Addiction is a life-altering illness that can cause serious mental health problems. It also impacts family members, work colleagues and friends.
Often substance abuse is a result of a mental health disorder, such as depression or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Some people with these disorders start using drugs to cope with their symptoms, and then become addicted.
If you’re struggling with a mental health disorder, it can be difficult to make decisions about your drug use. You may need help to stop your substance abuse and get the support you need.
The best way to avoid becoming an addict is to talk about your problems with a healthcare professional who is experienced in treating drug and alcohol abuse. You can find these professionals at your local health center or by calling help lines and hotlines.
Substances change your brain chemistry and the way you think, feel and act. These changes can be permanent.
They can also cause dangerous and unpredictable effects on your brain. These include changes in memory, impulsivity and thinking ability, depression, anxiety and irritability.
Long-term use can also damage serotonin neurons and other parts of your brain. This Hypnosis Swansea can lead to a number of problems including anxiety, depression and hallucinations.
A person who is addicted to a drug has irresistible urges to consume the drug in order to avoid withdrawal symptoms. They become focused on the drug and lose interest in other aspects of their life.
The problem can worsen over time as the addict develops tolerance to the drug. This means the dose needed to feel the effects of the drug becomes more intense and harder to obtain. The consequences of this are very severe, as the drug can be deadly.
This is a cycle that will continue unless the individual seeks help. When they do, they will receive the treatment they need to recover and begin to live a healthier lifestyle.
It will take a lot of courage and commitment to overcome the addiction. It is crucial to stay in recovery for an adequate period of time to ensure that the disease is effectively treated and that a full recovery is possible.
Your healthcare provider will discuss your individual needs with you and create a treatment plan to meet those needs. It will likely involve counseling–individual and group–and other behavioral therapies as well as medications.
The goal of treatment is to help you understand your substance abuse and how it affects your daily life. It will also teach you coping skills to help you stay sober and prevent relapse.
You will also need to attend follow-up sessions with your healthcare provider for an extended period of time, sometimes years after you last took the drug. These sessions will help you learn how to handle stressful situations, such as job loss or financial difficulties, and how to maintain your sobriety in the future.
Many people who are suffering from addiction have another mental health condition, such as depression or post-traumatic stress disorder. These co-occurring conditions can be hard to treat and require a combination of treatments.