The primary goal for an addict becomes feeding that addiction no matter what cost
Addiction does not discriminate against race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, career, education, nor gender. Just as addiction does not discriminate on who becomes an addict, it does not care what drug an individual becomes addicted to. The ultimate goal of addiction is for the addict to continue to feed and satisfy it, no matter what they need to do or use to accomplish it. It all comes down to achieving that euphoric high, mo matter if it is pills, cocaine, methamphetamine or alcohol as long as the body feels that instant rush, the addiction is temporarily satisfied.
Although an addict’s addiction to specific drugs or alcohol can cause side effects that differ from one another, the primary goal for an addict becomes feeding that addiction no matter what cost she faces Some addicts find themselves stealing from loved ones while others engage in activities they once deemed inappropriate just to score one more hit of their drug of choice.
Why Doesn’t Addiction Care?
Typically, the initial decision to take drugs may be voluntary, however, with continued use, an addict’s ability to display self-control becomes seriously impaired. This impairment in self-control is a factor of addiction. Numerous brain studies have showed how addicts show physical changes in their brains, which are critical for their judgment, decision making abilities, learning and memory, and behavior control. It is these changes alone that scientists believe help explain the compulsiveness and destructive behaviors of addiction. Included in the following are some examples of what addiction does care about: [1]
- Achieving the high
- Avoiding withdrawal symptoms
- Next use
Ultimately, addiction does not care who gets hurt or what activities the addict must engage in as long as they are able to satisfy the cravings. Most often times, addicts chase the initial high but are unable to achieve the same effects and because of this use large amounts of the drug in hopes of being able to duplicate the feelings they first experienced. Unfortunately, many addicts face a risk of overdose chasing the initial high. As an addict’s addiction progresses, they may start to experience withdrawal symptoms after a certain amount of time without using. Once this occurs addicts may find it difficult to concentrate on anything other than their next use. Included in the following are some examples of why addicts seek out the use of drugs or alcohol:
- Feel good
- Feel better
- Perform better
- Curiosity
Often times, addicts first used to help them escape the reality of their current situation. This could have been a choice to escape the constant recollection of a traumatic event such as a rape, death of a loved one or witnessing a crime. If left untreated, this traumatic event can become an obstacle in anyone’s life, regardless of how they decide to move passed it. Addicts often wish to feel numb or to have a brief moment where they no longer care what happens to themselves or others, even if for a few minutes. Often times, addicts find this feeling rather intoxicating and decide to seek this numbness on a continuous basis.
Today’s society has placed a tremendous amount of pressure on individuals both mentally and physically. These demands can be exhausting, impossible to meet or cause one to engage in dangerous activities. To help meet the constant demands of an employer or to maintain their current level of work, addicts may seek out the use of illegal substances. This can be seen within any profession from athletes, CEOs, those who work in factories and those who serve the country.
Addiction is a disease and does not care if the addict can afford to support it or if health deteriorates. The primary goal of addiction is using over and over again. Some addicts even go to the extent of mixing drugs to achieve a stronger or longer high, which can be extremely dangerous and cause life threatening complications including death.
Drug Addiction Treatment
If you or a loved one is struggling with an addiction to drugs or alcohol, please call our toll-free helpline today. Our highly trained and professional counselors are available 24 hours a day to answer your addiction questions as well as help you find the best treatment for your condition. Treatment is only a call away, so call us today!
[1] http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/drug-abuse-addiction, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Drugs, Brain, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction, 11/04/2015, 07/2014.
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