Why Is Addiction So Hard To Quit?

One thing that makes stopping so difficult is that the immediate effects of substance use tend to be positive. The person may feel good, have more confidence and forget about his or her problems. The problems caused by substance use might not be obvious for some time.

The person may come to rely on substances to bring short-term relief from stressful feelings or physical pain. The effect of substances can make problems seem less important or make pain disappear. The person usually comes to a point where he or she cannot function or make it through the day without drugs or alcohol. Opioids stimulate the brain’s reward system. Continuous use eventually leads to tolerance and dependence on the drug, to the point where the brain needs it to function normally, something users call “maintaining”. When substances are used to escape problems or change how the user feels, using can become a habit, which can be hard to break. The dose used might also increase. For this reason, as in any other disease, the earlier seeking treatment the better the outcome.