Every day, millions of people get trapped by addiction. Beneath this addiction lies the labyrinth of shame, trauma, grief, frustration, and fear. Yet, in the face of all these, determination, compassion, and support can destroy these labyrinths and reveal hope and freedom from addiction. This article will comprehensively explore addiction, its meaning, causes, effects, treatment, and recovery.
What Is Addiction?
According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), addiction is defined as “A chronic brain disorder characterized by compulsive seeking and use of substances, behaviors, or activities despite adverse consequences. Addiction is a primary disease, not a moral failing or a personal weakness. It is a complex condition that involves biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors.” Addiction can also be defined as a neuropsychological disorder characterized by persistent and intense urge to engage in a behaviour that produces natural reward despite substantial harm and other negative consequences. It is simply a strong physical and psychological need to do or use something that can impact everyday living.
The Biology Of Addiction.
The biology of addiction refers to the physiological and neurological changes that occur in the brain and body as a result of repeated exposure to addictive substances or behavior. It is simply the way the brain and body respond to addictive substances or how addiction affects the brain.
One major way addiction alters the brain is by hijacking the brain’s reward system. It releases chemicals or neurotransmitters like dopamine that make the brain feel good and motivated.
Dopamine responds to pleasurable activities leading to euphoria and addiction. This creates a cycle of craving and use leading to changes in brain structure and functions and it is usually long-term.
Types And Symptoms Of Addiction
There are different types of addiction but the most common type of addiction is substance use disorder.
Substance use disorder (SUD) can simply be defined as a condition where a person’s use of substances like drugs and alcohol become compulsive and difficult to control. This can lead to distress and impairment in daily life. Substance use disorder includes alcoholism, prescription medication addiction, and drug abuse. However, beyond substance use disorder, addiction also spreads its wings to behavioural addiction.
Behavioural addiction is a type of addiction that involves compulsive and repetitive behaviour that brings negative consequences. Examples of behavioural addiction includes gambling disorder, internet addiction, sex addiction, and so on. We also have process addiction where the patient becomes addicted to working too much, eats too much or too less. Each type has its unique characteristic but they all share common symptoms and sign.These signs and symptoms include compulsive use and seeking of addictive substances or behaviour despite the negative consequences, withdrawal, loss of control, inability to quit, neglect of work, hobbies, and family, mood changes, secrecy and hiding, craving and so on. Severity varies and all symptoms are not mutually exclusive.
Causes Of Addiction
Addictions are caused by different factors and some of these causes spring up from seemingly innocent use of something or love of a behaviour whether consciously or subconsciously. Some possible factors that contribute to addiction include environmental factor, social cultural influences, trauma and stress, mental health condition, lack of coping mechanism, accessibility and availability of addictive substances, brain development and pain. These factors amongst make addiction to be a complex issue.
The Adverse Effect Of Addiction.
Addiction is without no consequence which may sometimes be costly. These consequences range from physical to mental to emotional. One major effect of addiction is physical health problems. This varies from organ damage to long-term health issues. Other effects are mental health issues, tumultuous relationships with people, work difficulties, financial difficulties, and legal troubles. Addiction should be treated as a medical condition instead of addressing it as social failings.
Treatment For Addiction.
As stated above, addiction should be treated medically instead of addressing it as a loop in morals. It requires a comprehensive approach. Treatment for addiction includes incorporating detoxification, medical-assisted treatment, behavioural therapies (cognitive behavioural therapy, contingency management, motivational interviewing, dialectical behavior therapy), support group, Individual counseling, family therapy, and alternative treatment. With these treatments, individuals can overcome the disease and rebuild their lives.
On Your Way To Recovery from Addiction.
Recovery from addiction is a process of overcoming addiction and its symptoms. The first step to recovery is overcoming physical dependence, withdrawal symptoms, and cravings. Other steps are developing coping skills, improving mental health, rebuilding lost relationships, addressing underlying issues, finding purpose, and maintaining sobriety. Also, pursuing personal growth and preventing relapses is pivotal. Individuals should be committed as recovery from addiction is a long-term process. Pressure from friends, society, and culture should be avoided. Recovery from addiction comes in different models and they include, abstinence based model, moderation management, and harm reduction which includes reducing the negative consequences of addiction without necessarily achieving abstinence. Recovery from addiction is a journey that can not be achieved hastily as it takes many years for someone to be addicted hence, individuals battling addiction achieve progress and not perfection, get support and not isolate themselves, they should hope and not fall into despondency.
Conclusion.
Addiction, a complex and multifaceted medical condition that affects millions of people in the world is caused by the genetic, environment, and social factors amongst others. It can be treated and overcome with support, compassion, and medical intervention. Understanding addiction as a disease and early diagnosis instead of moral failings is crucial for effective prevention, treatment, and recovery. Recovery from addiction is a process for individuals and groups to break free from the grip of addiction. It requires a supportive and comprehensive approach that can be achieved with compassion. It is not a day’s journey, patience is needed in recovery. With the right mindset, support, and resources, individuals can break from addiction’s shackles and live a healthy and purposeful life.
References.
- American Society of Addiction Medicine. Tackling Addiction. Open Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation. Vol. 1 No. 3. August 25, 2023.
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