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Addiction affects people across the country every day. Contrary to popular belief, many people living with addiction maintain relatively normal lives. Many maintain jobs, school, and family life. Some may show signs of drug or alcohol abuse, while others may hide substance abuse. Addiction is a treatable disease affected by many life factors. It’s important to know what contributes to addiction to know when it’s time to seek help from an addiction treatment program.
NuLife Behavioral Health helps clients throughout Massachusetts with a wide range of outpatient options for mental healthcare and addiction. If you or someone in your life is struggling, we are here for you. Call us now at 888.568.2057 to learn more about how our addiction treatment programs can help you thrive.
What Is Addiction?
Addiction occurs when the brain and body become dependent on a substance or behavior. Most addictive substances relapse dopamine. This naturally occurring chemical helps people experience joy, motivation, and euphoria. When taken in high doses, the brain will stop making its own dopamine and rely on drugs, alcohol, or behaviors for more dopamine. This is called the “dopamine reward” effect. It is a natural response to dopamine. Someone’s risk of addiction from substance abuse or addictive behaviors can vary depending on life history, mental health, stress levels, and other factors. The first sign of addiction is withdrawal. This happens when a substance leaves the body, and the body and brain crave more of the substance in order to carry out chemical functions in the brain.
Understanding Risk Factors of Addiction
While there is no single risk factor for addiction, many elements from someone’s life can contribute. Some causes of drug abuse and addiction include:
- Unresolved trauma: Studies show that traumatic events can lead to PTSD and trauma triggers that often result in self-medicating or self-soothing to reduce symptoms. Traumas can range from accidents and abuse to witnessing natural disasters or terrorism.
- Co-occurring disorders: Mood disorders like ADHD, anxiety, depression, OCD, and bipolar disorder affect at least half of people living with addiction.
- Prolonged stress: Today’s busy world can make it difficult for people to rest, reset, and lower stress levels. Unfortunately, many cope with drugs, alcohol, or addictive behaviors.
- Family history: Someone may be predisposed to addictive behaviors if members of their family struggle with addiction.
These are only a few factors that impact the risk of addiction. Everyone’s life, brain, and addiction are unique. This means that there is no single pattern of factors that lead to addiction or treat it. Addiction treatment is the safest, most effective way to stop substance abuse, balance mental health, and reduce the risk of overdose and drug-related death.
Find a Dual Diagnosis Addiction Treatment Program in Massachusetts Today
Addiction affects people here in Massachusetts every day. Unfortunately, many people struggle to ask for help or find the right treatment programs for their needs. If you need support, know you are not alone. Programs like NuLife Behavioral Health can help. Our dual diagnosis clinic helps clients across the state with our flexible outpatient programs for addiction and mental health. By combining mental health services with addiction treatment, our outpatient clinic gives clients the holistic support they need, no matter the stage of recovery. With a local referral program, we help clients find the right residential, aftercare, and sober living for them. Whether you or someone you love is at risk for addiction, our team can help.
Call NuLife Behavioral Health to Get Started with Addiction Treatment Now
If you’re ready to learn more about the risk factors of addiction, call NuLife Behavioral Health now at 888.568.2057 to find out more about our addiction treatment programs.
