Any form of addiction is a complex experience that doesn’t come with a universal solution. That’s why support is so important when it comes to active addiction, as well as recovery. With the depth of mental trauma that can come with addiction, the psychological impact shouldn’t be overlooked.
Being able to address addiction in an effective manner requires an understanding of causes, systems, and how it can change brain chemistry. It’s a convoluted conversation, and even with years of research and support, many people still struggle with addiction daily. This article explores the psychological impact of addiction and its recovery.
Understanding Addiction
Labeled as a chronic disorder in substance abuse and compulsive behavior, addiction spans many examples, such as alcohol, drugs, or even nicotine. Although each case of addiction is unique, there are some common traits that can be found between the substance in question.
A few common examples pertain to loss of self-control, developing a tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms. In many cases, it can send an individual through many ups and downs that are hard to cope with.
Regarding the psychological effects, regardless of the substance, the trigger of a dopamine release is what reinforces the addiction cycle.
Psychological Effects of Addiction
Substance abuse can begin with many factors, whether they’re environmental, related to mental health, or general influence and curiosity, for example. A few common symptoms when it comes to mental health in this context pertain to heightened anxiety, guilt, depression, and hopelessness.
Due to the unrelenting nature of these thoughts and feelings, it can lead to a debilitating lifestyle from a mental and physical perspective. When you add on the social and potential legal consequences of addiction, it can easily turn someone’s life in a direction for the worst.
Recovery and Healing
You can ask anyone who has been through recovery and healing, and they’ll tell you it’s a long road ahead. Of course, that doesn’t mean it’s impossible; it merely requires addressing the underlying issues and reshaping how your brain thinks.
Managing cravings alongside withdrawal symptoms can be a recipe for what feels like a disaster. That’s why it’s easy to find support in the likes of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) groups and rehab treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
Through active participation in healing, the stress and weight of recovery and healing won’t feel like such a struggle to get through. Developing resilience on this path is a part of the process and aids in developing the mindset and goals for rebuilding life after addiction.
Endnote
Addressing the underlying problems of addiction is the first step toward recovering from the psychological and physical impact. Taking a stance with self-care and mindfulness in this journey is one of the best ways to beat any urges along the way.
As always, having the right support group is a must when it comes to addiction and its recovery. Whether it’s through friends or a local organization, those struggling with the psychological impact of addiction are never alone.
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