

Please also review AIHCP’s Substance Abuse Counseling Certification and see if it matches your academic and professional goals.  The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals looking for a four year certification in Substance Abuse Counseling.

 

Substance Abuse Counseling Certification Program on Women and Addiction

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Addiction afflicts millions of Americans.  Addiction can be substance or habit but it ultimately leads to a behavior that no longer leaves the person in control but in need of in order to properly function.   Addiction affects any age and any gender without bias.  Women however are affected by addiction in different ways.  It is important to understand gender differences in addiction in Substance Abuse Counseling.

Women are affected by addiction and experience and react to it differently then men. Please also review AIHCP’s Substance Abuse Counseling Certification

 

The article, “Why Women Experience Addiction Differently” by Devon Frye looks at how addiction affects women differently and why.  She states,

“Research and anecdotal evidence have identified at least three paths to addiction that may be more prevalent among women than men. The first and most troubling involves past or ongoing trauma.  In the treatment center where I work, we find that around 75 percent of our women patients have had at least one traumatic event in the past that may be contributing to their addiction. Among men, both at our center and nationally, the incidence of trauma is also high, but it looks to be more like 50 percent.”

To read the entire article, please click here

Please also review AIHCP’s Substance Abuse Counseling Program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.  The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Substance Abuse Counseling.

 

Substance Abuse Counseling Certification Article on Discussing Addiction with Teens

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

With peer pressure and fast developing minds, kids and teens can make poor choices.  Even the best raised teen with faith and family can give in to the temptation from time to time.  How parents teach their children about drugs and addiction varies but it is nevertheless an important conversation.

It is important to teach teens about the dangers of addiction. Please also review AIHCP’s Substance Abuse Counseling Certification

 

The article, “How to talk about alcohol and drugs with kids of all ages” by Elissa Strauss looks at how parents can help their children be better prepared to deal with drugs and alcohol.  The article states,

“The adolescent brain is in this process of developing and becoming, and it is not finished cooking until young people are in their early or mid-20s. Adolescents aren’t wired for addiction, but they are wired to take risks. Their baseline levels of dopamine (a type of neurotransmitter associated with pleasure) are lower than they are for children or for grown-ups. Drugs and alcohol became a route to novelty and risk — to feel something.”

To read the entire article, please click here

Risk and dangerous choices can manifest into drugs, which later lead to addiction.

Please also review AIHCP’s Substance Abuse Counseling Certification and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.  The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Substance Abuse Counseling.

Hypnotherapy Program Article on Smoking and Hypnosis

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Hypnosis can help the subconscious mind find inner healing for the body.  It can re channel brain pathways to help the brain suppress bad behaviors.  It can help the intuitive right side of the brain find peace and affect the left side of the brain to make better decisions. It is through this rewiring and the plasticity of the brain that the body can eliminate bad habits.  One example is smoking.

Hypnosis can help the brain rewire itself against smoking addiction. Please also review AIHCP’s Hypnotherapy Program

 

The article, “Can Hypnosis Get Me to Quit Smoking?” from Healthline looks at what hypnosis is and how it can better retrain the mind and brain to deal with bad habits.  The article states,

“It’s no wonder why so many people want to quit smoking. A 2019 research review Trusted Source showed that it’s the top cause of preventable illness and death in the world. Stopping can improve your health, but for many people, quitting is a huge challenge. There are many methods and products for quitting smoking. One that gets a fair amount of attention is hypnosis. Some people credit hypnosis with helping them quit”

To read the entire article, please click here

Addiction and bad habits can be difficult to beat.  Using hypnosis and imagery in a meditative stance can help one find solutions and new ways of processing cravings and reactions to those cravings.  Hypnosis helps one find that state.

Please also review AIHCP’s Hypnotherapy Program as well as AIHCP’s Substance Abuse Counseling Programs.  The programs are online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking four year certifications in Hypnotherapy or Addiction Counseling Training.

 

Problems of Addiction

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Substance Abuse and Addiction

The struggle with addiction is an uphill battle. Asking for help is not always easy because getting the help you need is often overwhelming. A substance abuse counselor will talk with you, so you won’t feel like you’re all alone. They will ask questions and find out what causes your addiction. The problems of addiction are the withdraws, the dependence and the strain it puts on your life. Locating the root cause of your addiction is necessary for long-term recovery. Treatment facilities are also available, and the staff is on call to help you every step of the way. Once you are abstinent from the substance, they will teach you how to stay sober. The substance abuse counselor will explain what behavior you should avoid. You may need to undergo radical changes in past behaviors and/or associations with friends. The recovery will take some effort on your part, but you will be happy you stuck with the program. There are other substance abuse patients who can relate what you are going through, and they can provide moral support.

If you know anyone reaching out for support with their addictions then you should find a way to get them the help they need.  Many communities and churches have support groups like AA and other guided groups to show people that they do not need to have their lives ruined by substance abuse.    For more information on becoming a substance abuse counselor please check out our site.
Bruce Gideon