Notes

An Overview of Addiction

<p><img alt="Addiction" src="https://i.imgur.com/N4GcSdt.jpg" style="float:right; height:400px; width:500px">Addiction is a disease of the brain which involves the compulsive use of certain substances, often for pleasure. Over time, the use of these substances changes the brain's chemistry to promote craving and weaken self-control. This article provides an overview of the various aspects of addiction, including the Brain circuits involved, the signs and symptoms of addiction, and treatment options. While a person with an addiction will eventually seek medical attention, there is no single way to treat it.&nbsp; Clearview Counseling Center has several therapists trained in helping clients dealing with addiction disorders.</p>
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<h3><strong>Brain circuits involved in addiction</strong></h3>
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<p>Researchers have now identified brain circuits involved in addiction. Even though these circuits play a crucial role in addiction, the mechanisms underlying their function are unknown. A recent study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2016) dissected the brain circuits involved in addiction using a self-administration rat model. Each rat was scanned during baseline and critical time points. This experimental design paralleled the various stages of the addictive drug-taking cycle, including the adverse effect and withdrawal stages.</p>
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<p>Koob and Volkow (2016)&nbsp;demonstrated that a dysfunctional balance in the brain's resting-state functional connectivity may be an early biomarker for future relapse (Koob &amp; Volkow, 2016). These findings could potentially pave the way for a neuroimaging biomarker to predict the likelihood of addiction relapse. Furthermore, it could help researchers develop personalized treatment options for substance use disorders. Koob and Volkow (2016) suggested that&nbsp;understanding the brain circuits involved in addiction may help improve medical care.</p>
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<h3><strong>Characteristics of an addicted person</strong></h3>
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<p>Some of the common characteristics of an addict are self-aggrandizing and social isolation. Addicts may act out these characteristics to protect themselves from judgment. They may try to hide their feelings of inadequacy, fear, and resentment by promoting themselves as being important. Addicts may also act out secretly, often hiding their drug use from loved ones. The use of drugs and alcohol often results in these behaviors.</p>
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<p>A person suffering from an addiction has powerful cravings for the substance. These cravings prevent them from addressing problems without the substance. They spend most of their time trying to obtain more of the substance. They may not be able to stop their substance abuse. Therapy of an addiction can be social, physical, and psychological. People with addictions may also have a history of substance abuse. If you suspect an addicted person, you can seek help for them today.</p>
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<h3><strong>Signs and symptoms of addiction</strong></h3>
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<p>Physical changes associated with substance abuse may be a sign of addiction. Close friends and family members may notice dilated pupils and bloodshot eyes. They may also show a lack of personal hygiene and concern over appearance. Weight changes are another sign of substance abuse. Sudden weight gain or loss is typical, especially in people who abuse stimulants. Other physical addiction-related physical changes include difficulty concentrating, mood, and health-related changes.</p>
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<img width="430" src="https://insightplus.mja.com.au/wp-content/uploads/mental-health-inequities-the-face-of-health-care-apartheid-495-1024x614.jpg">
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<p>While the signs and symptoms of addiction vary widely from person to person, they are often associated with an unhealthy pattern of behavior. Addiction often begins with social activities or recreational pursuits but gradually becomes a brain disease. An addict craves a particular substance or behavior and neglects other aspects of their life. In addition to the physical symptoms, signs of addiction may also include a decrease in self-esteem, depressed mood, insomnia, and difficulty with concentration.</p>
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<h3><strong>Treatment options</strong></h3>
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<p>The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (2016) reported&nbsp;that approximately 23 million Americans need treatment for substance abuse. While several methods are available to combat addiction, the most effective program combines behavioral therapy with medical treatment. In a therapeutic community, people who have suffered from addiction live in a similar environment. Clearview Counseling Center &nbsp;encourages positive attitudes and behaviors to create an environment of hope and healing. Addiction&nbsp;therapy is more effective when patients are willing to combine behavioral interventions, medications, and 12-step meetings. These treatments, however, do not offer complete remission, and there are relapse and recovery periods.</p>
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<p>Several different forms of treatment for addiction exist, including residential and outpatient programs. The former focuses on addressing the underlying cause of the addiction while fostering a return to social, family, and professional responsibilities. Residential treatment programs are licensed and structured 24-hour environments that provide medical assistance and a comfortable living environment. Short-term residential rehab programs focus on detoxification, preparing individuals for a more extended stay in a therapeutic community.</p>
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<h3><strong>How can Clearview Counseling Center Help?</strong></h3>
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<p>Clearview Counseling Center has several&nbsp; therapists &nbsp;trained in different modalities to&nbsp;assist individuals, couples, and families impacted by different challenges. Working with a therapist helps clients&nbsp;learn new coping skills to better manage current stressors or triggers, which enhances their quality of life (Clearview Counseling Center, n.d). If you need help, call us at (915) 200-4002 or visit our&nbsp; website . Finding a therapist can be time-consuming, so we have simplified it. From our&nbsp; website , you can easily schedule an appointment;&nbsp;you do not even have to call us. It only takes 2-3 minutes to schedule an appointment. Just click on the request appointment link. You can also call us if that is more convenient for you.</p>
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<p>We look forward to empowering you to live the life that you deserve!</p>
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<p>Location 1</p>
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<p>10921 Pellicano Dr.</p>
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<p>Suite 122</p>
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<p>El Paso, TX 79935</p>
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<p>(915) 200-4002</p>
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<p>Location 2&nbsp;</p>
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<p>5625 Woodrow Bean Transmountain</p>
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<p>Suite 106</p>
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<p>El Paso, TX 79924</p>
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<p>(915) 200-4002</p>
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<p>Clearview Counseling Center&nbsp;(n.d). Mental health treatment.&nbsp; https://www.clearviewcounselingcenter.org/treatments/ &nbsp;</p>
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<p>Koob, G. F., &amp; Volkow, N. D. (2016). Neurobiology of addiction: A&nbsp;neurocircuitry analysis.&nbsp;<em>The Lancet Psychiatry</em>,&nbsp;<em>3</em>(8), 760-773.<em>&nbsp;</em> https://doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(16)00104-8 </p>
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<p>Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (2016). The surgeon general's report on alcohol, drugs, and health: The&nbsp;neurobiology of&nbsp;substance use, misuse, and addiction. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK424849/ </p>
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Homepage: https://www.clearviewcounselingcenter.org/meet-our-staff/