Drug and alcohol addiction is a chronic, relapsing brain disease defined by a physical and psychological dependence on drugs and alcohol. Once an addictive pattern has formed, an individual will pursue their toxic habits despite the knowledge that they are putting themselves or others in harm's way.

An addiction heavily affects the way a person acts, feels, and thinks. Many people facing addiction are aware of their problems but find it difficult to stop on their own. Recovery from drug and alcohol addiction is not an easy feat; it requires emotional and physical support from loved ones.

While it can be tempting to try drugs and alcohol for the first time, it's all too easy for things to deteriorate, especially in the case of drug and alcohol abuse. When a substance is consumed repeatedly over time, the body gradually builds a tolerance. A tolerance occurs when you need to use more massive amounts of drugs and alcohol to achieve the same effects as when you started.

Prolonged substance misuse can result in a dangerous cycle of addiction — where a person needs to continue using drugs or alcohol to avoid uncomfortable symptoms of withdrawal. By the time a person realizes they have a problem, drugs or alcohol have already taken control, causing them to prioritize their use over everything else that was once important in their lives.

There are multiple reasons why an individual would try a substance, and no one ever plans to become addicted. Curiosity and peer pressure are some of the reasons. Others are just looking for a way to relieve stress. Children who grow up close to people who use drugs and alcohol are at a greater risk of developing a substance abuse disorder down the road.

If you or a loved one is trying to recover from drug and alcohol addiction, it's essential to seek help as soon as possible. Many times, people try to quit on their own, but this can be difficult and, in some cases, dangerous.

Recognizing Addiction

Identifying a substance abuse problem can be a complicated process. Some signs of addictive behaviors are apparent, but others are more difficult to recognize. Most people who realize they have a problem sometimes try to hide it from family and friends, making it harder to tell whether someone is struggling.

In television and films, people with substance abuse are depicted as criminals or characters with moral shortcomings. The truth, however, is, there's no single face of addiction. Any person can develop abuse patterns or risky behaviors, regardless of their age, culture, or financial status.

Usually, an addiction is resolved by gradually tapering off the use of a particular substance. After recognizing that you have a problem, it is vital to seek professional help. That is the most crucial step towards drug and alcohol addiction recovery.

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