Addiction And The Loss Of Control

The definition of addiction is the continued use of a substance or engagement in a behavior regardless of negative impacts such as problems in relationships, health problems, harm and negative consequences.

Why can’t someone just stop?

In our everyday life, the consequences of actions usually do not occur until the somewhat distant future. This can make the decision to stop easy to ignore.

Ignoring the decision to stop can become a loss of control.

What loss of control looks like:

• Setting a limit for how many drinks you'll have in a night and not being able to stick to it.

• Not being able to keep track of how much substance has been consumed.

• Not being able to stop regardless of repercussions - maybe that is a spouse angry, missing work the next day, or failing to fulfil major obligations.

What’s happening during this loss of control?

In the brain, serotonin is a chemical messenger that helps boost your mood. Serotonin is also the reaction from a substance - by using a substance an individual is tricking the brain to release that feel good chemical. After repeated use, we have trained our brain to become accustomed to serotonin from substance use and it no longer releases serotonin in the natural healthy ways.

This is why treatment is so vital to recovery. With support and strategies we are able to re-train the brain to release serotonin, endorphins and other feel good chemicals without substances.

Getting Help For Addiction

If you or somebody in your life seems to have an issue with alcohol or drugs, or is suffering from addiction, professional help may be the best option for recovery.

At Care Addiction Center, we offer treatment plans that address every facet of your addiction, serving individuals in Geneva, Batavia, Sycamore, St. Charles, and Kane County, with online addiction treatment available anywhere in Illinois. 

To get started on the road to recovery, or if you have questions about helping yourself or a loved one, call us today or schedule a confidential assessment online and begin treatment.