Addiction Treatment Specialist Q&A

Addiction is a complex disorder of the brain that involves the processes of reward, motivation, and memory. However, addiction is not solely driven by pleasure-seeking but often occurs as a way to escape discomfort. Moreover, while addiction is often associated with substance use, it can also include various behaviors and activities, such as gambling, sex, shopping, use of social media, video games, or working.

In general, addiction occurs when your body experiences intense and constant cravings or urges for a substance or activity after repeated behavioral engagement with an activity or use of an addictive substance. The intense and constant cravings or urges associated with addiction can lead to compulsive or obsessive pursuits of using the substance or engaging in an activity regardless of adverse consequences incurred by that pursuit.

The four stages of addiction are experimentation, regular use or misuse, dependency and tolerance, and addiction.

The first stage of addiction—experimentation—happens when the individual uses a substance or engages in certain behavior for the first time. As such, addiction is not usually a deliberate choice or intention but instead occurs gradually and often without the individual’s explicit awareness.

The second stage of addiction—regular use or misuse—happens when the initial use of the substance or engagement in certain behavior becomes a commonplace occurrence in the individual’s life. During this stage, the individual may find that life becomes less satisfying or comfortable when they are not using the substance or engaging in certain behavior.

The third stage of addiction—dependency, and tolerance—happens when the individual’s body becomes physically and psychologically reliant on the substance or activity. During this stage, the brain stops releasing the chemicals that the substance or activity activates naturally and instead begins to rely on those substances or activities for chemical release. The individual’s body begins to function abnormally, and they may also have increased anxiety, depression, and mood swings.

The fourth and final stage is full-blown addiction, wherein the individual learns to adapt to the physical and psychological changes of stage three and becomes singularly focused on using the substance or engaging in certain behavior. This singular focus often occurs at the potential expense of their health, well-being, relationships, job, or career.

We can! Our physicians can discuss how we can help you overcome addiction and get on the road to recovery. Some of our prescription treatment options include Suboxone, Sublocade, Vivitrol, naltrexone, and buprenorphine, medications designed to help individuals overcome opioid addiction or dependence, as well as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other options.

A recent study suggests that a combination of naltrexone and bupropion may be useful in methamphetamine addiction.

Bupropion is FDA approved for tobacco use disorder.

Please feel free to contact us for more information about our treatment options.

Addiction is a complex condition that cannot be reduced to one common denominator or cause. Several factors seem to play a role in the development of addiction, including the following:

• Environmental factors, such as peer pressure, parental drug use or lack of parental guidance, presence of drugs at home or school, and high use rates in a community
• Genetics
• Past trauma, such as physical, sexual, or verbal abuse, physical or emotional neglect, witnessing violence, death of a loved one, parental separation or divorce, and many others
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health disorders, such as anxiety or depression

For more information about addiction treatment or an appointment with us at Ascension Solutions Treatment, please call us or schedule an appointment through our website. We serve patients from Peachtree Corners GA, Asheville NC, Swannanoa NC, Johns Creek GA, Woodfin NC, Biltmore Forest NC, Fairview NC, Roswell GA, Dunwoody GA, Pittsburg GA, Western North Carolina and the surrounding areas.