Combat Addiction (CA) is a psychological condition common to heavy combat veterans. It has been clinically explored and recognized for over thirty years, first with Vietnam veterans, and more recently, in the Middle East War. CA typically persists for more than a decade as overt behavior and positive associations. Only advanced age can suppress the disease. Thus, combat addiction intervention is an experimental science that has not been fully proven.
High-sensation seeking
Research suggests that high-sensation seeking behavior is related to drug use. This is due to the fact that individuals with this behavior are more likely to experiment with multiple drugs and to develop a tolerance for those drugs. In addition, high-sensation seekers tend to experiment with drugs more often and are more likely to become addicted to them. This type of behavior can lead to psychiatric problems and substance abuse.
Sensation seeking behaviors were first identified in the 1950s and is characterized by the desire to engage in novel and potentially risky experiences. This behavior significantly increases between the ages of 12 and 14 and remains stable throughout young adulthood. It then declines gradually after age 25. The measure of sensation seeking is usually modeled as a single unidimensional trait and has been found to be reliable when predicting risky behaviors.
Although it has been shown to predict high-risk behaviors, it is not fully understood why sensation seeking is associated with drug dependence. Although the current study examined only youth from street-involved settings, it showed that youth who were afflicted by childhood sexual abuse exhibited a higher sensation seeking score. This may help us understand psychosocial and distal factors that may contribute to substance use.
Recent research suggests that adolescents with high-sensation seeking behaviors are more likely to engage in substance use. This may be because of their higher need for stimulation and heightened emotional states. Studies have also shown that adolescents who report using nicotine had greater sensation-seeking than those who had no reports of using nicotine.
Genetics
Advances in genetics have made it possible to study the causes of addiction. Through the use of genome and exome sequencing, scientists can find genetic ties between various disorders. These discoveries can be used to develop new treatment methods and to prevent addiction. Genetics can help us learn more about what causes addiction and how we can prevent it.
There are several genetic factors that contribute to addiction. Some are more common than others. For example, a particular gene that affects brain development is related to addiction. Another gene that may be important is one related to learning and addiction. Researchers have found that mice with lower levels of PSD-95 were more sensitive to cocaine and took longer to learn a maze.
The scientific field of genetics has played an important role in the development of treatments for SUD. Although scientists have yet to find the actual gene for addiction, they have discovered that there are many other factors that influence a person’s tendency and behavior. Genetic testing can help physicians better match people with the best treatments.
Several studies have found that some genes can help us cope with stressful situations. Some researchers believe that the stress response to traumatic events can affect genes related to depression and addiction.
Treatment
Treatment for addiction is an ongoing process, often requiring daily or weekly attendance at a treatment facility. The process may involve biological assays, clinical diagnostic interviewing, or self-report measures, and will be used to determine a treatment plan. If you or someone you know has an addiction to alcohol, drugs, or gambling, you should consider seeking treatment for addiction.
Non-pharmacological treatment is another option. Known as “talk therapies,” these approaches emphasize changing addictive behavior and teaching skills to prevent relapse. In addition, they may include connecting patients with community-based resources, including support groups. They may also involve significant others and family members in the process. There are many types of treatment for addiction, and a quality treatment center will be able to provide the kind of support you need to recover.
Depending on the type of treatment, residential rehab programs can focus on changing behaviors, improving mental health, or addressing co-occurring disorders. Some programs combine addiction treatment with mental health treatment, parenting services, and child-related services. A residential treatment center is also an option for those seeking short-term treatment. In these settings, patients will receive 24-hour care, supervised housing, and medical assistance. They will also receive advice about reestablishing a healthy lifestyle and pursuing work.
A combination of behavioral therapies, counseling, and medications are often used to treat addiction. While these methods may be effective, they are not always enough. Patients must also go through psychotherapy and other interventions to overcome their addiction and re-integrate their lives.
