Not everybody develops an addiction after using prescription medication or illicit drugs. However, some people develop a physical dependence on these substances. That’s because, over time, certain drugs change the brain’s chemistry. And these changes can lead to compulsive drug use, even in people who don’t want to keep taking the substance.
Essentially, the brain adapts to the drug’s presence and doesn’t produce the feel-good chemicals in its absence. The brain isn’t quite sure how to function without the addictive substance, which is why withdrawal symptoms occur and can be so severe. It’s also why it’s so difficult to quit using drugs on your own.
Luckily, you can search for phrases like “suboxone doctors near me” online to find experts that will help you overcome the addiction. Suboxone doctors have special training and experience in assisting individuals with opioid addiction. And they can offer medication-assisted treatment, which has proven effective in treating drug addiction.
Understanding Drug Addiction
Research shows that drug addiction is a complex disease. It often involves changes in the brain circuitry that lead to compulsive drug use. And it’s not simply a matter of willpower. People who try to quit using drugs alone often fail because they cannot overcome these brain changes.
That’s why professional help is so important. Drug addiction treatment should be specific to each individual’s needs. And it should address the underlying causes of addiction, such as changes in brain circuitry. With the right help, a person can overcome drug addiction and lead a healthy, productive life.
Perhaps, the first step is to search for a phrase like “suboxone clinic near me” online if you or a loved one is struggling with opioid addiction. That way, you can get a facility with professionals to help you overcome this disease.
Why Overcoming Drug Addiction Alone is Difficult
When struggling with an addiction, it becomes impossible to use your willpower to avoid using the addictive substance. The changes the drug causes in your brain make it difficult to quit on your own. Additionally, the drug can compromise the brain’s reward system.
When a person uses opioids, the drugs cause intense, pleasurable feelings. Therefore, the person uses more of the drug to feel those same feelings. And this is how addiction develops.
Unfortunately, this process can cause long-lasting changes in the brain, making it difficult, if not impossible, to quit using on your own.
The American Society of Addiction Medicine describes addiction as a chronic, treatable illness that involves interactions among genetics, brain circuits, a person’s life experiences, and the environment. That means all these factors play a role in addiction.
People can continue using the addictive substance and engaging in harmful behaviors because the drug has altered their brain’s reward system. Brain changes affect judgment and impulse control, making quitting the addictive substance even more challenging.
Despite these challenges, addiction is treatable. Searching for the phrase “suboxone clinics near me” online might be the beginning of a recovery journey. That’s because the suitable facilities have the environment, treatment approaches, and resources that a person needs to overcome the mental and physical challenges they face trying to beat addiction.
Challenges You Will Face While Trying to Beat an Addiction
When trying to overcome an addiction, you will face many challenges that could easily make you give up. Here are some of the reasons overcoming drug addiction is challenging to do alone:
Withdrawal
While trying to overcome addiction alone, you likely don’t have access to the same resources as professional treatment centers. For example, you won’t have access to medications that can ease withdrawal symptoms or suboxone doctors that can help you manage cravings.
Relapse
Overcoming drug addiction requires lifestyle changes, such as adopting healthy coping mechanisms and changing your social circle. These are complex changes to make without professional help.
Environment
If you live in an environment where drugs are easily accessible, it will be challenging to stay away from them. And this is especially true if you have triggers that make you want to use them, such as being around people who use drugs or being in places where you used drugs in the past.
Professional help provides a structured environment that’s free of triggers and temptation. It also gives you access to resources that can help you make the lifestyle changes necessary to stay sober in the long term.
Get Professional Assistance
Many people try to overcome addiction alone. However, they relapse because they lack access to the necessary resources and support to make lasting changes. If anybody close to you or even you is struggling with addiction, get professional help.
Perhaps, you can start by searching for a “suboxone doctor near me” online. The search engine will list websites of many clinics in your area offering evidence-based addiction treatment. The best treatment centers provide an array of services that address addiction’s physical, mental, and emotional aspects.
These services include:
- Detox: Detox is the first step in addiction treatment. It’s a process that involves ridding the body of the addictive substance. The length of detox depends on the severity of addiction and the abused substance. During detox, you may experience withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can range from mild to severe and usually peak within the first few days of detox.
- Therapy: After detox, you’ll participate in therapy sessions to address the underlying causes of addiction. Therapy can help you identify and change thoughts and behaviors contributing to addiction. It can also teach you how to cope with triggers and cravings.
- Aftercare Planning: Aftercare planning is an essential part of addiction treatment. It helps you transition from treatment back to your everyday life. During aftercare planning, you’ll develop a plan that includes goals and action steps for maintaining sobriety.
Overcoming drug addiction alone is difficult. A professional team can help you map your treatment and recovery journey. It can also provide the support, environment, and resources necessary for your recovery. So, start by searching the phrase “suboxone doctors near me” online to help recover from addiction to lead a healthy, sober life.
