Content
You’re probably angry because you’ve had a tough day at work or a tough commute. That’s why your strongest cravings usually occur at the end of the day. But if you’re aware of them, you won’t get caught off guard, and you will have a chance to prepare yourself.
Yes, addiction is a treatable disorder. Research on the science of addiction and the treatment of substance use disorders has led to the development of research-based methods that help people to stop using drugs and resume productive lives, also known as being in recovery.
Over time, reward circuits regain sensitivity to respond to normal pleasures and to motivate pursuit of everyday activities. Areas of executive function regain capacity for impulse control, self-regulation, and decision-making. Because recovery involves growth, families need to learn and practice new patterns of interaction. During the initial stages of starting treatment, the primary goal is to reduce the occurrence of life-threatening medical events related to acute substance withdrawal. This process is called acute detoxification and is commonly referred to as the detox process. Detox can last several days to several weeks depending on many factors, including the substance(s) used, frequency of use, method of use, patient age, and other medical conditions that can impact the detox process.
The chronic nature of addiction means that for some people relapse, or a return to drug use after an attempt to stop, can be part of the process, but newer treatments are designed to help with relapse prevention. Relapse rates for drug use are similar to rates for other chronic medical illnesses. If people stop following their medical treatment plan, they are likely to relapse. Because of the possibility of relapse, you need ongoing treatment. Your healthcare provider should review your treatment plan with you and change it based on your changing needs.
In 2020, 17 million U.S. adults had a co-occurring mental health disorder and SUD. That is because the brain is plastic and changes in response to experience—the capacity that underlies all learning. In one set of studies looking at some measures of dopamine system function, activity returned to normal levels after 14 months of abstinence.
SUD exists on a spectrum and may be mild, moderate or severe. It typically involves an overpowering desire to use the substance, increased tolerance sober house to the substance and/or withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking the substance. It is possible to overcome shame—by driving right through it.
Abusing illegal or certain prescription drugs can create changes in the brain, causing powerful cravings and a compulsion to use that makes sobriety seem like an impossible goal. But recovery is never out of reach, no matter how hopeless your situation seems or how many times you’ve tried and failed before. With the right treatment and support, change is always possible. Behavioral therapies help people in drug addiction treatment modify their attitudes and behaviors related to drug use. As a result, patients are able to handle stressful situations and various triggers that might cause another relapse.