How do Drugs work with the brain

Drugs are chemicals. They work in the brain by tapping into the brain's communication system and interfering with the way nerve cells normally send, receive, and process information. Some drugs, such as marijuana and heroin, can activate neurons because their chemical structure mimics that of a natural neurotransmitter. This similarity in structure "fools" receptors and allows the drugs to lock onto and activate the nerve cells. Although these drugs mimic brain chemicals, they don't activate nerve cells in the same way as a natural neurotransmitter, and they lead to abnormal messages being transmitted through the network.

How do i pay for rehab?

A certain percentage of people have health insurance, and that might cover all or most of a stay in a treatment center.  But even with good health insurance, sometimes people can’t afford rehab, for whatever reasons.  Keep in mind that this is becoming more and more of a battle each day, as insurance companies place more and more restrictions on who is covered for rehab, how often they can stay, and so on.
If you have insurance, call them up a local rehab and see what you can get covered for. Sometimes there will be a copay. In some cases it is very reasonable, in others it will be so high that you are back to the drawing board. You just have to get on the phone and talk to your insurance company and see what the deal is. Because of this, having insurance can be a mixed blessing when it comes to treatment. Sometimes they cover all or most of a stay, but other times it seems like they are too restrictive and limiting. It can be a bit of a crap shoot.

Are there any factors that contribute to me becoming addicted to drugs?

One of the most powerful risk factors is spending time with other people who use drugs and alcohol. It is important to note, though, that just hanging out with people who smoke pot won’t make you into a drug addict. There are a lot of other risk factors that make people become addicted, some of them genetic and some of them environmental. 

For instance, research has shown that people who have a lot of stress in their lives (from dealing with a family divorce or being the victim of physical or sexual abuse) have an increased likelihood of developing a drug addiction. Another example of a major risk factor is family history. If you are related to someone with a drug addiction problem, the chances that you will develop an addiction are higher. 

Is Addiction Hereditary?

Generally, society harshly judges people who suffer from drug and alcohol addiction. We tend to assume these individuals have a character flaw or personality weakness. Addiction, however, is a very real and complex disease, just as heart disease is. Scientists now know that family history is a strong predictor of who is most at risk for becoming addicted.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), addiction is a chronic, relapsing brain disease characterized by compulsive drug (or alcohol) seeking and use, despite harmful consequences. Addiction disrupts normal, healthy functioning of the brain. This disease process is the same regardless of the type of substance a person abuses. Like many other diseases, addictions are preventable and treatable, but left untreated, their damaging effects can last a lifetime.

Teens are most affected by drug addiction

My peers has the highest rate of drug addictions today.There is a high likelihood that your teen will be exposed to drugs and alcohol, and according to drug statistics from the National Institute on Drug Abuse there is a good chance that your teen will try drugs. Teens as young as 13 have often already tried drugs as powerful as cocaine. Teens might tell themselves they will only try a drug once, but many teens find themselves under continual peer pressure to continue to experiment with drugs and “join the party.”

Most teens don't start using drugs expecting to develop a substance abuse problem, and while most teens probably see their drug use as a casual way to have fun, there are negative effects that are a result of this use and abuse of alcohol and other drugs. The biggest consequence to casual drug use can be that it develops into a true addiction.  Very few addicts recognize when they have crossed the line from casual use to addiction.

What Is Rehabilitation

When people hear the word rehab they envision patients in straight jackets, however, this is far from the truth.Rehab' usually refers to a person being placed in a residential rehabilitation unit, but it can also refer to 'out patient' treatment, support groups and care centers. The patients are often treated for heavy drug or alcohol decency but people may also go into rehab to deal with gambling or sex addictions. These placements usually last between six and 12 weeks but they can continue for much longer; some very severe cases can stay for up to a year. Residential Centers are usually placed within rural settings. It is thought that by removing the person from their habits and contacts(friends they drink with, dealers they know) they will have the time and sobriety to focus on their drug addiction using counseling and other non-medical treatments and therapies. Some people are able to get to grips with their problem without professional help, however most require the more structured methods of rehab and the support that comes with it.

Recognizing Addiction In yourself

Recognizing addiction in yourself is the first the step to recovery.  If you can not admit that you are addicted to drugs then you are not ready for professional help. Most drug addicts don’t know when they are addicted. They deny the addiction because they are afraid of recovery. Acknowledging the addiction of a close friend or relative is a painful experience, but it is the first step to help a drug abuser. Rehabilitation centers are no good if the substance user is afraid or in denial that they are addicted to drugs.