Understanding How Addiction Works

In the early 1900s when drug and alcohol addictions were first studied, they were thought to be simply a result of moral failure and a lack of willpower. Today, many scientific studies have brought about a new train of thought. Most organizations that deal with additions now acknowledge that there are many more factors that can fuel an addiction. According to NIDA, the National Institute of Drug Abuse in America, addiction is a disease that affects behavior as well as the brain. There are both environmental and biological factors that result in the progression of the disease. Addiction is also a complex disease that requires a thorough understanding in order for it to be properly treated.
 
What Is Addiction?
 
According to medical sources, addiction is a chronic and relapsing brain disease that results in people having a compulsive need to take drugs or alcohol. The compulsion is so great that little or no thought is given to possible harmful circumstances. The reason that addiction is termed a type of brain disease is that drugs chemically change the brain structure and how it functions. This has long-term effects on the behavior of the person which is often harmful to them and those around them. There are many social and economic problems that can result from drug and alcohol addiction. 
 
Why Do People Become Addicts?
 
It is rare that people set out to become addicts. More often, they are lured into experimenting with drugs and once in the habit of taking them, they then become addicts. There four main reasons that have been identified as common reasons why people start to take drugs. The first are curiosity and peer pressure. This is most prevalent with teenagers and young adults. They experiment with drugs because everyone else is, or because they are offered something at a party and are dared to take it. Another reason people take drugs is to simply feel good. Drugs give you a feeling of intense pleasure. Some drugs such as cocaine may even make you feel intensely powerful and indestructible. Heroine usually results in feelings of satisfaction and relaxation. Taken from that perspective, you can see why drugs can be alluring. People also take drugs to feel better. Perhaps they find themselves in difficult or stressful circumstances and drugs help them to relax, feel good and forget about their problems for a while.  People may also turn to drugs to help them do better or achieve certain results. This is often the case with athletes or businesspeople who are under pressure to achieve.
 
Who Are the People Affected by Addiction?
 
Often, addicts will think that their addiction is something personal that does not affect or involve people around them. However, sadly this is often not the case. Addiction changes a person’s behavior and how they handle their relationships with their friends and family. It can have a huge influence on babies and small children. If parents are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they will often neglect or physically abuse their children because they are only interested in feeding their habit. Babies born from mothers who are addicts can suffer from intellectual and growth development problems. Conversely, parents of children who are addicts can often feel helpless as they try to reach out to their children. Trust is forfeited because addicts will often steal, lie or cheat just to be able to get their next fix.  Addiction affects a person’s ability to function in the work place and earn a living wage. Often, this will lead to addicts getting involved in less desirable or illegal professions.
 
Is Drug Addition a Voluntary Behavior?
 
Often, drug experimentation is voluntary and people choose to try different types of drugs for the experience of it. However, it is important to remember that drugs change the functioning of the brain. Scientific research show that after prolonged use of drugs, an addict’s ability to make cognitive decisions relating to behavior, learning and memory is severely affected. These studies have led to the conclusion that this can explain the compulsive behavior of addicts. Not all people are affected by drugs in the same way. Some people are more vulnerable to addiction than others due to genetic, emotional and environmental influences. People in certain social environments may be less likely to become addicts. If someone has a strong family structure and a school and social environments where they feel safe and comfortable, then typically they will be less inclined to experiment with drugs. However, it is important to note that this is a generalization and there are always exceptions to every rule.