Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center in West Richland
Addiction is a chronic condition that involves obsessive drug use and seeking, despite the adverse effects on one's physical health. It can be hard to control addiction. Most people choose to use drugs voluntarily. However, long-term drug abuse can cause brain changes that make it more difficult to control their behavior and reduce their ability to resist the urge to use. These brain alterations can last for years and are known as "relapsing" diseases. People who have recovered from drug addiction have a greater chance of relapsing even after having not used drugs for a while.
Relapses are not unusual. However, it does not mean that therapy failed. The treatment for chronic conditions should continue and be modified based on the patient's reaction. The same applies to other chronic diseases. It is important to regularly review treatment plans and adjust them to keep up with changing patient needs.
What changes does a person's brain experience when they use drugs?
Most drugs affect the "reward circuit" of the brain. This results in pleasure and floods the brain's chemical messenger dopamine. A functioning reward system encourages people to do the things that are necessary to thrive, such as eating well and spending time with their loved ones. Dopamine surges in the reward circuit can cause people to reinforce harmful but enjoyable behaviours, such as drug abuse. This encourages people to continue engaging in the activity.