Is drug abuse an illness, as many people wonder? It is. Addiction to drugs or alcohol is a long-term sickness, according to any definition of addiction.
It’s crucial to focus on the term “chronic” here. Drug addiction is a relapsing brain illness, according to this definition. Consistent or obsessive drug-seeking and use, regardless of the negative consequences, is the hallmark of this kind of addiction. The brain is altered by drug and alcohol usage. They do their function by inducing pleasure and activating the brain’s reward system, which disrupts the regular flow of information and communication. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter present in parts of the brain that are involved in pleasure, cognition, motivation, emotion, and movement. It is also located in the reward centers of the brain. As a result of drug usage, people’s reward systems become overstimulated, mostly due to the accumulation of dopamine. A thrill that addicts want when they take narcotics is produced as a direct result of this. Finally, the brain adapts to this other method of generating emotions of pleasure, and it continues to do so. For people to recognize that drug addiction is not a choice, they need to understand this.
Most addicts cannot stop their drug use once they start, even if they want to do so for the first time. Even those who have successfully recovered from addiction must continue to battle it for the rest of their lives.
Learn to Recognize the Symptoms of Addiction
Behavioural changes are one of the most obvious signs that your kid needs treatment for drug addiction. A person who is addicted to drugs or alcohol such as living with a drug addict son may display a variety of behavioral and physical signs, such as:
- Because they don’t have the money to do so.
- Behaving in ways that are inconsistent with one’s character, such as stealing
- Failing to fulfill one’s duties at work or elsewhere
- Giving up favorite pastimes or pursuits
- isolation, secrecy, and solitary confinement
- Inability to sleep
- It’s difficult to communicate and behave in a socially acceptable manner.
- Legal ramifications
- Appearance changes
- Issues in school
- A shift in one’s social network
Don’t Take the Fault for Your Situation
Seventy-five percent of parents say they are under constant pressure from loved ones, friends, and the internet for their children to be ideal.
All parents are capable of making errors, and all parents might be better at some points in their careers. It’s impossible to reverse what’s already been done. Also, blaming yourself for your son’s addiction will have no positive impact on his future.
It’s in your best interest, as well as that of your kid and your family, to take action and get them the assistance they need. Blaming yourself for your son’s addiction will just put you and your kid back, and it won’t help. As a parent, you must be emotionally secure and strong to provide the support your kid needs.
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