Addiction: A Real Disease with Effective Treatments

By Amanda von Horn, Medical Student

Reviewed by Claudia L. Reardon, M.D.

For September's National Recovery Month, let's discuss recovery from alcohol / drug addiction. Odds are that you or someone you know has struggled with addiction, whether it be alcohol, street drugs, or prescription medications. Unfortunately, many believe that those who struggle with addiction are simply weak, lacking morals, or don’t have the desire or will-power to stop using. The fact is that addiction is a chronic brain disease with real physical and psychological symptoms. People may voluntarily use drugs or alcohol initially, but the drugs themselves can change the brain and make it extremely difficult to stop using, even if they have a strong desire to quit. 

This post answers some commonly asked questions about the disease of addiction. Hopefully you will share the information so others understand that with treatment and support, people do recover.

What actually is addiction?

Addiction is a long-term, often relapsing brain disease that results in repetitive and compulsive substance use despite harmful effects or consequences. 

 

Why is it so hard to stop using drugs/alcohol?

With long-term drug/alcohol use, there are significant changes in the “reward” pathways of the brain. These changes can result in needing more and more drugs just to feel normal. Stopping the drug often causes withdrawal, with symptoms such as intense nausea/vomiting, fevers and chills, horrible depression and/or anxiety, and in some cases even life-threatening seizures. 

Why does addiction affect some people more than others?

Addiction can be caused by many factors, and it is hard to predict individuals who are more vulnerable to the disease. A person’s biology and genetics can play a big role; for example, if a parent abuses drugs/alcohol, the child has a higher chance of having the same problem than does a child of parents who don’t use. 

I am struggling with addiction. What kind of treatment is available?

No one treatment is appropriate for everyone. Effective treatment often involves a combination of medication, counseling, behavioral therapy, and 12-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. In many cases, a person may need hospitalization to treat the physical symptoms of withdrawal in the early stages of recovery. 

The recovery plan must address not only the patient’s addiction but all aspects of his or her life in order for treatment to be effective long-term. Since relapse is often a part of the recovery process, it is important to identify “triggers” (people, places, or things that set off an alcohol or drug craving for someone in recovery) and how to cope with these triggers without the use of alcohol or drugs. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, please consult a physician for evaluation. Recovery is possible, and there is no better time to ask for help than now.

For more information on addiction, visit http://psychiatry.org/addiction. 

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Live Longer by Making Mental Wellness Your Mission

By Felicia Wong, M.D.

September is National Recovery Month and SAMHSA's National Wellness Week (Sept. 17-23), a time to remind us why "wellness" is so important to our overall health. Did you know, people with mental and substance use disorders die decades earlier than the general population, mostly due to preventable medical conditions?

Each day, we face all sorts of demands and drama which can lead to insomnia, lack of concentration, problems in our relationships, and other mental health issues. In a past blog post, I identified coping tools for dealing with stress and boosting your overall well-being. Here are "Top 8 Tips for Mental Wellness." I hope you will take another look and share with your loved ones this week. 

1) Help Others. People who consistently help others experience less depression, greater calm, and fewer pains.

2) Take Care of Your Spirit. People who have strong spiritual lives may be healthier and live longer. Spirituality seems to cut the stress that can contribute to disease.

3) Stay Positive. Positive emotions can boost your ability to bounce back from stress.

4) Get Physically Active. Exercise can help relieve insomnia and reduce depression.

5) Get Enough Sleep. Not getting enough rest increases risks of weight gain, accidents, reduced memory, and heart problems.

6) Eat Well. Eating healthy food and regular meals can increase your energy, lower the risk of developing certain diseases, and influence your mood.

7) Deal Better with Hard Times. People who can tackle problems or get support in a tough situation tend to feel less depressed.

8) Get Professional Help if You Need It. More than 80 percent of people who are treated for depression improve.

Which tips on this list are missing in your life? Today is the perfect time to take action! Your wellness matters. 

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