Unchain Your Loved One: Effective Ways To Stop An Addiction

Learn how to stop an addiction effectively. Unchain your loved one and support their journey to recovery.

Published On

May 28, 2024

Dove Recovery's Team

Unchain Your Loved One: Effective Ways To Stop An Addiction

Understanding Addiction

Understanding addiction is the first step towards finding effective strategies on how to stop an addiction. Addiction is a complex, long-lasting brain disease that significantly impacts an individual's behavior and overall lifestyle.

Definition of Addiction

Drug addiction, also called substance use disorder, is defined as a disease that affects a person's brain and behavior, leading to an inability to control the use of legal or illegal drugs or medicine. Substances such as alcohol, marijuana, and nicotine are also considered drugs. When an individual is addicted, they may continue using the drug despite the harm it causes. It is a chronic condition that can lead individuals to lose control over their actions, provoking them to crave and seek out drugs or alcohol, even at the expense of damaging relationships, losing jobs, or hurting family members [2].

Impact of Addiction on Behavior

Addiction causes significant changes in the brain, making it difficult for individuals to quit even when they are fully aware of the adverse consequences. Drugs and alcohol can hijack the brain's pleasure/reward circuits, causing individuals to seek more of the substance. Addiction can also lead to increased anxiety and stress when not using the addictive substance.

One key area of the brain that is impacted by addiction is the prefrontal cortex, the decision-making center of the brain. Repeated use of drugs can impair this region, which is responsible for recognizing the harms of addictive substances. Brain imaging studies show decreased activity in the frontal cortex of individuals addicted to drugs or alcohol, leading to an inability to stop taking the substance despite knowing the potential consequences [2].

Drugs interfere with the way neurons in the brain send, receive, and process signals via neurotransmitters. Some drugs, like marijuana and heroin, can activate neurons because their chemical structure mimics that of a natural neurotransmitter in the body. This can lead to abnormal messages being sent through the network, contributing to the behavioral changes associated with addiction.

The journey towards overcoming addiction begins with understanding. Recognizing the nature of addiction and its impact on behavior can provide valuable insight into the challenges faced by those struggling with substance use disorders. This knowledge can serve as a foundation for seeking effective treatments and support for individuals battling addiction.

Seeking Help for Addiction

When it comes to addressing addiction, seeking help is a crucial step in the recovery process. There are several resources available for those who are looking for assistance in overcoming addiction, including the SAMHSA National Helpline and assistance from AMI-Quebec.

SAMHSA National Helpline

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders. The helpline received 833,598 calls in 2020, which represented a 27 percent increase from the previous year when the helpline received 656,953 calls [4]. This increase suggests a growing awareness and willingness to seek help for addiction, which is a positive development in tackling this issue.

Support from AMI-Quebec

AMI-Quebec is another valuable resource for individuals dealing with addiction. This organization offers support, education, guidance, and advocacy to help families manage the effects of mental illness, including addiction issues through its programs. By providing these resources, AMI-Quebec plays a vital role in helping individuals and families navigate the challenges of addiction and work towards recovery.

Addiction Statistics in the US

Understanding the scale of addiction in the United States can shed light on the importance of seeking help for addiction. Around 17 million adults in the US, aged 18 and older, struggle with alcohol use disorder or alcoholism, despite alcohol being a legal intoxicating substance for those over 21 years old.

Furthermore, there is an epidemic of opioid addiction in the US, leading many individuals who can no longer access prescription opioids to turn to heroin, fentanyl, or other more potent substances. This shift has resulted in thousands of deaths across the country.

In 2013, 30% of overdose deaths in the US involved benzodiazepines like Klonopin, Xanax, or Valium either alone or in combination with other drugs.

These statistics underscore the urgency of seeking help for addiction. By reaching out to resources such as the SAMHSA National Helpline and AMI-Quebec, individuals struggling with addiction can start their journey to recovery, supported by professionals who understand their challenges and can guide them towards a healthier future.

Effects of Different Substances

Understanding the effects of different substances is crucial when exploring how to stop an addiction. Each substance has unique impacts on the user's body and mind, often leading to various health risks and alterations in behavior. This section will detail the effects of four common substances: alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, and methamphetamines.

Alcohol Use Disorder

Despite alcohol being a legal intoxicating substance for those over 21 years old, a significant number of adults struggle with Alcohol Use Disorder, also known as alcoholism. As noted by the American Addiction Centers, roughly 17 million adults in the United States, aged 18 and older, grapple with this disorder.

The impacts of alcohol on the body are broad, including liver disease, cardiovascular problems, and an increased risk of various cancers. On the behavioral side, alcohol can lead to decreased inhibitions, poor coordination, and impaired judgment. In severe cases, alcohol abuse can lead to blackouts, memory loss, and even death.

Opioid Addiction

The United States is currently facing an epidemic of opioid addiction. Many individuals who initially had access to prescription opioids have turned to heroin, fentanyl, or other more potent substances as their access dwindled. This shift has resulted in thousands of deaths across the country, as per American Addiction Centers.

Opioids can have severe effects on both physical and mental health. They can lead to physical dependence, withdrawal symptoms, and an increased risk of fatal overdose. Furthermore, long-term use can result in hormonal changes, mental fog, and depression.

Impact of Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines, such as Klonopin, Xanax, or Valium, are commonly prescribed for anxiety or insomnia. However, these drugs also have a high potential for abuse and addiction. In 2013, 30% of overdose deaths in the United States involved benzodiazepines, either alone or in combination with other drugs. This statistic is courtesy of the American Addiction Centers.

The effects of benzodiazepines include drowsiness, confusion, dizziness, and impaired coordination. Over time, users may develop a tolerance, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effects, which can lead to physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms.

Dangers of Methamphetamine

Methamphetamines are a potent and highly addictive illegal stimulant in the US, causing severe side effects. A sign of meth addiction is "tweaking," a phase where the individual stays awake for 3-15 days, experiencing irritability, paranoia, and aggressiveness or fearfulness, as stated by the American Addiction Centers.

The dangers of methamphetamine use are numerous, including damage to the heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys. It can also cause extreme weight loss, severe dental problems, and skin sores from scratching. On the psychological side, meth use can lead to anxiety, confusion, insomnia, mood disturbances, and violent behavior. In severe cases, it can cause psychosis, including hallucinations and delusions.

Understanding the specific effects of these substances is the first step towards helping a loved one overcome their addiction. The next steps involve seeking professional help, exploring treatment options, and providing ongoing support.

Brain Changes in Addiction

Understanding the brain changes that occur in addiction is a significant part of learning how to stop an addiction. Substances like drugs and alcohol can alter the brain's structure and function, leading to changes in behavior, thought processes, and emotional state.

Neurotransmitter Effects

Drugs interfere with the way neurons send, receive, and process signals via neurotransmitters. Some substances, like marijuana and heroin, activate neurons because their chemical structure mimics that of a natural neurotransmitter in the body. This can lead to abnormal messages being sent through the network and can disrupt the normal functioning of the brain.

In the brain of a person who misuses drugs, adjustments occur such as producing fewer neurotransmitters in the reward circuit, or reducing the number of receptors that receive signals. This can lead to a reduced ability to experience pleasure from natural rewards, causing the person to feel flat, unmotivated, and unable to enjoy previously pleasurable activities [3].

Brain Areas Affected by Drugs

Drugs can significantly alter important brain areas necessary for life-sustaining functions and can drive the compulsive drug use that marks addiction. One of the key brain areas affected by drug use is the basal ganglia, which forms part of the reward circuit. This area is involved in producing pleasure and euphoria from drugs. Changes in this area can lead to intense cravings and compulsive drug seeking, contributing to the cycle of addiction [3].

Dopamine Surges and Addiction

One significant change that occurs in the brain during drug use is the production of large surges of dopamine, a neurotransmitter involved in reward and motivation. This dopamine surge reinforces the connection between consuming the drug, experiencing pleasure, and external cues associated with drug use. Over time, the brain begins to seek out drugs at the expense of other activities and goals, even in the absence of the drugs themselves [3].

Cues linked with drug use, such as certain environments or objects, can trigger uncontrollable cravings due to changes in the brain's reward circuit. This can occur even in individuals who have been drug-free for many years. These cues can lead to relapse, as the person is drawn back into drug use by the powerful associations formed in the brain.

Understanding these brain changes is crucial for those seeking to help a loved one overcome addiction. It highlights the need for comprehensive treatment approaches that address both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction.

Treatment and Recovery

Navigating the journey to recovery from addiction requires a comprehensive and personalized approach. This process often involves different treatment settings, the active involvement of family, and in some cases, the use of medications. Understanding these elements can empower individuals and their loved ones with the knowledge and strategies necessary to effectively combat addiction.

Addiction Treatment Settings

Treatment for substance use disorder can occur in various environments, each offering a different level of intensity. Depending on the individual's unique circumstances and the severity of their addiction, they may participate in inpatient (residential) or outpatient programs. These treatment plans are carefully designed to address not only the individual's substance use but also their physical, psychological, emotional, and social concerns.

Treatment Setting	Description
Inpatient	Provides 24-hour care in a residential facility.
Outpatient	Allows individuals to live at home while receiving treatment.

Recovery extends beyond merely refraining from substance use. It involves improving one's quality of life, attaining emotional and physical health, succeeding in work or school, and nurturing healthy relationships. For most, sustaining recovery necessitates ongoing support and services after completing their initial treatment plan.

Importance of Family Involvement

Family involvement plays a vital role in the treatment of teens and young adults with addiction issues. By participating in the recovery process, family members gain a better understanding of addiction as a chronic illness. This knowledge allows them to establish realistic expectations and goals for treatment. Furthermore, it can enhance communication and overall family functioning, fostering a supportive environment conducive to recovery.

Medications for Addiction Treatment

Medications for Addiction Treatment (MAT) can be a valuable component of the recovery process for individuals physically dependent on substances like alcohol, nicotine, and opioids. When used in conjunction with counseling and other treatment services, MAT can help manage withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and maintain long-term recovery [7].

Substance	Possible Medications
Alcohol	Naltrexone, Acamprosate, Disulfiram
Nicotine	Bupropion, Varenicline
Opioids	Methadone, Buprenorphine, Naltrexone

It's important to remember that the path to recovery is unique for each individual. Therefore, the approach to treatment should be flexible and adaptable, meeting the individual's unique needs and circumstances. Involving family, exploring different treatment settings, and considering the use of medications are all strategies that can bolster one's journey towards recovery from addiction.

Support for Recovery

Once an individual has begun the journey to overcome addiction, various forms of support can significantly aid in the recovery process and help maintain sobriety. This support can take the form of recovery support groups, parental intervention, and understanding the influences of genetic and social factors.

Role of Recovery Support Groups

Recovery support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), and Self-Management and Recovery Training (SMART) provide a community of shared experiences, support, and guidance to individuals on the path to recovery from addiction. These groups offer a sense of belonging and understanding, leading to emotional healing and resilience in the face of challenges [7].

Beyond just abstaining from substance use, recovery encompasses improving one's quality of life, including emotional and physical health, success in school or work, and nurturing healthy relationships and a social life. For most people, maintaining recovery requires continued support and services after the initial treatment plan is complete.

Preventing Addiction in Teens

Prevention plays a pivotal role in mitigating the harmful effects of addiction, particularly during the impressionable years of childhood and adolescence. Parents and caregivers have a substantial role in educating children about healthy lifestyles and engaging in activities that discourage drug use.

Moreover, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) emphasizes the importance of early intervention and education, conducting studies to understand how teen brains are affected by substances such as alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and other drugs.

Genetic and Social Factors in Addiction

Addiction often runs in families, indicating a genetic predisposition to this condition. However, addiction is not just about genetics; social factors such as upbringing, abuse, and exposure to stress can also contribute to an individual's risk of developing an addiction.

Understanding these factors is essential in creating robust strategies to help loved ones overcome addiction. By acknowledging the role of genetics and environment, support systems can be tailored to address these areas, making the road to recovery less daunting for those struggling with addiction.

In conclusion, the recovery journey from addiction is multi-faceted. It involves not only the cessation of substance use but also the improvement of overall quality of life. With the right support, including recovery groups, prevention measures, and understanding of genetic and social factors, individuals can successfully navigate their way to a substance-free life.