Facts about Drug Addiction

Millions of people deal with drug addiction each year, and it is a well-known social and health struggle. Due to a lack of education about the condition, many people think a lack of morals or discipline causes addiction and assume that they could quit easily if it were them. But this could not be farther from the truth.

Drug addiction is a complex, chronic illness, and quitting often requires more than good intentions and willpower. Addiction changes the brain so much that expert help is necessary to help people free themselves from its grip. Fortunately, Q Space Detox is able to lead LGBTQ+ people on the path to recovery through personalized and compassionate care.

What is Drug Addiction

Drug addiction is a disease that involves compulsive and difficult-to-control drug use, despite obvious harmful consequences. In the beginning, people often use drugs of their own volition, but after repeated use, their brains change to the point where they are unable to resist intense cravings for the substance. These changes are typically persistent, and that is why addiction is referred to as a “relapsing disease.”

Although relapse is common among people trying to overcome addiction, it does not indicate treatment failure. As with all chronic health conditions, addiction treatment is a continuous process and must be adjusted to accommodate a patient’s needs. Q Space Detox reviews treatment plans according to our client's response. 

Signs of Drug Addiction

Being aware of drug addiction signs and symptoms can help you spot it early and help a loved one seek help. While none of the signs below confirms that a person is abusing drugs, if they display multiple drugs over an extended period of time, there is cause for concern.

Physical signs of drug addiction

• Bloodshot eyes
• Pinpoint pupils
• Unusual body, mouth, or clothing odor
• Sudden weight loss
• Unusually reduced or increased appetite
• Impaired coordination

Psychological signs of drug addiction

• Sudden and frequent mood swings
• Undue aggression and irritability
• Unexplained paranoia
• Excessive sleeping

Behavioral signs of drug addiction

• Risky driving, like speeding, running red lights, and not obeying other traffic rules.
• Neglecting home, work, and school responsibilities.
• Frequent borrowing of money.
• Legal troubles like arrests for driving under the influence or disorderly conduct.
• Sudden change in hobbies, favorite hangouts and friend groups.
• Poor personal and environmental hygiene.

When are People Most Likely to Get Addicted to Drugs?

People are most likely to try substances for the first time during big transitions in their lives. Middle school is one of those key moments. It’s when kids start figuring out who they are socially and begin forming stronger friendships. Unfortunately, it’s also often the first time they’re exposed to drugs through their peers. Then comes high school, with even more pressure, new responsibilities, and greater access to substances. All of that stress can make trying substances feel like a way to cope.

Another risky period is when teens leave home. It could be for college, a job, or something else. With less supervision and more freedom, the chance to experiment can be tempting, especially when surrounded by peers going through the same things. 

Drug Addiction and Substance Use Can Make Other Activities Less Fun

The part of the brain that helps us feel pleasure, like when we eat something tasty, spend time with people we love, or have sex, relies on tiny structures called neuroreceptors. These receptors pick up chemical signals that tell the brain, “Hey, this feels good!”

But when someone becomes addicted to a substance, those neuroreceptors get overwhelmed. The brain starts to need the substance to feel any pleasure at all, and things that used to make us happy don’t feel the same anymore. Even after someone stops using, it can take time for the brain to relearn how to enjoy the simple things again.

Can Drug Addiction Be Prevented or Cured?

Like most chronic diseases, e.g., asthma, diabetes, and hypertension, there is no cure for addiction. However, it can be managed successfully. Treatment approaches involve various levels of care, starting with medical detoxification and continuing with residential rehabilitation, aftercare programs, and 12-step programs. 

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent someone from getting addicted to drugs, we can help reduce its occurrence by understanding how drug addiction develops and seeking professional help for mental illness. It’s also important to build healthy relationships and avoid those who pressure or tempt you with substance use. Finally, a well-balanced life with hobbies, a good diet and physical activity can keep you away from addictive substances. 

Here’s How Q Space Detox Can Help 

The facts about addiction can be scary, but there’s one that offers real hope: recovery is absolutely possible. Even when it seems unlikely that someone will let go of addictive substances, change can happen. With the right drug addiction treatment and help, LGBTQ+ people from all walks of life can start their recovery journey at any stage of addiction.

If you have questions or want to learn more about the realities and myths of substance addiction, call Q Space Detox on 305-745-7768.