
The Signs Addiction Treatment Is Needed
It’s important to have an understanding of addiction before beginning a drug rehab program. Addiction is a disease, according to organizations like The American Medical Association and the American Psychiatric Association. As a disease, substance abuse and addictive behaviors lead to significant alterations in the configuration of the brain and how it functions. The changes impact the brain areas involved with impulse control, decision-making, and the reward processing system. Over time, a person’s brain adapts to the presence of a substance, contributing to the compulsive nature of addiction.
Addiction is also characterized as a disease because genetic factors play a role in individual vulnerability, and it’s chronic. A chronic disease can’t be cured but can be managed and treated. The fact that addiction is chronic and can take a relapsing course is a characteristic shared with other medical conditions.
The signs and symptoms that someone may need professional addiction treatment include:
- A loss of control and inability to stop using substances despite repeated attempts.
- Intense cravings or a strong desire to use the substance.
- Developing a tolerance and needing increasing amounts of the substance to achieve desired effects.
- Experiencing physical or psychological withdrawal symptoms when the substance isn’t being used.
- Failing to meet responsibilities in various aspects of life because of substance use.
- Social isolation and withdrawal from friends and family, with reduced participation in social activities.
- Continuing to use substances even though there’s an awareness they have a negative impact.
- Losing interest in hobbies or other activities.
- Experiencing financial problems or legal issues related to substance use.
- Declining physical health.
- Denial of the problem.
Along with being a chronic disease, addiction can become progressively worse without treatment. With that in mind, whether you’re looking for Greenville addiction treatment for yourself or a loved one, the sooner, the better for beginning a program.