Understanding Addiction
One of the most significant risks of substance use is that it can lead to addiction.
Despite affecting millions of people each year, this disease is often misunderstood. Let's look at what addiction is and how it can be treated at our addiction pharmacy and addiction clinic serving Thornhill, Richmond Hill, Vaughan, and North York.
What is Addiction?
Addiction, clinically known as a severe Substance Use Disorder (SUD), is a chronic brain disease that causes a person to compulsively seek out and use a substance, regardless of the harm it causes. It is not a moral failing or a lack of willpower.
According to the DSM-5, a diagnosis is made based on a person meeting at least two of 11 criteria over a 12-month period. These criteria fall into four main categories:
Impaired Control
Using more of a substance or for longer than intended; wanting to cut down or stop but not being able to; spending a lot of time getting, using, or recovering from the substance; experiencing intense cravings.
Social Impairment
Continuing to use even when it causes problems in relationships; giving up important social, occupational, or recreational activities because of substance use.
Risky Use
Using substances in situations where it is physically dangerous; continuing use despite knowing it's causing or worsening physical or psychological problems.
Pharmacological Criteria
Needing more of the substance to get the desired effect (tolerance); developing withdrawal symptoms when use is stopped.
The severity of the SUD is determined by how many criteria a person meets. Addiction is a life-threatening condition, but with the right support from our addiction clinic and pharmacy, recovery is possible.
How Addiction Happens in the Brain
Addiction develops through a cycle often driven by one of two motivations:
Positive Reinforcement
A person takes a drug because it produces a powerful feeling of pleasure or euphoria (a "high"). The brain remembers this reward and creates a strong desire to repeat the experience.
Negative Reinforcement
A person takes a drug to relieve negative feelings like stress, anxiety, or depression. The substance provides temporary relief, reinforcing its use as a coping mechanism.
In both scenarios, the brain's reward system is flooded with dopamine. Over time, the brain adapts by reducing its natural dopamine production, leading to tolerance (needing more of the drug to feel good) and dependence (needing the drug just to feel normal and avoid unpleasant withdrawal symptoms).
Addiction vs Dependence
Addiction and dependence are different, but these issues often go hand-in-hand. It's possible to be dependent on a substance without being addicted.
Addiction (SUD)
- A brain disease involving compulsive drug-seeking and use, despite harmful consequences
- Characterized by an inability to control use and negative impacts on work, school, and relationships
- Relates to the psychological and behavioral aspects of the user's relationship with the substance
Physical Dependence
- The body adapts to the presence of a drug, leading to tolerance (requiring higher doses for the same effect)
- When the drug is stopped, the person experiences physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms
- Dependence can occur with many prescription medications (like opioids or antidepressants) even when taken as directed
Physical dependence often contributes to the cycle of addiction, as a person may continue using a drug simply to avoid the pain of withdrawal.
Drug Addiction Statistics
The latest national data reveals the widespread impact of substance use and addiction:
People aged 12+ had a Substance Use Disorder in the past year
People used illicit drugs in the past year
Drug-involved overdose deaths in 2023
With SUD do not receive any treatment
Who Does Addiction Affect?
Addiction can happen to anyone, regardless of age, gender, race, or socioeconomic status. Our addiction pharmacy in Thornhill serves diverse communities across Richmond Hill, Vaughan, and North York.
Research indicates that a combination of factors influences a person's risk:
Genetics
A family history of addiction can account for about half of a person's risk.
Environment
Factors like peer pressure, stress, trauma, and lack of parental supervision can increase risk, especially for adolescents.
Brain Development
The prefrontal cortex, which governs decision-making and impulse control, is not fully developed until the mid-20s, making teenagers particularly vulnerable to risky substance use.
Different Types of Drug Addiction
A person can develop an addiction to both illicit and prescription drugs. Our methadone pharmacy and Suboxone clinic provides specialized treatment for various substance use disorders.
Most Commonly Misused Prescription Drugs:
Opioids
Painkillers including prescription medications
Benzodiazepines
Sedatives and anti-anxiety medications
Amphetamines
ADHD medications and stimulants
Most Common Illicit Drugs:
Cannabis
Though now legal in some regions
Heroin
Highly addictive opioid
Methamphetamine
Crystal meth and similar stimulants
Drug Addiction Treatment & Support
No matter the substance or the severity of the addiction, know that there is always hope.
Addiction is a treatable disease, and recovery is possible with the help of health professionals and a strong support system at our addiction clinic serving Thornhill, Richmond Hill, Vaughan, and North York.
Treatment Options Available
Detoxification (Detox)
The recovery process usually begins with a detox program. Medical detoxification helps you safely clear the drug from your system while managing withdrawal symptoms under supervision.
Rehabilitation (Rehab)
Following detox, you will receive care at a treatment center to help you in the early days of sobriety. Typical drug addiction treatment combines medical monitoring with behavioral therapies.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
Our methadone pharmacy and Suboxone clinic provides evidence-based medication-assisted treatment (MAT) including Methadone, Suboxone, and Kadian programs.
Post-Treatment Support (Aftercare)
After formal treatment, most people in recovery continue to receive support through aftercare programs that help them maintain sobriety and prevent relapse.
For Friends and Family Members
Addiction affects more than just the person using substances. Friends and family members often deal with significant stress and emotional pain. Many resources are available to help you cope with this process and better understand addiction.
Support groups like Al-Anon or Nar-Anon provide guidance and healing for the loved ones of people with addiction.
What About Addiction Relapse?
It is important to remember that relapse is a common part of the recovery process and does not mean that treatment has failed. Addiction is a chronic, relapsing disease, much like asthma or diabetes. A return to use is a sign that the treatment plan needs to be adjusted or that new strategies are needed.
"Relapse rates for people treated for substance use disorders are compared with those for people treated for high blood pressure and asthma. Relapse is common and similar across these illnesses. Therefore, substance use disorders should be treated like any other chronic illness. Relapse serves as a sign for resumed, modified, or new treatment."
— National Institute on Drug Abuse
A Lifelong Journey of Recovery
Understanding addiction as a treatable brain disease is the first step toward breaking down the stigma that prevents many from seeking help. While the path can be challenging, millions of people live in long-term recovery.
With evidence-based treatment at our addiction pharmacy and clinic, a strong support system, and a commitment to new, healthy habits, you or your loved one can reclaim your life from addiction.