Addictions are Often the Next Step beyond Substance Abuse

Substance abuse is certainly not restricted to the young. Anyone at any age can develop a repetitive pattern of drug and alcohol use that can damage their physical and mental health, threaten their relationships and diminish their performance at school or on the job.

From Use to Abuse to Addiction

Why are some people able to eventually move away from use and abuse while others become captives of addiction? The answer to this question is not always easy to pin down. But there are a number of factors that may play into the development of an addiction.

Genetic, psychological and environmental influences are key contributors toward addictive behaviors. Numerous studies have revealed that a biological predisposition exists in a large percentage of those addicted to drugs or alcohol. Other types of individuals prone to self-medicate include those that suffer with a mental illness; were raised in extremely dysfunctional homes; or have been subjected to some form of abuse.

What usually begins as occasional drug or alcohol use to soothe wounds or provide temporary pleasure will often evolve into regular use or abuse. The next stage is dependence or the inability to stop consumption of drugs or alcohol without showing symptoms of withdrawal. These are sure signs of full-blown addictive disorders.

Addiction Treatment

Addiction centers can be found in most metropolitan in the U.S. One example is Lindner Center of HOPE’s Sibcy House. Located just north of Cincinnati, Ohio, Sibcy House offers cutting-edge addictive disorders treatment and a patient analysis that begins with a thorough diagnosis.

Addiction recovery can be lengthy and at times difficult. But with the establishment of proper care and a willingness from the patient to get to a healthier place in their lives, a successful recovery is well within reach.

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This blog is written and published by Lindner Center of HOPE.