Addiction destroys lives. There is generally no compromise with it and many find that abstinence is the only way to recover. Knowing that it can destroy your life and health, it is logical for most people to want to quit. Usually the decision to quit comes when you realize that your addiction has gone beyond your control and is destroying what you value most in your life such as important relationships, their health, careers, and future.

Though you want to quit, it isn’t easy. It can’t happen overnight. The process of recovery can be a long journey, though it is worth it. Many begin their process with detox and/or an inpatient stay. This is an excellent place to start, though treatment ending there isn’t wise. Ongoing counseling is often recommended and part of a wellrounded treatment plan. 

Can Addictive Substances Alter Brain Chemistry? 

Addiction isn’t easy to overcome, but knowledge about how it affects the brain is improving treatment methods and prevention. For instance, it is now known that the effects of drugs on the brain are difficult to reverse because drugs can mimic the brain’s natural chemicals, neurotransmitters such as dopamine.

Dopamine functions in the regulation of certain brain processes, including “emotion, motivation, and feelings of pleasure. When activated at normal levels, this system rewards our natural behaviors. Overstimulating the system with drugs, however, produces euphoric effects, which strongly reinforce the behavior of drug use—teaching the user to repeat it.”

Certain addictive substances can flood this part of the brain, so that your brain’s reward system is modified. These changes can persist even after treatment; this is why relapse is a real concern. This reaction is part of the reason addiction is a chronic, long-term disease.

Addiction is a Chronic Medical Condition

Despite your best effort to stay sober, you may find yourself relapsing again and again. Relapse can weaken your resolve to quit drugs, alcohol, or other addictions. Discouraged, you can begin to feel hopeless and helpless. Addiction is a chronic medical condition and has nothing to do with being weak.

PsychCentral says, “Addiction affects the lives of people of all ages, ethnicities, cultures, religions, communities, and socioeconomic statuses.” In fact, most people in active addiction act in a way that is contrary to their principles, morals, and values.

Accepting that addiction is a medical condition and that relapse is part of the equation can reinforce your determination to seek help. Being a medical condition, it needs to be treated by a professional. So, do not “throw in the towel” or give up just yet. There is hope, addiction is treatable. 

Continuing Treatment for Better Outcomes

“Breaking a habit and making a change may not be easy.” To start living a clean life and keep it that way, it will be productive to seek a therapist who can continue to guide you through recovery. Recovery requires a great deal of work and change. Counseling can be considered a positive approach to adjustment issues.

Carolina Counseling Services in Sanford contracts with skilled, licensed therapists who can help you throughout your recovery. Begin your journey to the best version of you with CCS. Call now to get started!

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