Biochemical Aspects Of Addiction
Ron Hubbard discovered that when a person uses drugs over some time, the body becomes unable to eliminate them all. Drugs are broken down in the liver. These metabolites, (the substances the body converts the drugs into) although removed rapidly from the bloodstream, become trapped in the fatty tissues. Various types of tissues are high in fat content, the one thing in common – and the problem that needs to be addressed – is that these drug residues remain for years. Tissues in our bodies that are high in fats are turned over very slowly. When they are turned over, the stored drug metabolites are released into the bloodstream and reactivate the same brain centers as if the person took the drug. The former addict now experiences a drug restimulation (or “flashback”) and drug craving. This is common in the months after an addict quits and can continue to occur for years, even decades.
The Cycle Of Quitting, Withdrawal, Craving And Relapse
When the addict initially tries to quit, cells in the brain that have become used to large amounts of these metabolites are now forced to deal with much-decreased amounts. Even as the withdrawal symptoms subside, the brain “demands” that the addict give it more of the drug. This is called drug craving. Craving is an extremely powerful urge and can cause a person to create all kinds of “reasons” they should begin using drugs again. He is now trapped in an endless cycle of trying to quit, craving, relapse, and fear of withdrawal.
Eventually, the brain cells will again become used to having lowered drug metabolites. However, because deposits of drug metabolites are released back into the bloodstream from fatty tissues for years, craving and relapse remain a cause for concern. Left unhandled, the presence of metabolites even in microscopic amounts causes the brain to react as if the addict had again actually taken the drug and can set up cravings and relapse even after years of sobriety
Reasons of Addiction
Addicts Cannot Stop Using Drugs For Two Reasons. These Are:
1. Mental and physical cravings caused by drug residues in the body.
2. Drug-induced biochemical personality and the lifestyle they adopt to achieve it.
If left untreated, these symptoms can haunt a person for years, even if they go away. If left untreated, the disease will recur. These unresolved symptoms, whether physical or mental, create a low level of stress that the addict cannot completely ignore. An addicted person can say “just no” a thousand times.
