How are substances addictive?
The Reward system
Addictive substances and behaviours affect the brain’s reward system, pumping dopamine into the brain when the substances enter the body. The reward system is a group of structures that are triggered when an individual experiences something rewarding. This encourages a wide range of feelings and emotions depending on the substance or addictive behaviour, such as relaxation, euphoria, and/or motivation.
Similarly, behavioural addictions encourage high levels of dopamine and serotonin in the brain in the same way, giving the effect of a ‘high’ and deepening the dependency further.
Treatments
Most addictions become worse over time if not managed, so it is vital to seek professional advice and support as soon as possible. Understanding what treatment is best for you can be difficult and draining, but with the right help individuals suffering from an addiction condition can make a full recovery.
Anonymous Groups
Groups like Alcoholics Anonymous and Workaholics Anonymous are there to support individuals who are struggling with addiction challenges. Anonymous groups provide a sense of community and support by bringing fellow addiction survivors and suffers together to discuss shared experiences, strengths, challenges, and provide community, hope, and development.
Mental Health Assessments
Someone with a severe work addiction will need a different level of treatments to someone who is addicted to substances or alcohol. You will be able to gather specific needs and information about the addiction through a mental health assessment provided by a GP. From there the experts will be able to advise a relevant plan to combat the addiction that suits the needs of the dependent.
Rehab treatment
Rehabilitation is the method of undergoing several stages of treatment to support overcoming addiction, often these stages include detox, addiction therapy, and aftercare. The individual may also be offered medicines to help with addictions where withdrawals are dangerous for physical and mental health.
Rehab treatments supports the individual in overcoming withdrawal symptoms, getting through the detoxification stage, introducing counselling, and provides advise on how to manage life without addiction.
Counselling and talking therapies
Counselling offers a professional therapist to discuss issues that are decreasing the quality of life and mental health of an individual. It provides the space to vent any pent-up frustrations, tensions, and allows the individual a safe environment to be open and honest about their addiction.
Counsellors can offer relevant and specific advice to the individual with 1-to-1 meetings and support.
Where to start
If you, or anyone you know, is struggling with an addiction speaking to your GP can be the best first step. They will offer you professional advice and signpost to potentially life-saving literature and tools to support overcoming addiction.