There is a risk of developing an addiction for those who use illegal drugs or prescription medication, as these substances can alter the way the brain functions. Over time, the brain and body will begin to expect the drugs, and this can lead to physical dependence.
Although not everyone who uses illegal drugs or prescription medication will develop an addiction, those who become physically dependent on these substances are at risk because the drugs alter brain function. Over time, the brain and body expect the arrival of these substances, and when they don't arrive, the person may experience withdrawal symptoms.
The brain adapts to the presence of drugs by producing less of the chemicals that create pleasurable feelings. This is called tolerance and often results in a desire to take more drugs to achieve the same effect. However, taking more drugs leads to increased dependency and addiction which needs to be treated at the top de-addiction centers in India.
Addiction affects the frontal cortex of your brain and alters your impulse control and judgment. The brain's reward system is also altered so that the memory of previous rewards can trigger craving or increased "hunger" for drugs or rewarding experiences, in spite of negative consequences. [1]
The brain will develop a tolerance to drugs over time, which means that less of the substances' feel-good chemicals are produced than when the individual first started taking them. In order to get the same desired effect, individuals might be tempted to take more drugs; however, this will only cause them to become more dependent on the substances, and can lead to addiction.
Ambivalence, the mixed feelings of both wanting to continue with the addictive behavior and wanting to quit, is part of the addictive process even in the early stages of experimentation. [2]
Once you understand this, it will help explain why drug addiction is difficult to overcome.
Why Is Overcoming Addiction So Difficult?
The important thing to realize in terms of addiction is that it is a recognized illness of the brain. While it is a treatable illness which has been attempted with numerous individuals at the best rehab centres in the world, the addicted individual must have a real desire and motivation to change if he or she wants to overcome it. Unfortunately, a desire to change is something that many addicts struggle with.
The good news is that you can quit, although it's a complicated process. There are many factors—physical, mental, emotional, and biological—that make quitting difficult. [3]
Recognizing that addiction is a brain illness is an important first step. It is a treatable illness, but the addicted individual must have a strong desire to change in order to overcome it. Unfortunately, this desire is something that many addicts struggle with.
Overcoming addiction is a difficult feat that often requires help from those closest to the addict. Addicts face many challenges when trying to recover, such as fear of failure, an unwillingness to let go of the substance, or not having any guidance on where to get help. Quitting a substance cold turkey can be especially tough on the body, both mentally and physically and for this reason professional treatment at the best rehab centres in India helps in successfully reaching recovery. Addicts need the support of friends and family to increase their chances of success.
It is more often the case that addicts reach out for help because they are under pressure to do so from concerned loved ones. In fact, there are many obstacles in the way of overcoming addiction; some of these can include the fear of failure, an unwillingness to embrace a substance-free life, and not knowing where to turn for help. Overcoming addiction is a difficult feat, as it's hard to let go of a chemical substance that the body has come to depend on. However, it's not impossible. With the right amount of support at the top rehabilitation centre in India, you can make it through this difficult time.
If you're struggling with addiction, know that you're not alone. Many people have dealt with addiction and gone on to lead happy, healthy lives. Quitting drugs is a difficult decision, but it's one that can be made easier with the help of others. When you stop taking drugs, your body will begin the process of detoxification, which can be complicated and difficult. Having the support of others at the best de-addiction centres in the world can make this process much easier.
If you've made the decision to quit drugs, you may want to consider reaching out for help to the best rehabs in India. Overcoming addiction alone can be difficult, and as soon as you stop taking the drug, your body will begin expelling all remaining traces of toxins and chemicals. This process is known as detoxification, and it can be complicated. There are many resources available to help you through detoxification and beyond, so don't hesitate to reach out for help if you need it.
It is during this time that many addicts will return to substance abuse in a bid to relieve the withdrawal symptoms they are experiencing. The severe cravings for drugs during the detox process is often the reason drug addiction is so hard to overcome.
One of the biggest challenges during detox is managing the severe cravings for drugs. These cravings can be so intense that they cause addicts to relapse, which is why drug addiction is so hard to overcome.
Many addicts find themselves returning to drug abuse during withdrawal in an attempt to alleviate the harsh symptoms they're going through. The severe cravings for drugs that happen during detox are often what make addiction so difficult to overcome.
Once you have been through withdrawal, there are still other challenges that make it difficult to stay "on the wagon." The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) suggests that while the physical symptoms often only last for around a week, the psychological symptoms of withdrawal can last longer. [4]
It is for these specific reasons facilities such as the top 10 rehabilitation centres in India, exist. Visit a rehab center in India to initiate this process and with support available at the best rehabs in India, such as Sanctum wellness and healing, we encourage you to take your first step towards recovery, today.
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AUTHOR- Dr. Niharika Singh (MBBS, MD Psychiatry, MIPS)
Dr. Niharika Singh received her MBBS degree from Kurukshetra University, following which she went on to complete MD Psychiatry from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore. During her residency program she pursued her thesis on psychosocial factors and personality profile of early and late onset Alcohol dependence syndrome. With a view to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the field of mental health, she then continued to train regularly with premier institutes such as Harvard Medical School - McLean Hospital (USA) in Mind-Body Medicine, Beck Institute (USA) in Cognitive Behavior Therapy, NIMHANS (Bangalore) in Addiction Psychiatry, Behaviour Medicine, Clinical Neurophysiology and Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation and has completed Fellowship in Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation from Duke University (USA). After post-graduation, her goal has been to inform the public on addiction issues. Her mission is to help those in need of treatment find the best option for them.
REVIEWED BY- Gauri Kapoor (Addiction Recovery Counselor)
Gauri Kapoor embarked on her journey into sobriety 7 years ago, which led her to her current career path as a Certified Professional Addiction Recovery Coach in Delhi, India. She works closely with facilities that provide residential addiction treatment such as 12-Step programs and other nonprofits to help individuals deal with their addiction.