Quitting drugs is not just a matter of willpower. Addiction is a brain disease that changes how the brain works, making it incredibly hard to stop using, even when someone truly wants to quit. Understanding why overcoming addiction is so hard can help you approach yourself or a loved one with more empathy and kindness.
The same things that put a person at risk for drug use also make quitting difficult including:
- Environment
- Genetics
- Mental Health and Addiction
Environmental Factors Impacting Recovery
A person’s environment plays a major role in substance use treatment and recovery. Stress, social circles, and the attitudes of friends and family can all affect outcomes. If a person’s environment enables or encourages drug use, quitting becomes even more challenging. For example:
- Being surrounded by people who use drugs can make resisting feel impossible.
- Stressful situations at work, home, or in a relationship may drive someone back to using drugs as a form of coping.
Genetic Impacts on Addiction
Another important factor that makes quitting drugs so difficult is genetics. If addiction runs in a family, a person may be more likely to develop addictive behavior because of a genetic brain response. It can also make it more difficult to stop without professional help.
How Mental Health Affects Addiction
Mental health and addiction are closely linked and referred to as co-occurring conditions. Conditions like depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder often occur alongside addiction creating a cycle where mental health issues drive substance use, and substance worsens mental health symptoms. Finding a treatment center that provides mental health services along with addiction treatment is important so both issues can be addressed appropriately.
Getting Help for Addiction
When it comes to overcoming drug addiction, one of the most important decisions you can make is choosing the right treatment. Addiction recovery is not one-size-fits-all; every individual’s needs, challenges, and life circumstances are different. That’s why it’s crucial to find a personalized treatment plan that addresses your unique physical, mental, and emotional needs. Our services include:
Start Your Recovery Journey
Quitting drugs may feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. Call or text EOSIS today to explore your personalized path to recovery.
