Some people believe that addiction is not a disease because you, as a person, have the choice to use the substance or not. Where in the case of a disease, you can not choose, in most cases, if you want the disease or not. Is that, however, the correct answer to our question: is addiction a disease? And do you need addiction help near you In Issaquah?
Seeking Addiction Help Near You In Issaquah – Defining Addiction First
Before getting addiction help near you in Issaquah it’s important to understand what addiction is and what it implies.
When attempting to answer the question: is addiction a disease, we first need to look at the definition of addiction. The term addiction is incorrectly used to describe someone dependent on a substance such as alcohol. A person who uses alcohol or another substance that leads to health issues or problems at work, school, or home does not have an addiction; they have a substance dependence.
In contrast, addiction is a brain disorder characterized by compulsive engagement in rewarding stimuli despite adverse consequences. The brain is basically disrupted in the region responsible for reward, motivation, learning, judgment, and memory.
Is Addiction A Disease?
Looking at the difference between addiction and substance abuse, we can agree with the American Medical Association and The American Society of Addiction Medicine when they say addiction is a disease.
Why Seek Addiction Help in Issaquah and Why Can’t Choice Be Enough?
You might have said it yourself or heard someone saying that you should choose to stop or use willpower to stop if you have an addiction. And that you don’t really need to get help overcoming an addiction… But why can’t you stop, and why is will power not enough to beat addiction?
When a person first uses the substance, it is their choice, it could be influenced by culture or their environment, but they can decide if they want to use the substance. There are, however, factors such as family history, trauma, mental health, depression, and anxiety that can also influence someone’s decision to use the substance.
The use of the substance will release chemicals in the brain that is associated with pleasure or reward. Through continuous use, the chemical will make changes to the brain. The brain will attempt to restore the balance by releasing certain hormones. As a result, you will become more tolerant and need to take more of the substance to achieve the same feeling.
Since the brain has changed, your choice and willpower are impaired. You lose control over substance use and can not, therefore, control your addiction. And that’s why it’s important to seek addiction help near you in Issaquah.
Get Addiction Help Near You In Issaquah
Addiction is a severe chronic disorder that can be managed with family and friends’ help and support. Having a good support network will ensure that you say with the treatment, which will increase your chances of recovery and survival. However, dealing with addiction is a long-term treatment and seeking addiction help near you in Issaquahis important.
Our head office is located in Issaquah, Washington and we want to help you with your addiction. Remember that you are not alone in this, and we are just a phone call away. We can help support you and help you form a strong support network.