How Does Addiction Affect Behavior

What is addiction?

Addiction is a chronic brain disorder that is characterized by an individual's compulsive and obsessive pursuit of a substance or behavior despite the harmful consequences it may have on their life. It is caused by the way your body begins to crave a certain substance or activity and can often result in addiction-related problems such as financial instability, relationship issues, and health problems.

What causes addiction

It all begins with prolonged drug use. When a person uses drugs frequently, it alters how the brain concomitants Over time, the drug use becomes compulsive, not recreational or voluntary. It is no longer a choice to use residential rehab – it is no longer in their control. When a person uses drugs, the brain releases the chemical dopamine. This results in a euphoric bodily response and mental state, in which the user feels superior or high.

When the brain experiences this frequently, it becomes susceptible to that feel-good behavior. And so, it “hardwires” those euphoric, drug-using experiences into its circuitry – and using the drugs becomes its highest priority. Even when the drugs stop producing pleasure for use, the brain continues pushing this need. It produces intense cravings, which occur in the same part of the brain as one’s survival instinct. Thus, acting on these cravings becomes an overwhelming and dire need – the brain thinks it needs the drugs to function and survive.

simultaneously the brain’s reward system is affected, so are the parts of the brain staunched to judgment, decision-making, learning, and self-control. These physical changes make drug use even harder to quit, as a person loses their ability to make rational decisions and control impulses.

How does addiction affect your behavior?

These are just five behavior changes that have been associated with addictions to illicit drugs, and anyone demonstrating these signs might need help in order to recover.

1. Need for privacy increases There are a number of reasons for this. First, they are often aware that their kiths and kin wouldn’t approve of their drinking or drug use. They might not approve of it at all or they might just think it’s excessive. This usually indicates the addict themselves, is aware on some level that they have a complication. it’s common for people with addictions to develop a pervasive need to be alone, and they may spend hours locked in their rooms or offices

2. Increased mood swings Most addictive drugs work on the brain’s pleasure centers, and as a result, people who take these drugs can feel a boost of euphoria each time they take drugs. Unfortunately, according to a study in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology, addictions can damage the portions of the brain that deal with reward and pleasure.

3. Lack of InterestAs an addiction grows in importance in the person’s mind, it also becomes the person’s sole focus in life. People like this may not socialize with friends, visit family members, or even attend school and work responsibilities. All spare moments are devoted to the use and abuse of drugs, and as a result, people just have less time to spend on other activities that can make a life whole.

4. Exasperation IncreasesAlmost anyone can get cranky from time to time, especially when life doesn’t go quite as planned. However, people with addictions can sometimes develop changes in the portions of the brain that reign in impulsivity and these changes can make people explode with rage on a regular basis. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, it’s important to get help from a professional to manage the condition and avoid outbursts of anger.

According to a heroin addiction treatment program you know someone who is exhibiting signs of addiction, it's vital for you to get help.