(NIDA Blog Team, March 16) Drug use can change the brain in lasting ways. These changes can make it difficult for someone who has a problem with drugs to stop using them. That’s why it’s very important to get medical help when you want to quit.
But sometimes, even with proper treatment, people who quit using drugs can experience a relapse. That means they go back to using drugs.
Risky reminders
Relapses are common. There are many reasons for that, and scientists call these reasons “triggers.” Triggers can include things like:
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Being in withdrawal from drug use.
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Experiencing stressful life events. Read the rest on NIDA's Teen site.