Drug Dependence: Coping with Drugs

A lot of the time, when we think about drugs, we think about the physical and irresistible dependence it elicits in people. Sure, some are less potent than others, but the prevailing belief is that the desire to take a hit establishes a habit that’s nearly impossible to quit without going through drug rehab. Scientific studies often point to components of drugs that are chemically engineered, whether by chance or by science, to make them addictive. 

It’s Not About the Hooks

But one fact escapes a lot of people’s attention: many are exposed to supposedly addictive substances all the time, and they don’t get addicted. Alcohol is served in social gatherings and in dining establishments all the time, and people may get drunk, but they don’t usually get hooked from that. Patients are also given drugs like opium and marijuana for medicinal purposes, yet the vast majority do not end up with a drug problem post-treatment. Most Vietnam veterans that used heroin during the war did not take their habit home with them. 

It’s About the Cage

So what is it? What makes going from use to abuse easy for some, but not for most? The answer may lie in the reason behind the substance use.

Johann Hari, in a relatively recent TED talk, puts it really well: “Human beings have a natural and innate need to bond, and when we’re happy and healthy, we’ll bond and connect with each other, but if you can’t do that because you’re traumatized or isolated or beaten down by life, you will bond with something that will give you some sense of relief.”

That’s why reliable drug rehab centers in San Diego know that treating addiction is not just a matter of treating symptoms caused by drugs, but also about looking for co-occurring disorders and using therapy to dissect the problem. 

The Effectiveness of Holistic Care

A drug habit usually doesn’t form instantly; it stems from repeated use. What causes repeated use? It differs from case to case, and it takes a holistic approach to figure out what exactly happened, and how to prevent it from happening again.