What is Addiction?

With countless theories out there about addiction, some people can’t help but wonder what it is.

There are studies going on for the sole purpose of determining why one person is more susceptible to becoming an addict than the next person.

Truth be told, there are a number of factors that come into play.
What is Addiction?

The definition of addiction according to Wikipedia:

– The fact or condition of being addicted to a particular substance, thing, or activity.
Substance abuse and addiction are similar but are also two different things. Abusing a substance doesn’t mean that a person is addicted to it. Clinically, substance abuse occurs when a particular criteria has been met.

What abusing a substance cause:

• Failure to maintain responsibilities.
• Continued use of substances, even with a complete knowledge of consequences that follow.
• Legal issues that arise due to abusing substances.

These are all symptoms of drug addictions, however, they are not addictions by themselves. Clinically, to be considered an addict, at least 3 or more of these symptoms should be occurring:

• Symptoms of withdrawal. These may include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, mood swings etc.
• High alcohol or drug tolerance. When it takes more of the substance to feel the same effects.
• Completely ignoring responsibilities. Family time, social obligations, school, work, etc.
• The majority of time spent buying, abusing, or recovering from, the substances or drugs.
• No self-control. Can’t stop using even when trying and making the effort to stop. Acting reckless or obvious risky behavior.
• No regard for consequences. Loss of job, family, relationships, etc. due to alcohol or drugs. Continued risky behavior regardless of health, financial, social or legal consequences.

The Brain and Addiction.

Substance abuse and addiction affect the brain’s chemistry.

The human brain is altered in a way that causes it to crave the drug so it can function normally.

The added danger at this stage is overdosing once a tolerance has built up.

So many people struggle with drug addiction and substance abuse.

No matter the age range or the type of drug, addiction is a serious and dangerous thing.

After answering the question “ What is addiction?” it’s also good to know what can be addictive.

Most Common Addictions:

• Marijuana/Cannabis
• Prescription drugs
• Cocaine
• Meth/Amphetamines
• Caffeine
• Opioids
• Angeldust/PCP
• Gambling
• Tobacco
• Hallucinogens
• Alcohol
• Sugar
• Inhalants
• OTC drugs like cough syrup.

Getting Help

Some drugs are more addictive than others. Even caffeine can be addictive.

Sex, gambling and other high-risk behaviors can be addictive as well.
Addiction is not a joke.

Those with the greatest chance of getting sober or clean are those who seek professional help.

Finding an inpatient facility that includes both counseling as well as medical care is best.

Combining these two treatments help with overcoming both the physical and emotional reasons for addictions.

This greatly lowers the risk of relapse, which is a key goal in finding sobriety.

Reach out and get the help you need. Don’t suffer in silence. Addiction destroys lives.

It doesn’t just affect you but those you love around you.

That’s the bottom line.