Why Is It So Hard to Stop Using Drugs?

Written by: Clint Fletcher

It’s probably the No. 1 question we hear from family members or loved ones of people with substance use issues: Why is it so hard to stop? It would be great if there was a simple answer. Both biological and psychological factors play into the “why” questions of addiction. Not only does a person’s brain chemistry change when using drugs, but there are the underlying causes of why the drug usage started in the first place. In order to break the cycle of addiction, both factors need to be addressed together.

The Brain Effect

Your brain is made up of trillions of complex circuits that work together as a team to make you, well, you. Without the interconnection of these circuits, you wouldn’t be able to breathe, move, talk, or live your life. Neurons send signals back and forth to each other through the brain and spinal cord, creating an information highway.

Not all drugs can mimic neurotransmitters, but ones like cocaine and meth can release exceptionally high amounts of confusing signals.

When drugs enter the mix, they interfere with that information highway, according to a study by the the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Naturally, neurotransmitters activate the neurons, sending the info your brain needs. But to someone using heroin or marijuana, for example, these drugs can activate neurons on their own by mimicking neurotransmitters. This means abnormal messages get sent throughout the network. Not all drugs can mimic neurotransmitters, but ones like cocaine and meth can release exceptionally high amounts of confusing signals, causing many problems for the user.

When your prefrontal cortex—the part of the brain that allows you to think, problem-solve, and make decisions—is affected by drugs, it becomes easier to use again because your impulse control has been reduced. The extended amygdala becomes more sensitive with each use and creates unpleasant symptoms if using is stopped. The brain stem which controls breathing, heart rate, and sleeping are also affected. In other words, your body can become extremely uncomfortable when you stop using drugs. What’s more is most drugs light up the pleasure areas of the brain like a Christmas tree. Giving up that high can be incredibly difficult for most people, but not impossible.

Behind the Addiction

Those who suffer from a substance use disorder have most likely also suffered from one or more mental health problems which led them to drug use. These problems which are mostly associated with abuse can range from anxiety to personality disorders. Patients also have often experienced some form of trauma in adulthood or childhood. Left untreated, this residing pain can lead to a numbing out of sorts, given their inability to handle the internal experiences of their own mind.

Marijuana and alcohol operate as depressants that temporarily help soothe the pain and create a false sense of escape from life.

Marijuana and alcohol operate as depressants that temporarily help soothe the pain and create a false sense of escape from life. However, the numbing doesn’t work for very long because the body builds up a tolerance to the amount of drugs used, leading a person to use more and more to reach the same high. This can lead to emotional and physical damage. On top of this, many users struggle with suppressed feelings returning during breaks, which sends them back to using again.

How to Help Someone Dealing with Addiction

Most people with addiction issues don’t ask for help until the pain of continuing to use becomes greater than the pain of taking action to get sober. Drugs may help with the pain for some time, but they do stop working at some point. If someone you love is struggling and ready for help, there are several steps you can take to support them in their journey. You can drive them to treatment and visit when permitted, look into support programs like  Al-Anon, or try marriage/family therapy with them.

Don’t be afraid to have the tough talks, explore the past, or ask as many questions as you need. Whatever stage of recovery they’re in, they’ll know they are loved and supported by your choice to get involved. If someone you know is looking for outpatient treatment, The Meadows has intensive outpatient centers in Scottsdale, Dallas, and Silicon Valley. These IOP campuses allow individuals to continue work, school, and home life while in treatment. We also offer a Virtual IOP program for residents of Arizona, California, and Texas (with more states being added throughout 2021). We treat both the biochemical and psychological aspects of addiction and introduce a life of peace on the road to recovery. Reach out to hear more.

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