Addiction
WHAT IS ADDICTION?
Addiction is a complex illness that causes you to compulsively seek and use a substance or engage in a behavior, even when it is harmful to your health and well-being.
It is usually classified as a brain disorder because there are changes in the brain that remain, even when you have stopped using the drug. Addiction typically causes changes in the parts of the brain that affect self-control, stress, and feelings of reward.
An addiction can be physical, psychological, or both. Psychological addiction is when you feel that you can’t cope with life without drugs. Physical addiction is where your body is dependent on drugs to function normally.
Both types of addiction are equally devastating and can be extremely dangerous if left untreated.
If you have an addiction, it can seem like recovery is an impossible goal. But with commitment and support, lifelong recovery is possible for anyone.
At Cirque Lodge, our individualized recovery programs combine behavioral therapies, experiential therapy, and support groups to offer you the most effective treatment experience.
Our luxury facilities, situated in the spectacular Rocky Mountains, are the perfect place to overcome your addiction, develop new self-management skills, and reconnect you with your love of life.
Types of Addiction
Substance Addiction
Substance addiction is an addiction to mind-altering chemicals such as alcohol, opiates, and other prescription drugs. Most substance addiction involves psychoactive substances. Psychoactive substances cause chemical changes in the brain that alter the way we feel, and these changes make you want to use the drug again. They can also increase your tolerance to the drug, so you need to increase the amount you take to feel the same effect. Over time, these changes cause you to take higher and higher doses of the drug, and ultimately, your body adjusts to the drug, and you experience withdrawal when you stop using them.
Behavioral Addiction
Currently, medical science only officially recognizes gambling as an addiction. Despite this, many psychologists and other healthcare professionals argue that we should recognize other behavioral addictions too. At present, most behavioral addictions are officially classified as ‘disorders.’ As is typical with other addictions, behavioral addiction causes feelings of anxiety, rejection, and shame. Behavioral addiction includes gambling addiction, sex addiction, and gaming addiction.
What’s the Difference Between Substance Abuse and Addiction?
Substance abuse is when you use an illegal drug or use a legal drug not as prescribed.
Taking illegal drugs like heroin and cocaine, or taking prescription drugs at higher doses than prescribed or mixing them with another substance to enhance the effects is substance abuse. If you take prescription drugs to experience pleasurable feelings rather than for their medical benefits, this also constitutes substance abuse.
Overdose is always a risk of substance abuse. This is when you use more drugs or alcohol than your body can handle. It is extremely dangerous and can be fatal. Overdose was the leading cause of injury-related death in the United States in 2019.
Addiction is being unable to stop taking a substance despite knowing it’s harming you. Whatever your reasons for using drugs or alcohol, when you continue to abuse them or continually increase the quantities because your tolerance has increased, this can eventually become an addiction.
Once caught in the cycle of addiction, it’s tough to break the habit alone; however, it is possible. We’ve seen miraculous recoveries – and people with decades of addiction leave us filled with positivity and new hope for the future.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Addiction?
Using substances
more often and for longer periods
hiding behaviors
and substances from friends and family members.
sudden outbursts
of anger or frequent feelings of anxiety or depression.
risky behavior
to acquire the substance of choice, sometimes while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Neglecting your obligations
relationships, financial concerns, and hobbies.
Distancing yourself
from friends you think would disapprove of how you are using drugs or alcohol.
Hiding alcohol or drugs
in the home or workplace.
Having withdrawal symptoms
when you try to stop taking the drug.
Having a genetic history
of addiction and substance abuse
A change in your physical appearance
such as weight loss or weight gain.
Needing to use larger amounts of a substance
to feel the same effects.
Using substances to cope
with arguments, conflicts, or other difficult situations.
What Causes Addiction?
Several factors can contribute and make drug use and addiction more likely.
Genetics
If someone in your close family has an addiction, you are more likely to develop an addiction. Research by The National Institute of Drug Abuse suggests that genetics can play a large part in addiction.
Age
Using drugs at a young age is a key predictor for developing an addiction later in life. At Cirque Lodge, we work with clients from the age of 18 upwards.
Difficulty comping
If you are stressed, you may look to drugs and alcohol as a way to escape from everyday life. This may lead to dependence on the substance, followed by a physical or psychological addiction.
Other disorders
Many people with addiction often have co-occurring disorders like depression or anxiety. While using alcohol or drugs can seem like an escape from these conditions, it can make the symptoms worse in the long term.
Addiction Recovery Utah
Long-term substance abuse and substance abuse disorders cause serious health problems, and overdose can result in hospitalization or even death.
The side effects of addiction may leave you tired and unmotivated, causing you to be late or absent from work and make it difficult to hold down a steady job. Long-term drug or alcohol abuse also affects your mental ability, and you may find it hard to concentrate and complete tasks effectively. If your job involves driving, a conviction can result in a loss of employment.
If you become addicted to drugs or alcohol, it often becomes the most important thing in your life. You may begin to isolate yourself from others and push away close friends and loved ones.
All tasks that are undertaken while under the influence of drugs or alcohol will carry some risk. Cooking, for example, can result in serious burns and even fire. Driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol also has its own potential risks. While penalties for driving under the influence vary from state to state, most will result in a criminal record and jail time, even for a first offense, and worst case can result in severe injury or death.
Addiction Treatment Recovery from addiction is usually in three stages:
- Detoxification
- Rehabilitation
- Aftercare
At Cirque Lodge, our treatment program offers you expert support through all three stages.
Rehabilitation takes you through identifying thought patterns and behaviors that cause your addiction and developing the skills to change and overcome them. At Cirque Lodge, our individualized treatment program combines individual and experiential therapy with support groups to offer you the most effective treatment experience possible.
Rehabilitation takes you through identifying thought patterns and behaviors that cause your addiction and developing the skills to change and overcome them. At Cirque Lodge, our individualized treatment program combines individual and experiential therapy with support groups to offer you the most effective treatment experience possible.
After a rehabilitation program, continued support is crucial to help you maintain abstinence from drugs or alcohol as you continue your recovery journey and return to everyday life.
At Cirque Lodge, we provide you with a personalized aftercare plan to guide you towards this. We also connect you with local or online groups that you can attend to expand your support network.
If you or your loved one is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, please call us today at 1-800-582-0709.
Addiction is a complex condition that changes both the brain and the body over time. In the brain, addictive substances or behaviors alter the way neurons communicate, particularly in the reward system. This system involves chemicals like dopamine, which create feelings of pleasure and reinforce behaviors. Repeated substance use or compulsive behaviors can hijack this system, making the brain increasingly dependent on the substance or activity to feel normal. This often leads to cravings, loss of control, and compulsive behaviors despite negative consequences.
Physically, addiction can have widespread effects on the body, depending on the substance involved. It can weaken the immune system, damage organs such as the liver, heart, or lungs, and cause hormonal imbalances. Chronic use may also lead to changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, and increased vulnerability to infections and illnesses. Over time, addiction can affect nearly every major system in the body, creating both short-term and long-term health risks.
Addiction is not just a matter of willpower; it is a disease that fundamentally alters brain chemistry and bodily function, making professional treatment critical for recovery.
Psychological factors, such as stress, trauma, mental health disorders, or low coping skills, can increase the likelihood of turning to substances or behaviors as a way to manage emotions. Environmental influences, like family dynamics, peer pressure, exposure to substance use, and social or cultural norms,also contribute to the risk of developing addiction.
Ultimately, addiction is rarely caused by a single factor. It is the result of complex interactions between genetics, brain chemistry, mental health, and life experiences, which is why personalized treatment approaches are essential for recovery.
Yes, some individuals are more susceptible to developing an addiction than others. Genetics play a significant role, research shows that a family history of addiction can increase a person’s risk. Brain chemistry and differences in how the brain responds to substances or behaviors also contribute to vulnerability.
In addition to biological factors, mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or trauma-related disorders can make someone more likely to develop an addiction as a coping mechanism. Environmental influences, including exposure to substance use, peer pressure, and high-stress living conditions, further increase the likelihood.
While predisposition can increase risk, it does not guarantee that someone will develop an addiction. Protective factors, such as strong social support, healthy coping skills, and early intervention, can reduce the risk and help individuals maintain control over their choices.
Substance addiction involves the compulsive use of drugs or alcohol despite harmful consequences. These substances directly affect the brain’s chemistry, often creating physical dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms. Examples include addiction to alcohol, opioids, stimulants, or prescription medications.
Behavioral addiction, on the other hand, involves compulsive engagement in activities or behaviors that provide a sense of reward or pleasure. Unlike substance addiction, there may not be a chemical dependency, but the behavior still activates the brain’s reward system, leading to cravings, loss of control, and negative impacts on daily life. Common examples include gambling, gaming, shopping, or excessive use of the internet or social media.
Both types of addiction can significantly disrupt relationships, work, and overall health. Treatment approaches may differ, but both require professional support to address underlying causes and develop healthier coping strategies.
The most commonly abused substances include both legal and illegal drugs, as well as prescription medications. Commonly misused substances include:
- Alcohol: Widely consumed and highly addictive, alcohol abuse can lead to physical and mental health issues.
- Opioids: Prescription painkillers (like oxycodone and hydrocodone) and illegal opioids (like heroin) carry a high risk of addiction.
- Stimulants: Drugs such as cocaine, methamphetamine, and prescription medications like Adderall or Ritalin can cause intense cravings and physical dependence.
- Cannabis: While often perceived as low-risk, frequent or heavy use can affect mental health and daily functioning.
- Benzodiazepines: Prescription anti-anxiety medications (like Xanax or Valium) can lead to tolerance, dependence, and overdose.
- Nicotine and tobacco products: Highly addictive and associated with serious long-term health consequences.
- Hallucinogens and inhalants: Substances like LSD, MDMA, or nitrous oxide can cause dangerous behaviors and long-term cognitive effects.
Each substance affects the brain and body differently, but all can lead to serious physical, emotional, and social consequences when abused.
Addiction is considered a chronic brain disease, not simply a matter of choice or willpower. It changes the way the brain functions, particularly in areas related to reward, motivation, and self-control. These changes make it difficult for individuals to stop using substances or engaging in addictive behaviors, even when they recognize the negative consequences.
While initial substance use or engagement in addictive behaviors may start as a choice, repeated use alters brain chemistry and reinforces compulsive patterns. This is why addiction is recognized by medical and mental health professionals as a disease that requires treatment, support, and ongoing care rather than just personal discipline.
