Addiction is a disease.  Some substances are more naturally addictive, while others are more prone genetically to certain substances.  Some individuals may exhibit substance abuse but never become addicted, while others due to family tree genetics, may experience addiction very easily to certain substances.  It is important to always avoid dangerous substances but also be careful with legal substances that can become addictive.  This involves temperance but also knowing one’s family history with addiction.

The article, “Is Addiction Hereditary?” from Cleveland Clinic healthessentials takes a closer look at heredity and addiction.  The article states,

“The genetic connection to addiction comes through inherited levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter made in your brain. Think of dopamine as your brain’s reward center. Basically, it acts as a “feel-good” hormone. High levels of dopamine can fuel poor impulse control and tilt someone toward addictive behaviors.  “Now, that doesn’t mean that if you have the genes, or if you have family members that have struggled with addiction, that you’re going to develop an addiction”, explains Dr. Anand. “It just means you’re more prone to it.” In other words, genetics indicate a predisposition — not a destiny.”

To read the entire article, please click here

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 seeking a four year certification in Substance Abuse Counseling.

With opioids being cut off for many with pain issues, there is an upward climb towards the use of cannabis and alcohol. In fact, this trend has led to cannabis and alcohol becoming the top two treated addictions in the United States.  Individuals are turning to other ways to cope with pain, or even problems.  The availability of these drugs make it far easier to become closely connected to them. Please also review AIHCP’s Substance Abuse Counseling Certification

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.

Protecting one’s child and teen from drug abuse is a large concern in parenting.  Drug abuse can not only harm one’s child academically but also potentially lead to premature death.  With so many different type of substances and drugs available, parents need to educated and prepared to help their teens deal with the pressure and dangers of drugs.

The article, “10 tips to safeguard your teen against substance abuse” from High Way Mail lists ten things a parent can do to better protect teens.  The article states,

“Teens need structure to stay safe. Setting clear rules about drugs and alcohol can help. You can’t guarantee that your rules won’t be broken but research shows that teens who have clear rules, even if they’re broken, are less likely to get into serious trouble than teens who don’t.”

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.

Addiction plays out within the body and the mind and it can cause very distressing symptoms.  Fortunately, drug addiction can be treated once the person finally accepts the reality he or she is addicted and takes the steps to regain one’s life.  Understanding addiction is key for recovery.  Addiction counselors can help teach individuals what addiction is and how to better cope with it.  It is hence critical to have a complete understanding how addiction controls the body and negatively affects the brain and its functioing.

The article, “The Effects of Drug Addiction on the Brain and Body” by Laura Dorwart looks closer at how addiction affects the brain and body.  She states,

“If you’re experiencing drug addiction, you’re not alone. Drug addiction is common, but it’s also preventable and treatable. The earlier you seek help and inform yourself about the effects of drug addiction, the faster you can achieve long-term recovery.”

“The Effects of Drug Addiction on the Brain and Body”. Laura Dorwart. January 24th, 2022.  VeryWellHealth

Substance Abuse Counselors and other mental health care professionals can help.  To review the entire article, please click here

Commentary

Addiction can be defined as a pathological condition characterized by compulsive engagement in rewarding stimuli, despite adverse consequences. It is a state of profound psychological dependence on the substance or behaviour, and results from dysregulation of the mesolimbic reward pathway in the brain. The condition is characterized by habituation to certain behaviours or substances, leading to maladaptive patterns of consumption and a propensity to continue use despite associated negative outcomes.

Addiction and the Body

The effects of addiction on the body can be multifaceted and far-reaching. Physically, individuals who are addicted to substances may experience an array of deleterious physiological implications, such as changes in their autonomic nervous system, endocrine system, metabolism and immune function. Moreover, addiction can lead to a variety of cardiorespiratory conditions due to prolonged substance abuse. Additionally, addiction has been linked to various neurological impairments and psychological dysfunctions including depression and anxiety.  Studies have demonstrated that long-term use can cause structural and functional changes to various organ systems such as the cardiovascular system, the respiratory system, and the gastrointestinal system.

When one attempts to push away from a particular substance, withdraw can occur as well.  Addiction and withdrawal are phenomena involving the dysregulation of homeostatic systems in an organism resulting from an interplay between environmental stimuli and physiological states. Specifically, addiction is a maladaptive response to conditions in which an individual continues to engage in a behavior despite potential consequences, whereas withdrawal is the physical or psychological symptoms that occur when ceasing such behavior. The underlying mechanisms for these processes remain elusive, however proposed theories focus on potential neural pathways associated with the reward system and positive reinforcement.

Addiction and the Brain

Addiction is a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite adverse consequences. Neurobiological research suggests that addiction exerts its influence through alterations in the reward circuitry of the brain, which involves multiple neurotransmitters and reward pathways. These changes occur through a process of neuroadaptation whereby drug-induced stimulation of the reward system results in an increase in neuronal activity and synaptic plasticity.

Addiction impairs the functioning of different neural circuitry within the brain. It is characterized by an inability to control the use of drugs or other substances, despite the negative consequences associated with its use. Neurobiologically, addiction is thought to be caused by alterations in dopamine neurotransmission in reward pathways which may lead to a dysregulation of these systems and impairments in cognitive functioning.

Overcoming Addiction

The process of overcoming addiction is typified by the individual engaging in a series of cognitive, behavioral, and emotional interventions that are aimed at altering the maladaptive thought patterns and behaviors associated with their substance use. This includes developing healthier coping skills to manage cravings, triggers, and other environmental cues that may lead to relapse. With appropriate psychological support, individuals can learn to recognize and modify negative thought patterns that can underlie problematic substance use.

Once an individual begins to notice a trend, they can seek help to free themselves from the addictive process.  Usually this results in understanding the numerous negative effects of the particular addiction on one’s personal relationships, finances, and overall health.  No addiction can be overcome until one consciously chooses to make an effort to change and become better.  Those with better support groups and stronger coping abilities find better success in this endeavor.

Conclusion

In conclusion, addiction is a serious issue that affects millions of people worldwide. It can manifest itself in many forms and have dramatic impacts on the individual and those around them. While it may be difficult to break free from addiction, there are resources available to help those suffering. It is important to remember that addiction is a treatable condition with the right support and guidance. Every person battling addiction deserves understanding and compassion, as well as respect for their courage in addressing this difficult situation.

In addition, addiction has severe and long-lasting physical effects on the human body. This includes an altered brain chemistry, organ damage, and even changes in physical appearance. These effects can be counteracted by seeking professional help, abstaining from drugs or alcohol, and participating in healthy activities. Taking care of one’s physical health should be a priority when dealing with addiction. It is important to remember that recovery is possible and it starts by taking small steps towards a healthier lifestyle.

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 Training.  Through this training, qualified professionals can better be equipped to help individuals deal and cope with addiction.

Additional Resources

“Causes of Addiction”. Psychology Today Staff. Psychology Today.  Access here

“Understanding Drug Use and Addiction DrugFacts”. June 2018. National Institute on Drug Abuse.  Access here

“How Science Has Revolutionized the Understanding of Drug Addiction”. Nora Volkow, MD. July 2020. National Institute on Drug Abuse. Access here

“Understanding the Science of Addiction”. Richard Friedman, MD. April 20th, 2022. Weill Cornell Medicine. Access here

Many lead executives have an image to keep for leadership and the image of the company. They must present themselves professionally and be the face of the company.  It is because of this, many who need help with addiction avoid seeking help.  They try to keep up appearances while neglecting the importance of help with any type of addiction they may be facing.

The article, “What Discourages Addicted Executives From Seeking Help?” by Arnold Washton looks closer at why executives do not seek the help they need.  He states,

“Contrary to common stereotypes, high-functioning executives and professionals – including physicians, attorneys, corporate executives, and others – are just as prone to developing serious alcohol and drug problems as people in many other socioeconomic groups and life circumstances. However, one important difference is that executives and professionals are frequently better able to keep their addiction hidden from view because they have the resources needed to maintain a high level of functioning or at least the outward appearance of doing so that camouflages the chaos in their personal lives.”

To read the entire article, please click here

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

Seeing a loved one suffer through addiction can be painful.  It is important to know how to help a loved one though addiction and find the help one needs.  One needs to show patience but also sternness in helping someone re-find their way after addiction.  It can be a slow and painful process but love can find a way to ensure a good ending.

The article, “How to Help Someone You Loves Who Struggles With Addiction—5 Expert Tips” by Laura Hilgers looks at how someone can help another person through addiction.  She states,

“There’s a common misconception that once someone completes a 28-day rehab program, they’re cured. But according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, most people need at least90 days of residential or outpatient treatment for a positive outcome. If your loved one suffers from opioid use disorder, they’ll probably also need medication-assisted treatment (MAT). The drugs used in MAT—such as buprenorphine, methadone, or naltrexone—help manage cravings and withdrawal. “They do not substitute one addiction for another,” says Dr. Roy. “They are evidence-based, lifesaving medicines.”

To read the entire article, please click here

Addiction is not a choice but a disease.  To help someone through it, it takes dedication, patience and love.  It is something that never goes away but needs to vigilantly guarded against.

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 seeking a four year certification in Substance Abuse Counseling.

Alcohol is thought of a way to relax and unwind.  The reality though is can also cause afterwards and the day after anxiety.  It can negatively affect the brains neurotransmitters and cause an imbalance as the body tries to reset.  This can cause minor to severe anxiety as re-balance is restored.

The article, “Alcohol and Anxiety” from Healthline looks closer at the issues of drinking and anxiety.  The article states,

“When dealing with stressful days or nervous situations, you may be tempted to have a glass of wine or a beer to calm your nerves. However, drinking alcohol, especially heavily and over a long period of time, can actually increase your anxiety.  Drinking alcohol can have serious consequences if you’re being treated for anxiety. Having a drink might seem like a good way to ease anxiety, but you may be doing more harm than good.”

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.