Why Do Some People Quit Drugs Easily While Others Need Treatment Again and Again?
Key Factors That Affect How Easy or Difficult It Is to Quit Drugs
Quitting drugs is a complex process that differs from person to person. Some people can quit easily and never relapse, while others need multiple rounds of treatment before they can break free from the cycle of addiction. The factors behind these different outcomes come from many causes, which can be divided into three main groups: environment, genetics, and psychiatric disorders.
1. Environment
The surrounding environment plays a major role in quitting drugs. If a user is in an environment that triggers cravings, such as having friends who still use drugs, or being in places where they used to use drugs, the chance of relapse is high. In addition, a lack of support from family or society can create feelings of isolation and discouragement, which is one reason quitting drugs fails.
Conversely, if a user receives support from family and friends, has an environment far from triggers, and receives encouragement from those around them, quitting drugs becomes easier and more likely to last.
2. Genetics
Genetics is another factor that affects addiction and quitting. Medical research has found that some people have genetics that make the brain more sensitive to drugs than others, causing greater feelings of satisfaction and making addiction develop more easily. It has also been found that some people have abnormal brain chemical function, causing them to need drugs to balance their emotions.
People with genetics that make them more sensitive to addiction therefore tend to find it harder to quit drugs and need more intensive and continuous treatment than those without this genetic factor.
3. Psychiatric Disorders
Having a co-occurring psychiatric disorder, such as depression, bipolar disorder, or anxiety disorder, makes users more likely to use drugs to relieve psychological symptoms. Quitting drugs in these cases is therefore challenging, because when drug use stops, psychiatric symptoms may flare up again and cause stress severe enough to lead to relapse.
Treatment in cases with a co-occurring psychiatric disorder requires a comprehensive approach covering both psychiatric care and addiction treatment, such as using medication together with psychological therapy, to balance emotions and reduce the chance of relapse.
Summary and Treatment Approach
All of these factors show that there is no single method for quitting drugs that works the same way for everyone. Some people quit easily because they have a good environment, no genetic sensitivity to addiction, and no co-occurring psychiatric disorder, while others need multiple rounds of treatment because they face several complex factors that make quitting difficult.
Day One rehabilitation center understands the complexity and the different factors in each individual. We are ready to provide consultation and treatment programs designed specifically for each person, to help you or someone you love quit drugs sustainably and avoid relapse.
If you or someone you love is facing an addiction problem, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Day One Rehabilitation Center, a drug rehabilitation center, is ready to provide comprehensive consultation and care.
Phone: +66 64-645-5091, +66 64-645-5092
LINE: @dayone
Location: 99/1 Moo 6, Si Chula, Mueang Nakhon Nayok, Nakhon Nayok 26000, Thailand (only a 1-hour drive from Bangkok)