Breaking The Cycle Of Addiction

Addiction comes in many forms and deceives the addict in many fashions

. It can occur in alcoholism, with illegal or prescription drugs, and it does not discriminate against age, gender, ethnicity or socioeconomic status. In breaking the cycle of addiction it is important to recognize that it not only takes hold of the body but also the mind.

Physiology

Physiological attributes of addiction encompass neurochemicals in the brain that impact thinking, mood, appetite, sleep, pleasure and sensibilities. Experimentation with alcohol or drugs does not necessarily result in addiction but for some it only takes a few tries and the brain absorbs the elating effects. Overtime, the brain perceives the need to have more of the substance because the body cannot achieve the same level of intoxication once met by a drink or two, a hit or two and the like, because tolerance develops. Simultaneously the body undergoes bouts of withdrawal, which can be subtle physical signals like craving and tremors or blatant mental signs such as, irritability and depression. The experience of tolerance and withdrawal is very real to the addict and often causes a conflict between the belief in needing to quit and the strong desire to make the pain of the substance's absence subside. The physiological effects strongly encourage the cycle of addiction to continue.

Recognizing Addiction

Medically, addiction is diagnosed by specific criteria the addict displays for a consistent period of time. Compulsion to seek and use the substance despite the negative consequences is a key factor along with tolerance and withdrawal symptoms. Addiction is also characterized by the addict making several attempts to control substance use or cut down only to fail time and time again. Much of the addict's life is spent seeking the substance, using it, recovering and then seeking again. Many enjoyed activities of life and loved ones are pushed to the side so the addict can live a solitary life using the substance as chosen. Loss of job, relationships, legal problems and money become further complications in the life of the addict. Many struggle for years with addiction without ever attempting to recognize the problem and make changes while others make numerous attempts but are unable to successfully break the cycle on their own.

Elements to Break the Cycle

No one formula works for everyone when it comes to breaking the addiction cycle. Recognizing the problem is one part but taking action to do something different is necessary for change. Support from addiction professionals can educate the addict on recognizing key aspects of the addiction cycle including: thoughts of the substance that lead to cravings and overwhelming emotions; fantasies of the substance and romanticizing its affect on the addicts life; denial patterns that prevent the addict from acting toward recovery; or the guilt and shame the addict faces when use occurs, although sobriety was intended.

Recovery Process

Recovery is a process and many addicts go in and out of the process several times. Contemplation of having a problem overrides preparing and taking action to change. Once the addict is able to get short term recovery from the substance, maintaining progress is the key through relapse prevention planning. No matter the amount of attempts made, any efforts at abstinence are favorable because it proves to the addict that the cycle can be broken even if only for a short time. A small motivation of success can yield to longer breaks for greater duration of sobriety.

by: Peter Wendt

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