What is addiction?
Addiction is a complex brain disease that causes intense and uncontrollable urges to use substances, including tobacco, alcohol, pain medicine, and illicit drugs. Your cravings could distract you from other responsibilities and eventually take over your life.
Medical researchers don’t know why some people develop addictions and others don’t. They have found that addiction causes changes in the region of your brain that regulates judgment, decision-making, and impulse control.
What are the warning signs of addiction?
Addiction causes physical, mental, and behavioral symptoms. Some of the common signs of addiction include:
- Feeling like you need to use the substance regularly
- Intense cravings that block out other thoughts
- Needing more of the substance to get the same effects
- Failing to meet other obligations because of substance use
- Doing things you wouldn’t normally do to get the drug
- Engaging in risky behavior
- Trying to stop using the drug, but failing
- Experiencing withdrawal when you don’t use the substance
You might also develop problems at work or school or withdraw from friends and family. You could develop physical symptoms like weight loss, low energy, or changes to the appearance of your skin, hair, and eyes.
When should I talk to a doctor about addiction treatment?
Make an appointment to talk to the providers at LibertyMed Health Group if you’re concerned about addiction and want to change your life. While addiction is a treatable illness, you need to be ready to change certain aspects of your life.
What do you include in addiction treatment?
Addiction treatment usually combines medication, counseling, and lifestyle changes. The team at LibertyMed Health Group can prescribe medications to curb your cravings. For example, they might prescribe Chantix® or Zyban® as part of a smoking cessation program.
Counseling is a critical component of addiction treatment. While medication can relieve your cravings and withdrawal symptoms, you need to adjust your behavior and learn different ways to cope with your substance abuse triggers.
Your provider can also help you make other lifestyle adjustments to improve your overall health, reduce stress, and manage pain, which can combat addiction. When necessary, the team provides referrals to detox programs.
If you’re concerned about addiction, call LibertyMed Health Group or make an appointment online today for expert, personalized treatment.
