Change is in the air
Spring is in the air. Spring is a time of renewal and a great time to make personal changes. Often we commit to eating better, getting more exercise and other positive changes. However many of us also decide Spring is a good time to tackle addictive behaviours which people inevitably discover is more challenging than expected.
In the past decade we have gained a much better understanding of addictions and why changing and addiction is so challenging. For example, we know brain processes including memory, learning and emotions play a key role in addiction formation. When we use a substance, whether it is alcohol, tobacco or cocaine our natural brain processes are hijacked by the drug’s effects.
The high or euphoria we feel when we take substances is due largely to the release of potent natural brain chemicals. However drugs cue our brains to release these chemicals in unnatural amounts leading to increased pleasure and other effects. Unfortunately all substance use has a cost and no high is free because our brains natural learning and memory are triggered by events that are new and pleasurable. So along with releasing pleasurable chemicals like dopamine, our brain is also building powerful emotional memories linked to substance use. Thus as we use a substance over time it is quite easy to build a substance misuse problem which often leads to addiction.
Another important point to remember is that once an addiction is present it is by nature difficult to change as it involves strong memories, emotions and a variety of triggers which often lead people back to using substances.
On a positive note, many of us successfully change addictive behaviour. Don’t tell the experts but many of us change without any professional intervention. Often there is a motivating event, sometimes a plea from a family member, warnings at work, and suggestions from your physician but whatever the reason your personal motivation is key to tackling any addiction.
First check in with yourself (yes be completely honest) and see if you have an addiction. A few pointers to help you get started. A general definition of addiction is loss of control including failed attempts to quit, increased need for the substance as tolerance develops, continued use despite negative consequences and failure to fulfill a variety of roles such as school, family and work obligations due to one’s substance abuse.
A word of caution, not all substances are created equal and suddenly quitting drugs such as alcohol, opiates (heroin, oxycodone) and benzodiazepines (valium, clonazepam) can be very dangerous due to potentially fatal withdrawal symptoms. A person addicted to any of the previous mentioned drugs should ALWAYS seek medical advice before quitting.
Change is in the air and changing an addiction can be challenging. Change is also empowering and you will feel a boost in self-confidence, energy and often gain a more positive outlook on life. Take a holistic wellness approach toward quitting and seek out support and professional help if required. Find an addiction expert as they will be best equipped to assist you in your goals.
For those at risk for withdrawal there are two excellent detoxification facilities in our area, and you can refer yourself to detox which is covered by your medical plan.For professional detox services go to the following addresses. In Kamloops: http://www.phoenixcentre.org/detox. In Kelowna: http://thebridgeservices.ca/withdrawal-management-services.
In our next article we tackle what to expect in the early stages of recovery from addiction.
Daniel Highley is a local addiction specialist contributing columns to the Penticton Western News. He specializes in addiction assessment, treatment, prevention and concurrent disorders. He also teaches part-time at OUC in the continuing education program. He can be reached at justsayknowdano@gmail.com or on Twitter @JustSayKnowDano.