Distinction between substance abuse and addiction

December 1, 2015

Distinction between substance abuse and addiction: Eliminating the confusion and getting facts right

The distinction between substance abuse and addiction

Distinction between substance abuse and addiction is often very confusing, nonetheless knowing the distinction marks the beginning of proper healing from the scourge of addiction

We are all familiar with the terminologies addiction and substance abuse from our common knowledge through the various sources including the media and information we get from our friends who in one way or another have been addicted or cared for an addict. But we may not know is the finer details of the distinction between substance abuse and addiction. Even though from our common knowledge we may have an idea, it is always very important that the distinction comes out clearly. This is what we want to discuss through this article with a view of placing to its rightful position. Putting aside what you already know doctor Dalal Akoury who is a veteran addiction expert of several decades is registering that there is a very slim difference between substance abuse and addiction and this may be the reason why many people often think that they are the same. The fact is when we make reference to substance abuse, it would mean using or consuming an illegal substance or even using a legal substance or element but in the wrong way whereas addiction begins as an abuse, or using a substance like marijuana or cocaine in a way that in their absence life stops until you have an access to the substance of preference.

With that explanation, doctor Dalal Akoury (MD) President and founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center is saying that for sure one can actually abuse any drug or alcohol without being addicted to it or them. To illustrate that let us take as an example, just because an individual is smoking or smoked pot a few times doesn’t necessarily mean that he or she has an addiction to the pot, in the same way it does not also mean that by this single act of abusing a drug then it is automatic that this will lead to an addiction. This is not always the case and in fact people can get addicted to all sorts of substances. It is always the norm that when we think of addiction, we usually think of alcohol or illegal drugs yes this is true however the scope of addiction is wide and vast and people can become addicted to a number of substances including medications, cigarettes and even glue among many others.

These addictive substances also come in different ways and intensities. Like for instance some substances are more addictive than others, and that is why drugs like crack or heroin are so addictive that they might only be used once or twice before the user loses control. Therefore when we talk of addiction we must be careful to note that it is a condition that will cause and individual to lose the ability to be in control over their lives. And in fact with addiction the person has no control over whether he or she uses a drug or drinks alcohol. Therefore what that communicates id that anyone who is addicted to drugs like cocaine has grown so used to the drug that he or she must to have it by all means and at all cost. In other words you became the slave of that drug when addiction set foot in. There are two types of addiction which can affect anyone and that is to say that addiction can either be physical or psychological and sometimes and individual can suffer both.

Distinction between substance abuse and addiction: Physical addiction

Being physically addicted means a person’s body actually becomes dependent on a particular substance (even smoking is physically addictive). It also means building tolerance to that substance, so that a person needs a larger dose than ever before to get the same effects.

Someone who is physically addicted and stops using a substance like drugs, alcohol, or cigarettes may experience withdrawal symptoms. We have actually discussed in details some of the most common symptoms of withdrawal in the previous postings, however for the purpose of this article we can mention a few including: diarrhea, shaking, and generally feeling awful.

Distinction between substance abuse and addiction: Psychological addiction

Speaking to the experts from AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury, Psychological addiction often happens when the cravings for a drug are psychosomatic or emotive. People who are psychologically addicted feel overcome by their desire to have their drug of choice and they will do everything including telling lies or stealing just to get the drug. It therefore means that a person is deemed to have crossed the line between abuse and addiction when he or she is no longer trying the drug to have fun or get high, but has come to depend on it. At this point his or her whole life centers on the need for the drug. An addicted person whether it’s a physical or psychological addiction or both no longer feels like there is a choice in taking a substance.

Distinction between substance abuse and addiction: Signs of addiction

The most obvious sign of an addiction is the need to have a particular drug or substance. However, many other signs can suggest a possible addiction, such as changes in mood or weight loss or gain. These also are signs of other conditions too, though, such as depression or eating disorders. The following are some of the indicators that you or someone you know may have a drug or alcohol addiction:

Psychological signals

Use of drugs or alcohol as a way to forget problems or to relax
Withdrawal or keeping secrets from family and friends
Loss of interest in activities that used to be important
Problems with schoolwork, such as slipping grades or absences
Changes in friendships, such as hanging out only with friends who use drugs
Spending a lot of time figuring out how to get drugs
Stealing or selling belongings to be able to afford drugs
Failed attempts to stop taking drugs or drinking
Anxiety, anger, or depression
Mood swings

Physical signals

Changes in sleeping habits
Feeling shaky or sick when trying to stop
Needing to take more of the substance to get the same effect
Changes in eating habits, including weight loss or gain

Finally having got the distinction between substance abuse and addiction, you can now make a self-evaluation on you or your loved ones and if you notice any indication of addiction, you must chose to take prompt decision towards getting help by scheduling for an appointment with doctor Akoury today for a more in-depth professional treatment today.

Distinction between substance abuse and addiction: Eliminating the confusion and getting facts right

Habit formation, craving, withdrawal, relapse triggers addiction

July 20, 2015

Habit formation, craving, withdrawal, relapse triggers addiction: Addictions’ effect on the amygdala

Habit formation, craving, withdrawal, relapse triggers addiction. On the formation of these conditions, an immediate treatment for addiction becomes very necessary.

In many peoples’ minds addiction is a habit which is very difficult to disassociate yourself with once it settles in your body. There are several factors that supports this description including denial and relapse among many others. Therefore when people make effort of quitting their addictive life styles whether it is drug use or addictive activities, the problem of withdrawal often becomes a great challenge. If you have been there, you will agree with me that withdrawal is such an unpleasant experience that you wouldn’t want to repeat since it serves as a serious influence and a motivator to get back to your old habits. When this finally happens (getting back to your addiction), it becomes much more pleasurable to the victim even as the consequences of addiction sink further. And because of its pleasurable nature, it even becomes more rewarding and therefore it is bound to be repeated again and again. Some drugs, such as alcohol and opiates, have withdrawal effects that are both physical and emotional. Other drugs or addictive activities may primarily involve around emotional symptoms. This characteristic of addiction occurs because of several changes in the brain and for that reason we want to focus our discussion on the habit formation, craving, withdrawal, relapse triggers addiction with the help from doctor Dalal Akoury MD a veteran expert in addiction who is also the founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center.

Doctor Akoury explains that as drug use or the addictive activities escalates the involvement of various brain regions associated with our emotional state also increases. Therefore the brain region that is most often associated with our emotional state is the extended amygdala. Experts are of the opinion that, this area of the brain plays an important role in addiction because of its association with emotions and stress. And like we had mentioned previously that addiction and stress are closely related, we are going to be looking at the two progressively as we progressed into the discussion.

Habit formation, craving, withdrawal, relapse triggers addiction: The effects of amygdala on emotions and memories

All of us have memories about various events in our lives which can either be bad or good memories and these memories and emotions can be affected by amygdala. The amygdala affects emotions and memory. These memories can be can be categorized as good or bad depending on the emotional states that happen during those events we are remembering. It is therefore very important to appreciate that these memories are formed from the brain and up on their formation, they are kept still within the brain along with the emotional attachment that occurred during those events. Let’s us an illustration to bring it closer to our understanding take for example when you smell the sea air or feel the ocean breeze and hear the seagulls, you will have a pleasant memory and emotional experience alongside. This is because these things have been repeatedly associated with relaxing and enjoyable times. The memory of the sea is stored along with a pleasant emotional state. It therefore means that you can merely visualize the sea in your mind without necessarily being there and you will experience a pleasant emotional state. In the same way an addicted person may only need to visualize about engaging in his addiction and that will be enough for him to experience pleasure. In that case, the memory of engaging in the addiction is stored with a pleasant emotional state and hence the pleasing memories of engaging with an addiction can lead to repeating those behaviors and eventually forms a habit. This is what we must deal with owing to the enormous consequences that come with the formation of an addiction. When you realize that such experiences are happening in your life, then you must seek for an immediate treatment solution from the experts. Doctor Dalal Akoury a veteran addiction experts and her team of experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center can be of great help to you. All you have to do is to call her today to schedule for your appointment and your life will never be the same again.

Habit formation, craving, withdrawal, relapse triggers addiction: Cue anticipation

As we come to the end of this discussion, it is important to note that emotional memory also has another role in the development of addiction known as cue anticipation. Cue anticipation refers to environmental cues that can initiate or elevate craving. Cravings often lead to relapse. For this reason, these cues are often called relapse triggers meaning that, a successful recovery plan will include a strategy for coping with cues (relapse triggers).

These environmental cues (relapse triggers) can be anything that is associated with the addiction. It could be a certain time of day, a place, a person, or an activity. For instance, suppose a man is addicted to pornography use and because of that he usually gets online after his wife goes to bed to satisfy his addiction. The mere act of his wife getting ready to go to bed serves as a cue that prompts powerful cravings. Later, even his own anticipation of his wife going to bed will serve as a powerful cue. The amygdala’s role in emotional memory is responsible for these cues taking root. The brain forms an association between pleasant memories of drug use or addictive activities, and the cues. The more a person repeats this cycle, the more it strengthens the emotional memory circuits associated with these cues. Eventually, this leads to a complete pre-occupation with the addiction.

Finally, so far our discussion has been focusing on the role of amygdala and positive emotional memories. Nonetheless the brain may also form an association between unpleasant emotions and a memory thereby forming a “bad” memory. For your information, these negative emotional memories play an important role in withdrawal. The negative emotional memory of anxiety becomes associated with the physical signs of withdrawal. And as withdrawal begins, the symptoms trigger an unpleasant emotional memory. This increases the negative experience of withdrawal. Withdrawal avoidance (via returning to the addiction) often becomes the cornerstone of the addiction in the later stages. Thus, in the earlier stages of addiction the pleasurable experience of the drug motivates a repetition of that behavior. In the later stages, relief of withdrawal symptoms (physical and/or emotional discomfort) achieves pleasure. This pleasurable relief from withdrawal symptoms continues to motivate the repetition of that behavior. This is a very interesting topic that needs further consultation with the experts. What we have discussed here may not be conclusive and therefore you may want to schedule for an appointment with doctor Dalal Akoury for more health insight about addiction and the brain.

Habit formation, craving, withdrawal, relapse triggers addiction: Addictions’ Effect on the amygdala

Drug seeking and cravings to the brain

July 18, 2015

Drug seeking and cravings to the brain: Addictions effect on the brain’s reward system

Drug seeking and cravings to the brain. Ideally drugs are a serious threat to your health and the brain is one of the organs affected the most.

Drug seeking and craving to the brain is very interesting more so when we consider how the brain functions. It is true that the brain has evolved over time in a way that ensures human survival. And in fact our brain’s reward system is part of that survival system. In many instances we often experience an urgent need for food whenever we are starving and generally have a powerful desire for sex too. According to doctor Dalal Akoury MD and founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center, the brain’s reward system rewards food and sex because they ensure our survival. Unfortunately, drugs of abuse operate within these reward systems which leads people to experience an urgent need or powerful desire for drugs or addictive activities.

The brain’s reward system has ensured our species survival. You may have not known but food, water, and sex are some of the elements that activate the reward system. Therefore when the brain’s reward center is activated, it releases dopamine. Dopamine then creates a pleasing, enjoyable sensation which then motivates us into repeating these behaviors which are necessary for our survival. The reason why this is happening is because dopamine has rewarded us with a pleasurable feeling. Doctor Akoury recommends that from an evolutionary standpoint of view, it is very helpful to have a reward system that works. Like for instance, imagine that there is very little food and you’re wandering about looking for food. When you finally find something to eat, this triggers your reward system. This pleasing feeling (dopamine “reward”) will become associated with whatever behavior that led you to that food. This causes you to want to repeat that behavior. Moreover, the reward system is closely tied to emotional and subjective memories. If you were successful and found food in a particular place for instance, in the future you will want to look for food in the same location. This reward system increases the likelihood that you will be successful in finding food there the next time. This is because your brain chemicals are rewarding you with a pleasing sensation. It also helps you to remember how and where this pleasant feeling occurred.

Drug seeking and cravings to the brain: The negative dopamine reward sensation

It will come to you as a surprise that the element that motives your survival is unfortunately the very same reward system that ensures your survival also rewards drug use. Doctor Akoury says that all addictive substances and activities will trigger the release of dopamine which rewards us with a pleasant sensation thereby succeeding in motivating us to continuously indulge in these harmful behaviors. It is nowadays common knowledge that peoples with addiction problems will all it takes to get their drug of choice and in the same way, they continue with their addiction despite the harm it causes to themselves or their loved ones. It is therefore very important to note that all these characteristic of addictive behaviors arise from the brain’s pleasure and rewards centers. Therefore seeking for lasting solutions becomes a must to do for all victims. This may not be a very popular thing owing to the addictiveness of some of these drugs, but nonetheless it is the best option if you want to have a healthy life that is free from all sorts of addiction. You can schedule for an appointment with doctor Dalal Akoury for the commencement of your journey to recovery.

Drug seeking and cravings to the brain: Mesolimbic pathway

We now have a basic understanding of the purpose and functioning of the brain’s reward system. Let’s interrogate it a little bit further. The circuit most associated with pleasure and reward is the mesolimbic pathway which is located in the brainstem. The objective of this area of the brain is primarily concerned with basic survival. Within the mesolimbic pathway is an area called the ventral tegmental area (VTA). The VTA projects to the nucleus accumbens (thought to be the reward center). The neurotransmitter most commonly linked with the mesolimbic system is dopamine. Many people consider dopamine to be the driving force behind the human pursuit of pleasure. The release of dopamine is a pleasurable sensation. The release of dopamine motivates us to repeat behaviors or activities that prompted this release. This system’s purpose was to promote survival by rewarding life sustaining behaviors such eating and procreation.

All addictive drugs and activities release varying amounts of dopamine into the nucleus accumbens with stimulant drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine releasing the most. However when it comes to drugs like alcohol or heroin, the brain’s own opiate system (endorphins) also gets involved. Doctor Akoury further says that even though different forms of addictions have different effects in the nucleus accumbens, they share one common denominator that they all activate the reward system which in turn motivates us to repeat those behaviors, even though they may be harmful. Besides what we have discussed about the concepts of reward, pleasure, and craving together, it is however very important to appreciate that there is a distinction between pleasure-seeking and drug seeking. Note that pleasure-seeking is all about the pleasurable, rewarding aspect of addiction while drug-seeking refer to the craving aspect of addiction. Dopamine may be more involved in drug-seeking (craving) component of addiction. The opiate (endorphin), GABA, or glutamatergic systems may be more involved in pleasure-seeking aspect of addiction too.

Pleasure-seeking and drug-seeking (cravings) are inter-related, yet distinct. Research has established that natural rewards (food, water, sex) typically lessen their influence on the reward system over time. As a behavior occurs more often, dopamine levels tend to decrease in the process. Psychologists call this habituation. This makes sense. Once you’ve eaten enough food, you don’t need to be rewarded for eating more food. Then you would be eating too much, or too much of one type of food. Therefore everyone needs to take heed of keeping the brain free from all attacks be it from substances or otherwise. Talking to the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury should be your starting point. Call and make that appointment today for the commencement of your journey to full recovery from your addiction.

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