b'Understanding Drug Use and Addictionwww.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/understanding-drug-use-addictionMany people dont understand why or how other people become addicted to drugs. They may mistakenly think that those who use drugs lack moral principles or willpower and that they could stop their drug use simply by choosing to. In reality, drug addiction is a complex disease, and quitting usually takes more than goodintentions or a strong will. Drugs change the brain in ways that makequitting hard, even for those who want to. Fortunately, researchers know more than ever about how drugs affect the brain and have found treatments that can help people recover from drug addiction and lead productive lives.What Is drug addiction?Addiction is a chronic disease characterized by drug seek-ing and use that is compulsive, or difficult to control, despiteThey are more apt to engage in new-onset heavy weekly harmful consequences. The initial decision to take drugs isdrinking and binge drinking, tovoluntary for most people, but repeated drug use can lead suffer alcohol- and drug-related problems, and start smoking to brain changes that challenge an addicted or relapse to smoking. persons self-control and interfere with their Like civilians, they risk addiction to opioidability to resist intense urges to take drugs. These brainpain medicines prescribed after an injury.changes can be persistent, which NIDA continues to examine the trends inis why drug addiction is considered a relapsing disease substance use in specific populations, includingpeople in recovery from drug use military personnel, and search for betterdisorders are at increased risk for returning methods for preventing and treating substance use disorders to drug use even after years of not taking that are specific to thesethe drug. populations.Its common for a person to relapse, but relapse doesntHelpful Resourcesmean that treatment doesnt work. As with other chronicService members, veterans, and theirhealth conditions, treatment should be ongoing and shouldfamilies who need help dealing with substance abuse issues be adjusted based on how the patient responds. Treatmentmay find the following resources helpful:plans need to be reviewed often and modified to fit theContract # 5169 Aberdeen Family Practicepatients changing needs. 2020 Military Appreciation Resource Book .continued on page 38Military MembersActive duty and retired members of the armed forces are not immune to the substance use problems that affect theNow Accepting New PatientsWalk-Ins Welcomerest of society. The stresses of deployment during wartime and the unique culture of the military account for some 9 Aberdeen Shopping Plaza DOT differences between substance use in military members andAberdeen, MD 21001 PHYSICALScivilians.HoursZero-tolerance policies and stigma pose Andrew Mrowiec, MD Monday 7:30 AM - 5:30 PMTuesday .8:00 AM - 7:00 PMdifficulties in identifying and treating substance use prob- Wednesday 8:00 AM - 5:30 PMAmber Vasold, PA-C Thursday7:30 AM - 5:30 PMlems in military personnel, as does lack of confidentiality thatKerri McDonald, PA-C Friday.7:30 AM - 5:30 PM deters many who need treatment from seeking it. Saturday ClosedThose with multiple deployments, combat Sunday Closedexposure, and related injuries are at greatest Phone: (410) 272-8844risk of developing substance use problems. Aberdeen Proving Ground Military Appreciation Resource Magazine 37'