Drug addictions form when someone has begun abusing a substance chronically. These habits can cause significant stress to the brain and body. Over time their influence can cause changes to the brain structure, and if left untreated, these changes can be permanent. 

Does Everyone Taking Drugs Become Addicted? 

Why is it that some people become addicted while others do not? Not everyone who takes drugs becomes addicted. This is because everyone’s brain chemistry and body compositions are different. These differences cause drugs to interact differently depending on the individual. Some people may become addicted quickly or slowly over time. Others may never become addicted. Several factors determine this, including genetics, environment, and developmental factors. 

Risk Factors for Developing Drug Addiction

No one factor determines whether someone will experience addiction or not. A combination of factors influences the risk of addiction becoming present. The more risk factors someone has, the greater their chances of developing a substance use disorder.

Possible risk factors of drug addiction include: 

  • Biology. The genetics that individuals are born with account for roughly half of their risk for addiction. Gender, ethnicity, and possible mental health issues also play a role here. 
  • Environment. From family to friends, our environments have an extensive range. Economic status and overall quality of life also play a role in determining addiction likeness. 
  • Development. Developmental stages continually happen in the background as biological and environmental factors play out. Although using drugs at any age can be harmful, research indicates the younger someone is when they first start, the more likely it’s to develop into addiction.

Possible Signs of Drug Abuse and Addiction 

There are many possible signs of drug abuse and addiction. The symptoms someone experiences depend on the substance(s) they abuse. In general, people struggling with substances may have a few changes that’ll appear no matter which substance they’re taking. 

These include: 

  • changing or losing friends constantly 
  • spending more time alone 
  • losing interest in favorite past times 
  • always seeming to be in a bad mood 
  • missing appointments and not fulfilling obligations 
  • sleeping at strange hours 
  • eating more or less than usual 
  • no longer caring about their appearance 
  • having issues at work or school  

Treatment Types for Drug Addiction

If your drug misuse is out of control or has started to cause problems for you, it’s time to get help. Treatment types for drug addiction include a combination of medication-assisted treatments and behavioral health counseling. Some drug rehab centers may also provide alternative treatment methods, such as art therapy, music therapy, and exercise regimens. 

Medications given to you during recovery vary from treatment to treatment but can help avoid uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings. Behavioral therapies can help you understand why you got addicted, how addiction changes your behavior, and how to recognize situations that may cause you to want drugs again. 

Drug Addiction Frequently Asked Questions: 

Q: How much do drug addiction treatment programs cost?
A:
Treatment costs will depend on the needed treatment type (inpatient, outpatient, or partial hospitalization). Prices will also vary from one treatment facility to the next, depending on if it’s private or public.

Q: Will insurance pay for drug addiction treatment?
A: In most cases, part, if not all, of your addiction treatment will be covered by a health insurance policy. To verify your insurance at Harmony Oaks, contact us.

Q: Can drug use and addiction be prevented?
A: Yes, drug use and addiction are preventable conditions. Family, parents, and healthcare providers play critical roles in educating adolescents and preventing drug use.
 

Q: Do people choose to continue drug abuse?
A: Initially, yes, individuals are in control of their choice to take drugs voluntarily. But after continued use, a person’s ability to say no becomes seriously impaired. This impairment is a sure sign of addiction.

Finding Drug Addiction Treatment 

Are you ready to make a change for the better? There’s help, no matter which drug(s) you’re struggling with. Don’t hesitate to reach our substance abuse treatment helpline for more information. Or you can reach out to us online

Sources

National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) – Understanding Drug Use and Addiction DrugFacts

National Library of Medicine – Drug Use and Addiction