Chemical Dependency

Chemical dependency, otherwise known as substance abuse, is the body’s physical and/or psychological addiction to a psychoactive (mind-altering) substance, such as narcotics, alcohol, or nicotine. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), about 19.7 million American adults had suffered from a substance use disorder in 2017.

Alcoholism by itself can pose significant risks for someone’s physical and mental wellbeing, but this becomes worse as other substances come into play. The excessive use of alcohol, tobacco, and or other illicit drugs could impair a person’s ability to function and make responsible decisions.

All types of addiction stem from the same place: a person’s brain. The substances bind to the receptors in the brain that are usually filled with hormones called dopamine. When a person takes drugs or alcohol, it triggers a large amount of dopamine in that region, causing euphoria or a very intense high.

As you consume large amounts of drugs or alcohol, the body becomes well adapted to its effects. This will cause you to develop tolerance or the need to take bigger amounts of the substance to get the same effects and avoid withdrawal symptoms. Unfortunately, this could lead to serious problems if not addressed right away. Undergoing treatment can help patients stop drug use, avoid relapse, and successfully recover.