Addiction: How Does Drug And Alcohol Addiction Occur?

We all know drug and alcohol addiction occurs. We also know some people can use and not get addicted. We all know that they are both injurious to our health. Then why is it that the addiction to drugs and alcohol is increasing everyday? Why do people still destroy their lives and family? Is drug and alcohol addiction a matter of will power, choice or is it a disease?

Let’s examine these questions in detail.

First it’s important to understand the cycle of addiction. When a person takes things like alcohol or drugs, these
substances alter the chemical composition of the brain. The drug or the alcohol induces the brain to release endorphins or the pleasure causing substances. As a result the person loses all his inhibitions and feels “high”. The process of addiction is a sine wave phenomenon with sharp peaks and troughs. Once the “high” wears off, the person starts to feel low and depressed. He starts craving for the next fix since his body demands it. He becomes focused on just one thing and that is getting high again. He spends all his energy in getting the drug or the alcohol and nothing else matters.

In other words addiction is not a behaviour issue, In fact it is a disease. Will power may be important in refusing
the drug or the alcohol initially, however once the person is addicted then it does not remain only their will anymore, instead it actually becomes a conditioned reflex.

Who are at risk for addiction? Almost everyone is at a risk; however some people are at a greater risk of
addiction than the others. A lot of factors come into play as far as addiction is concerned:

1. Genetics: When drug or substance abuse runs in the family, then there is a greater chance of the person
getting addicted since the chemically altered nature of the brain may be hereditary.

2. Low self-esteem: low self esteem or depression tendency may also lead to addiction. The reason for this is quite
simple. People who have low self-esteem or self-confidence are constantly looking for ways to make them feel better. Drugs/alcohol gives them that high, which makes them feel that they are better than anyone else.

3. Emotional factors: People who crave for love or children whose parents are unable to provide them with unconditional love are also at a high risk for addiction. Such children want to be needed and loved, which they do not find at home and hence seek in peers. Most of the times, just to please their friends, they get into drugs or alcohol and oft time develops an addiction.

Addiction is a disease that ruins a capable and intelligent human being. This disease needs treatment like all the
other diseases. The catch in this situation is that the patient is unaware of his problem and may even deny it.
Hence it’s important to treat the patient with love and understanding. With the right treatment addiction to drugs
and alcohol can be cured and the persons’ life put back in order.

About the Author:

The author, Bill Urell MA.CAAP-II, is an addictions therapist at a leading drug rehab. He teaches
healthy life styles and life skills. Visit: http://AddictionRecoveryBasics.com