Without any knowledge or understanding of drug abuse and addiction, many people automatically label it as a social problem.  Those that suffer from drug abuse and addiction are often viewed to be weak and without the willpower to change.  The complexity of addiction can be mind boggling and has absolutely nothing to do with choice or willpower.  Many scientific and research advances have taught us more about addiction in recent years and the treatment that is needed to overcome this overpowering and complex disease.

The first thing to understand about drug abuse and addiction are the various changes that take place in the brain that drive the compulsive need for the drugs.  Despite how negative the consequences are or how unmanageable the person’s life may become, they will continue with their drug use until they seek treatment for addiction.  This compulsive need, or cravings, for the drug are driven by the physical changes in the structure and function of the brain caused by the drugs.  The initial decision to take drugs is a choice, but after regular and long term abuse of the drugs, the action of abusing drugs is no longer a choice but a need. 

With regular and long term drug abuse, the drugs disrupt the communication systems in the brain affecting the information that is being processed in the brain.  Some drugs may imitate the natural chemical messengers that are in the brain, while other drugs may act by overstimulation of the reward circuit of the brain.  Simply put, the chemicals in drugs hijack the brain’s communication system to produce feelings of euphoria.  Eventually, the brain will begin to adapt by reducing or stopping the functions that the drugs make happen relying on the drug to perform these functions.  This in turn causes the pattern of abuse as the brain sends the “signal” that it “needs” the drug.  This is what causes the intense cravings and withdrawal symptoms that occur when the drug is discontinued. 

Drug addiction and abuse is a demoralizing and destructive disease.  Drug addiction treatment is the only way to overcome this complex disease and regain control over your life.  We are here to help you find the path to a drug free life through our unique approach to addiction treatment.  Let us help you find your way to a lifelong recovery.