Common Addiction Questions

What Causes Addiction?

• Genetic predisposition: Research indicates that genetics play a significant role, accounting for about 40% to 60% of the susceptibility to addiction. This means that if family members struggle with addiction, individuals may have an increased risk.
• Environmental influences: Factors including peer pressure, family attitudes toward drug use, and accessibility to substances significantly impact the likelihood of developing an addiction. Extra Mile Recovery underscores the importance of addressing these environmental factors in their comprehensive treatment plans.
• Early exposure: Those exposed to drug use at an early age are at a higher risk of developing addictive behaviors. The developing brain is more vulnerable to the harmful effects of drugs, which can lead to longer-term substance abuse problems.
• Mental health disorders: Individuals with mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), are more likely to develop substance use disorders. Extra Mile Recovery offers dual-diagnosis treatments to address both the addiction and the underlying mental health condition concomitantly.
• Traumatic experiences: Experiences of trauma, including physical or emotional abuse, are closely linked to addiction. Many people turn to drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism for unresolved trauma.
• Chronic stress: Persistent stress, whether from work, relationships, or financial pressures, can drive individuals toward substance use as an escape or relief method.

What Are the Common Drugs that Cause Addiction?

• Alcohol: Often underestimated despite its legal status, alcohol is highly addictive, altering brain chemistry and leading to physical dependence. Misuse can result in severe health issues like liver disease and mental health disorders.
• Opioids: Including both prescription painkillers and illicit drugs like heroin, opioids are notorious for their addictive potential, causing intense euphoria. The opioid crisis highlights the need for comprehensive treatment approaches addressing both physical and psychological dependence.
• Cocaine: Derived from coca leaves, cocaine induces intense feelings of happiness and energy but also leads to severe long-term consequences such as cardiovascular problems. Its impact on the brain’s reward system makes it highly addictive.
• Methamphetamine: This potent stimulant results in devastating physical and mental health effects. Efforts like those at Extra Mile Recovery are exploring innovative non-pharmacological approaches to combat dependency.
• Benzodiazepines: Prescribed for anxiety and insomnia, benzodiazepines can lead to dependency, particularly with long-term use or abuse. Medical supervision during detoxification is crucial due to the challenging withdrawal process.
• Cannabis: Despite being considered less harmful, cannabis can still lead to addiction, especially among heavy users. Understanding its potential for dependency is essential as legalization expands.

Understanding the nuances of various substances is crucial. By asking questions about addiction, individuals can make informed decisions about their journey toward sobriety. Remember, recovery is not a one-size-fits-all approach, but with knowledge and support, it is achievable. 

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Addiction?

Physical Signs

• Changes in appearance: Unexplained weight loss or gain, poor hygiene, and changes in skin condition can signify substance misuse.
• Withdrawal symptoms: Symptoms such as shaking, sweating, nausea, and agitation appear when substance use is reduced or stopped.
• Tolerance: Increased tolerance to a substance, necessitating higher quantities to achieve the same effect, is a red flag.

Psychological Signs

• Preoccupation with the substance: Spending significant time obtaining, using, or recovering from the effects of the substance.
• Mood swings: Sudden and extreme changes in mood, including irritability, aggression, or depression, without a clear cause.
• Cognitive changes: Difficulty concentrating, memory lapses, and impaired judgment can indicate addiction.

• Withdrawal from social activities: Losing interest in hobbies or activities once enjoyed, or withdrawing from family and friends.
• Continued use despite negative consequences: Persisting in substance use even when it causes problems in relationships, work, or social obligations.
• Secretiveness: Lying about the extent of substance use or hiding related behaviors.

What Are the Risks of Untreated Addiction?

• Health consequences: Untreated addiction can lead to a multitude of health issues ranging from cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes, to liver damage and various forms of cancer. Stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine, for example, significantly increase the risk of heart disease and neurological harm.
• Social implications: The strain on personal relationships is profound. Individuals suffering from untreated addiction often experience breakdowns in communication, trust, and ultimately, the disintegration of meaningful connections with family and friends.
• Psychological effects: Addiction severely affects mental health, with individuals experiencing heightened levels of anxiety, depression, and in severe cases, suicidality. The brain’s reward system is compromised, making it increasingly difficult for individuals to find joy in activities once deemed pleasurable.
• Economic and legal problems: Financial difficulties are common, as resources are frequently diverted towards substance use. Employment becomes unstable, and legal issues may arise due to behaviors engaged while under the influence or in pursuit of substances.
• Risk of overdose: Perhaps the most immediate and life-threatening risk is that of overdose, which can result from the increased substance use often seen in untreated addiction. Overdose can lead to death or permanent damage, underscoring the critical need for intervention and treatment.

What Are the Withdrawal Symptoms and How Long do They Last?

Withdrawal symptoms are important to know for answering addiction questions. Furthermore, it varies significantly based on the substance used, the duration of addiction, and the individual’s health status. Common withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, irritability, tremors, sweating, nausea, and extreme cravings. More severe cases might encounter symptoms like seizures, hallucinations, and delirium tremens (DTs), particularly with alcohol and benzodiazepine withdrawals.

The duration of withdrawal symptoms also varies. Generally, acute withdrawal symptoms could last from a few days to a couple of weeks. However, some individuals might experience post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS), where symptoms like mood swings, anxiety, and sleep disturbances persist for months after ceasing substance use.