Understanding the Cycle of Addiction and the Steps To Recovery

An estimated 21 million Americans age 12 or older (7.8 percent of the population) required treatment for substance abuse in 2016, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The action stage is the focus for many people attempting to overcome addiction. This is the stage at which real change—change of behavior—starts happening. But with good preparation, it can also be an exciting time that gives way to new options. The word “contemplation” essentially means to consider or think about something deeply. This model was developed from research looking at how change occurs in “natural recovery” from addictions.

This is the stage where it is very clear that there is a problem and that the person who is suffering needs to get help. One way to prepare for this trigger is to evaluate the stress you’re experiencing. Although you can’t eliminate everything stressful from your life, you can avoid certain situations that cause you extreme levels of stress.

Addiction Treatment Services

Throughout his recovery, James has used his personal story to help make a difference in the lives of others. Over the years he grew into becoming an advocate for people in recovery or seeking recovery from substance use disorders. James is a CCAR Recovery Coach and believes in developing meaningful relationships, and providing highly individualized therapy and client care. In 2017, James had the opportunity to combine his business experience and passion for recovery to start The Freedom Center.

At San Antonio Recovery Center, we combine the most effective addiction treatment models and provide a supportive environment. Breaking free from the cycle of addiction is much easier when you have help. With the help of your friends, family, and addiction treatment center, recovery is within reach.

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For example, nicotine has a short half-life, which means smokers need to smoke often to maintain the effect. In contrast, THC, the primary psychoactive compound in marijuana, has a much longer half-life. As a result, marijuana smokers do not typically smoke as frequently as tobacco smokers.40 Typical patterns of use are described below for the major classes of addictive substances. Daily users may rotate through the https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/the-cycle-of-addiction-and-how-to-break-it/ daily or several times throughout the day. This cycle can be arrested at any point after the addict or alcoholic makes a decision or is forced to get help. Sometimes, the consequences that arise (legal, financial, medical or social) force the addict or alcoholic to stop using.

Beachside Rehab’s dual diagnosis treatment program is a holistic approach that will help individuals break the cycle of addiction. The program helps patients identify the underlying problems that cause emotional pain, giving them a pathway for tackling unresolved issues that can trigger addictive behavior. Addiction and relapse cycles can increase the chance of patients developing clinical mental health disorders, even if they originally became addicted just through recreational use. Professional addiction treatment centers specializing in dual diagnosis provide solutions with higher success rates than those that treat only physical dependency. Most people think of addictive behaviors as being related to the use of drugs and alcohol. Substance abuse is only one aspect of the behavioral component of addiction.

What Type of Substance Use Disorders Exist?

These burdens produce stress, anxiety, resentment, anger, and, most importantly, fear. Often, these circumstances and situations prompt feelings that people do not want to feel or handle. Using a substance to numb their emotions may feel like a simple solution for many individuals during these difficult times. As a result, the cycle of addiction often begins when someone wants to feel better and alleviate their suffering.

During the rehab process, you will attend meetings and therapy sessions to learn how to avoid letting addiction take over your life again. Addiction can wreak havoc on not just the body, but those around the person who is suffering from the addiction. That’s why it is at this stage that individuals should begin seeking professional help for addiction. If addiction isn’t addressed and treated it can result in overdosing and possibly even death.

Additionally, determining how neurobiological factors contribute to differences in substance misuse and addiction between women and men and among racial and ethnic groups is critical. A person can stop the addiction cycle with a good treatment program that will help him or her transition into a new lifestyle during recovery. An individual addicted to drugs or alcohol understands the cycle of addiction but cannot stop without the help of a treatment program. The brain is dependent on the drug or alcohol, and the person needs to change his or her lifestyle and past behaviors related to addiction.

Various forms of individual counseling still form a strong basis for the treatment of drug abuse. Personal, family, and group counseling all have their unique benefits. During this process, the body rids itself of all the harmful substances and chemicals that it grew dependent on. It is crucial that the detox process is done at either detox or medical facility so the patient can be properly monitored during the entire process.

Experimentation often involves trying different substances to see which offers the “best” high. Experimenting with harmful substances may occur during social gatherings, such as parties. For many people, initial substance use involves an element of impulsivity, or acting without foresight or regard for the consequences. For example, an adolescent may impulsively take a first drink, smoke a cigarette, begin experimenting with marijuana, or succumb to peer pressure to try a party drug. If the experience is pleasurable, this feeling positively reinforces the substance use, making the person more likely to take the substance again.

The desire and NEED to use drugs become stronger than anything else, even if the individual has all the willpower in the world. An addict’s brain has changed, and there are now neurological and psychological mechanisms at play that fuel the cycle of addiction. Other studies also show that when an addicted person is given a stimulant, it causes a smaller release of dopamine than when the same dose is given to a person who is not addicted. It typically takes a lot of time for it to occur as the brain and behaviors change.