It is not uncommon for people who suffer from addiction to be unable to ever fully rid themselves of their drug or alcohol habits, even after years of treatment and therapy. The reasons why some people just cannot quit an addiction has been studied extensively but still causes considerable debate between scientists and doctors alike. New research suggests that the way in which different parts of the brain communicate with each other may play a much bigger role in determining whether or not a person is able to beat addiction than scientists originally thought. This article will answer the most common question; Why Can’t Some People Ever Beat Addiction?
Here are some of the reasons some people can’t beat addiction
Scientists have found that people who are addicted to drugs or alcohol have different neurotransmitter levels in their brain than non-addicted individuals. For example, the neurotransmitter dopamine is often found to be elevated in addicted people. This chemical, which is responsible for feelings of satisfaction and pleasure, can create a powerful sensation of craving an addict will try hard to resist. These altered levels of dopamine and other neurotransmitters have been shown to cause changes in brain function that extend beyond just one region. These neurotransmitters are responsible for controlling pleasure and reward, which is why they are manipulated by addiction. Scientists theorize that this chemical difference could be one of the main reasons some people can’t beat addiction. However, this theory has not yet been proven.
Another hypothesis is that some people are born with a genetic predisposition to addiction. This genetic makeup means they are more likely to become addicted than people without this tendency. This can cause their brain to become wired in a way that makes addiction more likely, but it also means they may not be able to quit even if they want to. This could mean that their brain chemistry makes them more likely to become addicted than someone who does not have this predisposition. Scientists cannot be certain of the exact implications of this gene but it may play an important role in determining whether or not a person is able to beat addiction. This has been attributed to why some people can’t beat addiction.
Scientists also believe that the environment of an individual plays a crucial role in what causes them to be unable to quit an addiction. The environment refers not just to the physical location in which a person lives but also to the people, experiences and memories they have had. For example, someone who has previously suffered from addiction themselves may be more likely to relapse when exposed to situations that are seen as triggering.
This means if their friends are all heavy drinkers or drug users, it can make it more likely for them to relapse and begin abusing drugs and alcohol once again. Scientists agree that the people and places around a person can contribute to whether or not they are able to beat addiction, though the level of impact it has is still debated. Additionally, the way in which individuals perceive themselves may also contribute to why some people cannot beat addiction. For example, if someone has a negative view on themselves it is more likely that they will have low self-esteem and will find it difficult to overcome addiction.
The brain works on electrical impulses and the repeated act of taking drugs or alcohol can cause disruptions in these impulses. These changes become stronger over time, which means the longer a person takes drugs or drinks alcohol, the more likely they are to become addicted. Scientists agree that addiction can change how the brain functions, but there is still no clear answer as to whether this is what causes people to be unable to beat addiction. Scientists theorize that this disruption could cause permanent changes to the brain that are responsible for addiction. This could be one of the reasons some people never beat their addiction.
The way in which different parts of the brain communicate with each other may also contribute to whether or not an individual can beat addiction. Scientists discovered that addicts who had suffered damage to the part of their brain responsible for self-control were more likely to relapse when they were exposed to drug related stimuli. This means that some people are unable to beat addiction because of the way in which their brain is structured.
Understanding how addiction works may mean that people will be able to help addicts overcome their problems more effectively. However, there is still much research needed before this can happen. If you need any help with beating your addiction, don’t hesitate to call us at 833-846-5669.