1 in 10 Americans are affected by addiction. Both street drugs and prescription drugs have the ability to create a chronic, relapsing brain disorder accompanied by psychological and physical dependence.
Drugs like Oxycontin and heroin create a flood of dopamine into the brain, making the user feel unnaturally happy, or high. As the body develops a tolerance to the drug, it requires stronger and stronger doses to achieve the high. When the drug isn’t being used, the brain isn’t able to create the same level of high or happiness. Painful and dangerous withdrawal symptoms begin and a cycle of dependency is created.
An addict should never have to face recovery on their own. To learn more about drug and alcohol addictions, visit addictions.com or find resources for local help in Nevada here.
