Drug Abuse & Addiction: Effects on Brain, and Risk Factors

Drug addiction is a complex condition that can affect almost anyone, but certain factors can increase an individual’s susceptibility. Not everyone who uses drugs becomes addicted, however, the use of drugs itself is a significant risk factor in most situations.

A key factor is a family history of drug addiction, which can heighten the likelihood of developing similar issues. Moreover, underlying mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety are often correlated with a higher risk of drug addiction.

In some cases, individuals may initially use drugs recreationally to self-medicate these conditions, inadvertently exacerbating both the mental health issue and the addiction. Another important aspect to consider is the prescription of medications, especially opioids. Individuals must adhere strictly to their healthcare provider’s guidance regarding dosage and usage. Sometimes, what starts as a legitimate use of medication for treatment purposes can gradually evolve into an addiction.

The risk factors for drug addiction are diverse, and they also include a history of trauma, exposure to drugs at a young age, unfavorable living situations, association with substance-using peers, lack of academic success, and childhood abuse.

Awareness of these risk factors is vital, as is the cautious use of prescription drugs and seeking treatment for underlying mental health conditions.

Drug abuse is considered a brain disease because it involves changes in brain function and structure crucial to the development of addiction. The onset of drug abuse may begin with voluntary drug use, however, over time, an individual’s ability to control their drug use can spiral out of control.

This is due to a series of neuro adaptations and brain changes resulting from repeated drug use. These drugs work on the brain’s reward circuits, activating and altering them, making it difficult to activate these circuits without the drug.

As tolerance to the drug develops, the individual’s body becomes increasingly dependent on it, and stopping drug use can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms. The brain and body’s dependency on the drug make it challenging for individuals to cease usage, even in the face of adverse consequences.

The impact of drug use on the developing brain can be particularly harmful. The developing brain is more susceptible to the physical alterations caused by drug use, which can lead to long-term addiction or make an individual more prone to developing addiction later in life. Drugs and alcohol create an excess of neurotransmitters in the brain, weakening the brain’s ability to experience natural pleasure over time.

This dependency on drugs to feel pleasure can have long-term consequences, particularly for adolescents. Adolescent drug and alcohol use can lead to psychosocial problems, neurocognitive deficits, declining academic performance, and an increased likelihood of developing a substance use disorder.

These substances can hinder proper brain development, damage brain connections, and alter normal messaging and circuitry in the brain.

Several parts of the brain play critical roles in the development of addiction. The brain’s reward system, particularly the basal ganglia and the nucleus accumbens, is central to the experience of euphoria caused by dopamine, a neurotransmitter released in response to drug use.

The dorsal striatum, another component of the basal ganglia, notes these increased levels of dopamine, affecting the ability to regulate dopamine naturally. This requires continued drug or alcohol consumption to maintain the same level of pleasure. Additionally, the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for decision-making, is also affected by substance abuse.

This impairs an individual’s ability to recognize the dangers of substance abuse and to refrain from actions that are harmful to themselves or others. Addiction affects almost every aspect of an individual’s life, including health, relationships, work, and more.

For those concerned about drug abuse and addiction, Marcellus Wellness & Addiction offers comprehensive and tailored treatment plans to help individuals regain control of their lives. Drug abuse and addiction treatment is available at Marcellus Wellness & Addiction. We invite you to call us today or schedule an appointment online. We serve clients from Bronx NY, Brooklyn NY, Manhattan NY, Queens NY, Rockville Centre NY, Staten Island NY, and the surrounding areas. We are open 24 hours a day, every day!