Addictions
ESHGIN JAVADOV
What is Addiction
Addiction is defined as a chronic, relapsing brain disease
that is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use,
despite harmful consequences. It is considered a brain
disease because drugs change the brain - they change its
structure and how it works. These brain changes can be
long-lasting and can lead to the harmful behaviors seen in
people who abuse drugs.
Types of Addiction
Addictions are most commonly associated with drugs but can also broadly refer to engagement in any
compulsive behavior resulting in possible harm. While addiction to drugs is the most common
manifestation, addictions can also be associated with a range of activities including gambling,
compulsive sex, videogames, or internet use. Today, most experts recognize two types of addiction:
Physical addiction - This refers to addiction that involves the use of substances.
Behavioral addiction - This refers to addiction that involves compulsive behaviors. These are
persistent, repeated behaviors that you carry out even if they don’t offer any real benefit.
Physical addictions are the ones that are generally
better known. These are addictions to substances that
are ingested or otherwise put into a person’s body.
Some common physical addictions include:
Alcohol
Tobacco
Opioids
Physical Prescription drugs
Addictions Cocaine
Marijuana
Amphetamines
Hallucinogens
Inhalants
PCP
Physical Addictions
Physical addictions can generally be grouped into three
categories: alcohol, illicit drugs, and prescription drugs.
Alcohol addiction is arguably among the most common. It
manifests in the form of alcohol dependency, binge drinking,
or regular heavy drinking. Alcohol addiction often starts with
social drinking and then progresses further and further until
one finds him or herself dealing with an unbreakable
addiction.
Physical Addictions
Illicit drug addiction is an addiction to illegal
substances that cause short-term disruptions in the
brain resulting in an altered perception of reality.
Illegal drugs cause long-term changes to the brain and
other organs, leading to severe addiction.
Prescription drug addiction is using approved
medications in any way that has not been prescribed
by a doctor. This is becoming increasingly problematic
in the United States today.
Behavioral addiction is classified as any time that one loses
control of their actions in order to engage in behaviors that result
in brief feelings of happiness. That person becomes dependent on
the pleasurable feelings that come as a result of certain behaviors
and begins to compulsively act on that behavior. Some common
behavioral addictions include:
Food Addiction
Behavioral Sex Addiction
Internet Addiction
Addictions Using computers and/or cell phones
Video Game Addiction
Work Addiction
Exercise Addiction
Shopping Addiction
Gambling Addiction
Behavioral Addictions
If you have an impulse control disorder, you are especially
susceptible to compulsive behavior that could lead to severe
addiction. Similarly, mental health issues or mental disorders
can exacerbate the risk for both a substance use disorder and a
behavioral addiction.
Addiction manifests itself differently in each person, and signs of
addiction vary based on what the person is addicted to. Drug
addiction changes the body, specifically the brain, and can have
visible physical side effects. Behavioral addiction does not exhibit
the same physical symptoms that accompany drug and alcohol
addiction or substance abuse. Some signs of addiction that aren’t
physical include:
Signs of Significant amount of time spent using substance or engaging in
the behavior
Addiction Inability to quit using or engaging in the behavior
Inability to fulfill obligations at school, work, or home
Relationship or social problems
Increased tolerance
Withdrawal symptoms upon quitting
Previously enjoyed hobbies abandoned
Signs of Addiction
Dependency is when a person needs something in order to function normally and is often accompanied by
increased tolerance and symptoms of withdrawal when the drug or behavior is no longer present. It is a
gateway to addiction. A person can be dependent without being addicted if it does not cause a person to engage
in compulsive or harmful behavior. If you find yourself or a loved one becoming dependent on any substance
or behavior, it is important to seek help as soon as possible to avoid getting to the point of addiction, which is
even more difficult to overcome.
Addiction, whether physical or behavioral, impacts many parts of a person’s life. Repeated use of substances
or repeated behaviors results in physical brain changes, leading to impaired learning, decision-making,
memory and judgment. Over time, addiction causes organ damage and increases risk of contracting a
communicable disease. Addiction is known to cause depression and/or suicide and affects relationships with
family and friends. Legal problems and financial woes are also common issues that result from addiction.
Treatment
Both genetic and environmental factors influence decisions and circumstances that lead to
addiction. It is a confusing and challenging path to travel, not only for the person suffering but
also for their friends and family members. It’s important to know that no addiction, regardless of
what it is to, is un-treatable. Professionals can effectively treat addictions of all types, both
physical and behavioral. It is possible to return to a healthy life with the help of the appropriate
behavioral therapies, medication-assisted treatment, exercise, and a sense of community.
Treatment
Residential treatment - Rehab, or residential
treatment, involves staying at a treatment facility
where trained treatment specialists provide medical
attention and support. Some programs only last a few
weeks, while others might last several months to a
year. Many rehab programs also incorporate elements
of the following treatment approaches.
Therapy - Psychotherapy and addiction counseling
can help with recovery, especially if someone started
using substances to deal with distressing emotions. A
therapist can help them explore some of the reasons
behind their substance use and come up with new
coping strategies for dealing with challenges.
Treatment
Medication - In some cases, medication can help people working through addiction have greater
success with recovery.
It can be particularly helpful for preventing relapses in people dealing with substance use
disorder involving alcohol, nicotine, or opioids. These medications work in different ways, but
they generally help reduce cravings for the substance and reduce symptoms of withdrawal.
Treatment providers typically recommend using medication in combination with other treatment
approaches, like therapy, to address underlying factors.
Treatment
Support groups - Twelve-step programs like Alcoholics
Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous help many people achieve
recovery. These programs rely on self-help treatment methods and
involve anonymous group support from other people working
toward recovery.
Comfort and guidance from others working toward recovery can
make a lot of difference. However, these programs typically don’t
provide enough support on their own. Plus, the 12-step model
doesn’t work for everyone.
Other programs, such as SMART Recovery, may be a better option
for people looking for a more scientific approach to group support.
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