 Why do some people form addictions while others do not?
Initial use of substances or other problematic behaviors often begin voluntarily, borne from a sense of curiosity, the desire to be accepted by peers, or as an escape from the effects of trauma. No one experiments with alcohol or drugs with the intent of becoming addicted, and while addiction can develop within anyone, certain aspects make it more likely to occur in some individuals. A family history of substance abuse, personal trauma, domestic violence in the home (emotional, physical, or sexual), undiagnosed or untreated mental health conditions, and a lack of social support make addiction more likely to develop from experimental use. Brain Circuits Simplified The following is a simplified version of the brain chemistry underlying addiction as this forum does not support the time or space to detail the complexities involved. The key chemical involved in addiction (whether substance use or behavioral patterns) is dopamine which impacts several regions of the brain, collectively referred to as the mesolimbic dopamine pathway. Together, these areas of the brain support the necessary chemical reactions to induce pleasure sensations and reinforce those sensations, while simultaneously impairing one’s ability to control impulses and practice sound judgement. The brain remembers these pleasurable sensations and the more the behavior is practiced, the stronger the urge to repeat it becomes, sometimes in a habitual manner that manifests as chemical dependence (addiction). Addiction’s Impact on Quality of Life The impact of addiction can typically be seen in an individual’s personal relationships, job performance, finances, legal problems, and health concerns. One of the leading indicators that a person can achieve successful recovery is strong social support, like family and long-term friendships. Ironically, one of the biggest impacts of addiction is the damage to family relationships due to broken trust. Family and/or couples counseling can often increase the chances of a successful recovery as it helps to repair the damage inflicted by previous behaviors associated with substance abuse and reinstates a support system in the individual’s life. When family members are not willing to engage in the recovery process, therapists can often help clients find opportunities to develop new sober friendships to establish a support system. If you or a loved one is experiencing chemical dependance, there is help. Please contact our office at (252) 571-6508 to schedule an appointment with a Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist that can walk you and your family through the process of recovery in a judgment-free environment. For more information about addiction, visit the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) website at https://nida.nih.gov/, or the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) website at https://www.samhsa.gov/. Written by Vicki Howe, LCMHC, LCAS, CCTP, NCC #Addiction #MedicalModel #Disease #Alcohol #SubstanceAbuse #BehavioralAddiction #Gambling #Pornography #FoodAddiction #BrainChemistry #Dopamine #Recovery #SupportSystem #FamilyRelationships #Counseling #AddictionRecovery #ChemicalDependence #Empathy #Support #NoStigma #EndTheStigma #MentalHealth #AddictionHelp #RecoveryJourney #Healing #Hope #SAMHSA #NIDA
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