Causes of Drug and Alcohol Addiction

There have been many different theories about the causes of drug addiction. Physical factors like genetics and brain function, socio-economic factors like environment and poverty, and mental factors like low self-esteem and an addictive personality have all been attributed to addiction. But while there are arguments for every different theory, there is little scientific evidence or proof of any single theory. Factually, drug addiction is a side effect of most known drugs and pointing to the brain function and personality traits of the addict does little to correct the problem. Drugs are like a band-aid placed over an infected wound—they may numb or cover up the problem for a short time, but the wound is still there festering underneath it, and when you remove the band-aid things are even worse than before. If you or a loved one is having trouble with drug addiction, the important thing is that they get proper treatment that can actually work for them. More drugs prescribed by a doctor are not the answer—that only perpetuates the problem. Drug Rehab Referral Services is a referral service for those who need treatment that will help link you with an effective treatment service that actually gets results.

First, let's take a look at how drugs work in the mind. People take drugs for various reasons—to numb physical or emotional pain, to get a high feeling, to disconnect from stress, or to enhance feelings of fun or pleasure. And for many people, drugs accomplish these exact things. But anyone who has taken drugs or even woken up the day after a drinking binge knows that after the drug wears off, he feels worse than before. Any sense of euphoria, relaxation or happiness is gone and in its place are the exact same symptoms he was trying to handle in the first place, only worse.

This can give the drug taker impetus to take more drugs. And more drugs make the person feel worse and want to take more drugs. This, combined with increased tolerance to the drug, causes the person to take higher doses and more frequently. It's a vicious circle. This is how mental addiction works. Cocaine, for example, is not considered physically addictive because it does not cause heavy physical withdrawals but it is a very addictive drug. Add physically addictive properties into the mix and the situation becomes much worse. Now the person can't quit even if he does have the desire and willpower to do so because his body rebels. Physical drug withdrawals can even be life-threatening if they are not handled properly.

Since everyone in the world has problems, there is little point in worrying about the significance of why the addict chose to treat his problems with a drug. He may have had some small life problems to begin with which, over the course of drug-taking, snowballed into overwhelming mental issues. Or his problems may have been horrible to start with and were made even worse by drugs. Either way, the first step in handling is to get the person off drugs safely and effectively so they can then begin to face and handle the problems that got them started on drugs in the first place. In some cases, this may require medical supervision. But getting the person to take another, physician-prescribed drug will only exacerbate the problem in the long run. While he may temporarily appear better, he is being set up for the exact same problem, this time with a different drug.

Drug Rehab Referral Services refers addicts to programs that help people get off drugs without getting them addicted to new drugs. Their programs offer holistic approaches that address both body and mind, helping the person to address his problems so he doesn't fall back into the cycle of addiction. Their programs have up to an 80% recovery rate. If you or a loved one has a problem with drugs, these programs could save your life or theirs.

Contact us today to get information and referrals for effective alcohol and drug rehab centers. Call us now at 1-866-731-3729.