Physiological Causes of Drug Addiction
From LoveToKnow Recovery
For years, scientists have been studying both the psychological and the physiological causes of drug addiction. They have determined that these two causes have a significant impact on how quickly and how deeply someone becomes addicted to a drug.
What is Drug Addiction?
Drug addiction is defined as an addiction or dependence on a drug. When people think about drug addiction, they almost immediately think of an addiction to illegal narcotics. However, there are many different types of drug addiction. Some of the most common drug addictions include caffeine addiction and nicotine addiction.
Causes of Drug Addiction
There are two basic causes of drug addiction:
- Psychological Cause
- Physiological Causes
Psychological Causes of Drug Addiction
The most common misconception about drug addiction is that it is characterized by a physical dependence on the drug. While this may be true, there are also psychological causes at play.
Because of the way the brain is set up, people can easily develop a psychological dependence on a drug. Certain drugs like caffeine and nicotine activate brain reward systems, and the brain responds by releasing chemicals that have effects ranging from a change in mood to outright euphoria.
Every drug affects the brain differently, but all psychological addictions have one thing in common. A psychological addiction can monopolize an addict's thoughts long after the drug is out of the physical system. Visual stimulants can trigger the brain, and cause all thought to focus on the drug. For example, cocaine addicts and recovering cocaine addicts may look at white powder, be it sugar, flour, or baking soda, and get a craving for cocaine.
Physiological Causes of Drug Addiction
When a person's body becomes addicted to the presence of a drug, not having the drug in the system can cause severe physical discomfort. This is known as a physical dependence, and is thought to contribute substantially to a drug addiction.
The physical discomfort that can be experienced when the body does not get the drug it thinks it needs is known as "withdrawal". Withdrawal symptoms can be as mild as a headache and nausea or as severe as seizures and death.
To avoid withdrawal, many addicts will continue to abuse a drug—even when their brain is telling them to stop. This is why the physiological causes of drug addiction should be taken just as seriously as the psychological causes.
Combating Physical Addiction
In order to combat a physical addiction, it is essential that the addict find a way to get the drug out of their system. The proper way to do this depends on the drug in question. Nicotine addicts may be able to cut down on their use of the drug, and eventually eliminate it from their daily life. Caffeine addicts can take the same route.
Individuals who have a prescription drug addiction or a serious addiction to a dangerous narcotic like cocaine or heroin, however, should consult a physician to explore the different options.
Some physicians recommend using medication to help detoxify the body, and make the withdrawal symptoms that are bound to occur less pleasant. Other physicians recommend a drug detox and rehab treatment.
No matter which route is taken, it is essential for the addict to know that the physiological causes of drug addiction can be hard to combat. The experience can be extraordinarily difficult, but it can also be incredibly rewarding.
It is important to note, however, that no one should have to undergo this experience alone. If you or someone you know is physically addicted to a drug, help is available through various support groups, drug treatment centers, and medical facilities.
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This page has been accessed 3,821 times. This page was last modified 19:29, 31 May 2007.
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