4 Things All Rochester Residents Should Understand About Addiction

Addiction can affect everyone, and this is the reason why it's important to learn as much about it as possible. Such knowledge can go a long way towards ensuring that you keep yourself safe and also help those close to you who may be struggling. That said, there are a few basic pieces of information that all residents of Rochester need to understand about addiction, and outlined below are four of these things.

1. There Are Two Main Types of Addiction

First off, it's important to know that there are two main types of addiction, and these are substance addictions and non-substance addictions. Substance addictions, currently known as substance use disorders, are those that involve the use of substances, typically drugs. These substances can either be non-medical drugs or prescription medications, and they have various effects on the reward center of the brain of someone who is prone to addiction. Non-substance addictions are also called behavioral addictions, and they can occur as a result of various activities that stimulate the reward system of the brain. Studies are constantly being done, with some stating that the heritability of addiction has been approximated to fall between 40% and 60%, according to Freedom Recovery.

2. Symptoms of Addiction Vary Between People

Next, as there are different types of people, all of whom have different personalities, it follows that the symptoms of addiction may vary from one person to the next one. These symptoms will also be different based on the specific addictive substance in question. In general, some signs are an inability to stop using the substance or engaging in the activity and increased tolerance to it. People suffering from addiction will also become preoccupied with the substance or activity at a pathological level. The most common substance in terms of addiction is alcohol, and for this, you can be sure that there are personal problems that come up as a result of the addiction. For example, driving with a blood alcohol content of .17 or more can lead to serious charges or an accident, and it's called the Super Drunk Law.

3. Certain Factors Contribute to Addiction

While addiction is a complex condition that develops through various things, the main one being through changes to your brain chemistry, other factors can play a role in addiction. Some of these are genetics, mental health conditions like PTSD, and environmental factors like easy access to addictive substances and adverse childhood experiences. Keep in mind that it's not just possible to seek help, but it's encouraged to do so. In the past year, 84.0% of adults paid a visit to a doctor or another healthcare professional. While this may typically be expected of other issues and illnesses, a number of them may have been as a result of addiction or complications from addiction.

4. It's Possible to Treat Addiction

Last but not least, while it needs tremendous effort, it's possible to treat addiction in a number of ways. A psychologist or psychiatrist will first have to make a diagnosis, after which there may follow a physical examination to give information about overall health. If addiction is on the cards, then some treatment options are hospital management to help with withdrawal symptoms, certain medications, rehabilitation, therapy, and even joining support groups. Once you decide to seek help, the next steps should be relatively easy for you to take.

These facts should make it easier for all Rochester residents to understand addiction. The more you know about it, the better your position is if you need to seek help for yourself or for a loved one. With support, it's possible to deal with addiction in a healthy way and turn your life around.