Over and over again, people have debated whether addiction is something physical, a part of the body and its physiology, and which can be ‘located.’ In any case, addiction is an extremely complicated concept, which prevents many people from understanding the science of, for example, drug and alcohol abuse, along with other disorders.
Drug and Alcohol Abuse Call for Education
“Addiction disrupts pathways and processes that underlie desire, habit formation, pleasure, learning, emotional regulation, and cognition.” These are just a few ways that it interferes with our brains and makes it difficult to “just stop” using drugs, as so many addicts are told. These chemical changes are beyond a simple shift in intention and require a great deal of support and work in order to begin to correct them.
As always, recovery for drug and alcohol abuse begins with education on the subject. We are able to better approach these issues and to help those who are struggling by learning as much as we can about the reality of things. There is the question, still largely unanswered, of whether genetic and other pre-dispositions lead to problems with addiction, or if it’s the other way around. While we may not have all the answers, we as a culture tend to avoid the facts that we are sure of, and this prevents proper care for patients.
Searching for a deeper understanding is also imperative for those who aren’t addicted, but whose loved ones are struggling. Otherwise, they may be emotionally distraught, feeling guilty for what they may think is in part their fault, or just generally upset that their family member or friend could reach this point. If they know more about how addiction works, and particularly how serious its grip on people really is, then they’ll be able to approach the situation from a more productive point.
So, if at least part of the issue lies in the chemistry of the brain, what can be done about that to remedy habits of drug and alcohol abuse? Again, it isn’t simple, but it’s possible. Those who enter into professional treatment with addiction specialists will be able to get the best chance to reach sobriety. This is not a solo venture and can even be dangerous, since withdrawal and its symptoms can push people toward consequential actions. Rather, programs and/or medication, along with the support of loved ones, should be the first priority. It may not be easy to accept and may be even more difficult to get started, but professional care is really the way to rise above these issues of substance abuse.
Addiction is not a failure of one’s morals. If anything, it’s a result of a failure of our population as a whole to encourage education on the subject and to aid, rather than punish, those with addictions. Drug and alcohol abuse are dangers for everyone, and so everyone should be concerned with their rehabilitation. If you want to find professional aid for someone who needs it, then contact The Bergand Group. We offer recovery programs for yourself or for others or are seeking education materials about addictions. The Bergand Group is Maryland’s leading addiction recovery center and offers support for those struggling with drug addiction and mental health issues, including direction for those who may be denying an addiction. We can help you to work through your addiction in a safe and healthy environment where everyone is committed to your care.
About The Bergand Group:
At The Bergand Group in Baltimore and Harford County, Maryland, our therapists have more than twenty years of experience in the mental health and addiction fields. Our focus is on providing comprehensive mental health care and appropriate care for addictive disorders. We offer both alcohol rehab and drug rehabilitation. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol or substance addiction, there is help available. We also offer several other services, including family therapy and counseling. We can help. Contact us today.