When you think about how many people in society abuse drugs, you may wonder why people continue to use drugs. What makes them go back to it over and over again? How does the cycle of addiction work?
Some people do make life changes when it comes to drug addiction, while others seem stuck in their old ways. Drug addiction has perplexed people that are not deeply involved with it. It’s hard to understand why people continue to go back to something that has such devastating consequences in their lives. However, when you comprehend the cycle of addiction, then you can see how this happens.
The Cycle Of Addiction
Let’s take a look at how the cycle of addiction works in people’s lives. In the beginning, there may or may not be any abuse. If it’s a legal substance, such as a prescription medication, then the initial use is not abuse. However, if someone uses an illegal drug, such as heroin, then the initial use is abuse right from the start.
Abuse of a legal substance, such as prescription medication can happen in any one of the following ways:
- Not taking the medication as prescribed (i.e., taking too much)
- Using the mediation in the wrong way (i.e., snorting or injecting)
- Taking medication to get “high”
- Continuing to take the medication when you don’t need it
Also, as mentioned above, if you take any street drugs, this is considered the abuse stage, too.
Tolerance means your body is getting acclimated to the drug. The amount you originally took doesn’t have the same effect on you anymore. This is when many people will increase their dosage. That makes the drug start working again. But this is only temporary. After a while, your body becomes accustomed to the higher dosage, so you raise the amount again. Over time, with increasing doses, this can be fatal.
Dependence and Addiction
Dependence and addiction mean your body is dependent on the drug physically. Without it, you will start to have withdrawal symptoms, which can be uncomfortable and even dangerous.
After someone quits taking a substance, they often feel intense cravings for the drugs afterward. If they give in to the craving, relapse occurs, and the cycle begins again.
Breaking the cycle involves moving past just detox (quitting drugs) to being able to avoid relapsing. This involves seeking treatment to address some of the reasons you were using in the first place. Through a robust therapy program, you will be able to break free from the cycle of drug use and find hope for the future. Therapy is one way in which you can overcome the barriers that may be holding you back. Through a deeper self-awareness, you can grow and become stronger. You may start with a detox rehab treatment program and move to a cognitive-behavioral therapy program.
As you get stronger and are through detox, you can attend an intensive outpatient treatment program or consider a sober living treatment program. These will prepare you to transition back into the real world in time.
Some people need a partial hospitalization treatment program to be ready for the next steps. To prevent the cycle of addiction from continuing in your life, a customized plan is necessary. This will address the unique issues you may have.
Begin Life Anew At Northern Illinois Recovery Center
Introducing the Northern Illinois Recovery Center, where you’ll find a place to begin the healing process. Our center offers a range of evidence evidence-based therapies, such as:
- EMDR treatment
- Individual therapy treatment
- Group therapy treatment
- Family therapy treatment
Don’t let addiction hinder your happiness. Now that you know more about the cycle of addiction find help at a rehab center. Reach out to us at 855.786.1978, and we’ll help you get to a life of sobriety today.
