Drug and alcohol addiction can seem like a hopeless battle for addicts. However, there are new programs that have shown new promises of hope and recovery. Changes in how addiction is treated were necessary to address the biological factors through scientific approaches. Reviewing the basics of the principles shows addicts what to expect from the programs.
Avoiding the Blame Game
Using scientific approaches to treat drug addiction helps the addict according to the biological changes in their bodies and how the addiction has altered their bodies. The healing process starts with finding the source of the addiction and not shifting the blame onto the addict. The blame game used in some religion-based programs condemns the addict for their illness. This approach has proven to fail and drive addicts to start using drugs again. Scientific approaches to treating a drug addiction do not assign blame, but the programs biology instead of guilt. Guilt and shame do not benefit the addict or their family.
Understanding the Biological Responses to Addiction
Understanding the biological responses to addiction shows that when the addict uses their drug of choice the brain releases a larger dose of dopamine into the system. As the individual continues to use the controlled substance, they reach a plateau that prevents them from getting the same pleasure from this level of dopamine. In turn, the higher level of dopamine causes biological changes to the brain, and the addict uses more of the controlled substance to increase their dopamine levels. It becomes a vicious circle for the addict in that the effects of the higher dopamine levels don’t last long and require the addict to continue using the drug. When the addict stops using the drug, the body experiences immense pain because of the sudden decrease in dopamine levels. On the path to addiction recovery, the addict must start through the detoxification process to eliminate the controlled substance from their body.
Undergoing a Transformation and Improving Your Life
Undergoing a transformation requires the addict to overcome the biological effects of the addiction. It is necessary for the counselors to help the addict address the cause of their addiction first. The treatment program must also address the biological effects of the addiction and find a way to correct the biological need to use and abuse controlled substances. To improve their lives, the addicts must discover new coping mechanisms and no longer depend on the sudden increase in dopamine levels.
On their path to recovery, the addict finds a new purpose for their lives and improves themselves. Finding the source of their unhappiness helps the addict to choose new life changes that allow them to achieve more positive goals. Understanding how to forge a new path without controlled substances gives the addict a whole new life.
Drug and alcohol addiction is based on biological factors that drive the need to use controlled substances. It is a disease that requires professional treatment through a rehabilitation center. Individuals who are suffering from drug or alcohol addiction contact a treatment counselor right now.
