Illicit drug dependence is defined as an individual’s psychological and physiological dependence on drugs, demonstrating drug craving and drug-seeking behaviour, typically despite the negative impact of the ehavior. They are complex interconnections between the organic, psychological, and sociological aspects of human beings. Knowledge of the state of scientific research regarding Drug addiction, the methods of treatment, and the process that a patient undergoes to recover is imperative for the solution of this problem.
Understanding Drug Addiction
Substance use disorder, also known as drug addiction, refers to drug abuse and occurs in the brain’s reward pathways. It entails the discharge of dopamine-neuron, a chemical transmitter for pleasure and reinforcement.
In the case of opioid use, stimulant use, or alcohol use, for instance, these chemicals cause the release of dopamine, which results in a high. Further, the brain, especially the reward system, becomes conditioned, thus making the median exaggerated in the sense that they are unable to gain pleasure through normal activities.
When one takes drugs frequently, alterations occur in the brain that require large amounts of the drug to produce the same impact; this is known as tolerance, whereas dependence refers to the condition that results from the lack of the drug after its repeated use.
Family history is an important factor in determining their predisposition to addiction and drug choice. Studies suggest that genetic factors account for 40–60 percent of the causes of addictive behaviors and disorders. Other well-known conditions that can cause addiction include environmental factors like early exposure to drugs, peer pressure, and a lack of a social support system.
Neurobiology of Drug Addiction
The brain regions that are most impacted by substance use include the basal ganglia, extended amygdala, and prefrontal cortex. In turn, the basal ganglia, which constitutes a part of the brain responsible for motivation and rewards, loses the ability to respond to natural stimuli given that it experiences repeated drug use.
The limbic system—the extended amygdala, which is involved in stress and negative affectivity—becomes overactive during withdrawal, which is why users experience high levels of anxiety and irritability. Part of the brain known as the prefrontal cortex, which has the function of the decision-maker and control over behaviours in the brain, degenerates, hence diminishing the capacity to deny drug use.
Treatment for Drug Addiction
Medications, behavioral therapies, and support are the keys and the magic bullets for treating addiction to drugs. Depending on the individual’s needs and conditions, the treatment plan should incorporate an understandable approach.
Medications: They may prescribe Treatment for drug addiction that help with withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, or block the euphoric effects of the substance to discourage further use. For opioid dependence, drugs such as methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone can be used.
Methadone and buprenorphine are used to ease withdrawal symptoms and cravings; naltrexone is used to eliminate opioids’ effects. Anti-craving drugs include disulfiram, acamprosate, and naltrexone; these drugs are known to help people who are struggling with alcohol dependency.
Another drug that is used is Disulfiram; it causes discomfort once one takes alcohol as a result of the unpalatable reaction that it has on the substance.
Behavioral Therapies: These therapies assist patients and clients in changing their approaches and behavioral patterns concerning drug use, improve their skills, and complement other treatment methods.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) offers a high rate of success, as it assists a patient in identifying the cause of relapse and stressors that lead to it and learning how to avoid such factors.
Another type of treatment procedure used by drug rehab centers is called contingency management, which uses prizes for desirable behaviors like staying sober. Motivational interviewing enables a healthcare provider to understand a patient’s reason for changing behavior, and this makes the patient willing to go for treatment.
In family therapy, the system of power in a family that led to the addiction is treated and the relatives are equipped on how to handle the addiction.
Support Systems: The encouragement of the people in one’s social circle such as relatives, friends and peers is helpful in the recovery phase. The fact that they engage in support groups like NA and AA, infuses their experience with that belongingeness. These groups provide voices for those who are venting out on challenges they face; they seek support; and also need a reminder that they are answerable.