Substance Abuse - Addiction
Drug abuse in teenagers and young adults, also called substance abuse or chemical abuse, is a disorder that is characterized by the destructive pattern caused by the use of a substance that leads to significant problems or distress. Drug addiction in troubled teens and troubled young adults, also called substance dependence or chemical dependency, is a disease that is characterized by the destructive pattern caused by drug abuse that leads to significant problems involving tolerance to or withdrawal from the substance, as well as other problems that use of the substance can cause for the troubled teen or troubled young adult addict, either socially or in terms of their work or school performance.
Nearly all drugs, directly or indirectly, target the brain's reward system by flooding the circuit with dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter present in regions of the brain that control movement, emotion, motivation, and feelings of pleasure. The overstimulation of this system, which normally responds to natural behaviors that are linked to survival (eating, spending time with loved ones, etc), produces euphoric effects in response to the drugs. This reaction sets in motion a pattern that "teaches" these troubled teens and troubled young adults to repeat the behavior of abusing drugs.
Continuous Substance Abuse
As a troubled teenager or young adult continues to abuse drugs, the brain adapts to the overwhelming surges in dopamine by producing less dopamine or by reducing the number of dopamine receptors in the reward circuit. This decrease compels the teen or young adult addict to keep abusing drugs in an attempt to bring the dopamine function back to normal, but now larger amounts of the drug are required to achieve the same dopamine high—an effect known as tolerance. Long-term abuse causes changes in other brain chemical systems and circuits as well. Glutamate is a neurotransmitter that influences the reward circuit and the ability to learn. When the optimal concentration of glutamate is altered by drug abuse, the brain attempts to compensate, which can impair cognitive function.
If you know a teenager or young adult that is struggling with substance abuse and/or addiction it is crucial that you act fast. Substance abuse and substance addiction must be taken seriously and acted on immediately, as the negative effects of substance abuse and addiction begin the first time the substance is used. Our professionals at Therapy Insider specialize in researching treatment programs and finding one that will best suit the needs of your teenager or young adult. Speak to one of our Therapy Insider professionals today and share your stories, struggles, and concern for this adolescent or young adult addict and begin the road to recovery today.