Addiction-related actions

Addiction-related actions

Addiction is a chronic (lifelong) illness characterized by compulsive drug seeking, drug use, or behavior despite risks or bad outcomes.

Addiction can have a serious negative effect on your relationships, general quality of life, and health. It’s critical to get treatment as soon as you see any indications of addiction.

Addiction: Is it an illness?
Addiction is a chronic illness, thus yes, it is a disease. Addiction is categorized as a chronic brain condition by the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM). It is not a lack of willpower or poor decision-making that leads to addiction. Addiction causes a chemical alteration in your brain.

Which kinds of addiction are there?
There are primarily two categories of addiction:

• addictions to substances (substance use disorders).
• behavioral addictions, or addictions not involving drugs.

addictions to substances
Substance addiction is now referred to as substance use disorder by medical professionals. Specific diagnostic standards for substance use disorders can be found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) published by the American Psychiatric Association.

Drugs with the potential for addiction are substances. They include the following and can be either non-medical or prescription drugs:

• Beverage.
• Coffee.
• Cannabis, or hemp.
• hallucinogens, including LSD and PCP.
• sedatives, hypnotics, and anxiolytics (anti-anxiety medications), including barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and sleeping pills.
• Paint thinners, aerosol sprays, gasses, and nitrites (poppers) are examples of inhalants.
  Opioids with and without prescriptions, include heroin, oxycodone, and codeine.
• stimulants with and without prescriptions, including cocaine, methamphetamine, and Adderall®.
• tobacco and nicotine products, including e-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes.

Despite their stark differences, all of these chemicals cause intense feelings of pleasure and activation of the brain’s reward region. Substance use disorders (SUDs) can sometimes result from the use of certain substances, although not always. SUDs come in three different severity levels. The most serious type of substance abuse disease is addiction.

Addictions not related to drugs

Any behavior that activates your brain’s reward system has the potential to lead to behavioral addictions. The parallels and contrasts between behavioral addictions, chemical addictions, and other disorders characterized by compulsive behavior, such as bulimia nervosa and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), are still being researched by behavioral scientists.

Only the category of “non-substance-related disorders” under “substance-related and addictive disorders” in the DSM-5 presently accepts gambling disorder as a diagnosable behavioral addiction.

Other behavioral addictions are not currently included in the DSM-5 since there is insufficient research on them. But any habit or hobby that takes over your life and interferes with your day-to-day functioning can lead to serious problems with your mental, social, and physical health—and in certain situations, your finances as well.

Some activities that have the potential to become addictive are:

• Playing the game.
• Consuming food.
• Dieting or working out.
• Purchasing.
• theft from stores or other dangerous actions.
• engaging in sexual activity.
• watching explicit video.
• video games (disordered internet gaming).
• using a computer or phone to access the internet.

Which addiction is the most prevalent?
In the US, alcohol use disorder is the most prevalent drug addiction, followed by nicotine and marijuana use disorders. In the United States, 10% of adults over the age of 12 suffer from an alcohol use disorder.

Signs and Origins
What symptoms indicate an addiction?
Addiction symptoms differ depending on the substance or activity and from person to person. Generally speaking, indicators consist of:

Incapacity to stop: Despite their best efforts, some people are unable to give up using drugs or engaging in dangerous addictive behaviors. They might have made several unsuccessful attempts to cut back on their substance usage or behavior. They might also attempt to conceal it or lie about it to their loved ones.
Increased Tolerance: As time goes on, individuals could require more of the drug or activity to experience the same high levels of pleasure.

Severe obsession with the substance or activity: Addicts develop a pathological fixation on the substance or activity. When individuals find themselves needing, acquiring, and thinking about the issue of the addiction more and more, they could feel as though the addiction has taken over their lives.

Problems with their personal lives and health: Addiction affects a person’s physical and emotional well-being as well as their relationships, employment, and interpersonal relationships. Due to substance abuse or the activity, they could find it difficult to complete tasks at work, school, or home. Again, they realize how bad their addictions are for them, but they just can’t seem to give them up.
When they quit using, those who are addicted to substances may experience both physical and emotional withdrawal symptoms. Sweating, trembling, or vomiting are examples of physical symptoms. They might also start to feel nervous or agitated.

Diagnoses and Examinations
How are addictions identified?
Your doctor may recommend that you see a psychiatrist, psychologist, or drug and alcohol counselor for an addiction diagnosis. Your healthcare professional will inquire about your problematic behaviors or drug use habits from you and potentially your loved ones.

Your doctor might want to perform a physical examination and ask for urine and blood testing. Your provider can learn more about your general health from these tests. Additionally, they can aid in ruling out underlying medical issues.

How are addictions handled?
It’s possible for your healthcare professional to suggest a mix of therapies, such as:

Hospital administration: Withdrawals from some substances might be hazardous. In order to provide you with treatment throughout your drug withdrawal, certain hospital units use therapy and observation techniques.
Medication: A few drugs have the ability to lessen persistent withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and urges. Your healthcare practitioner might also prescribe medicine to treat any other mental health conditions you may have, such as depression or bipolar disorder.
Rehab :sometimes known as “sober living” or “residential treatment,” is another name for rehabilitation. During rehab, providers provide organized counseling, instruction, encouragement, and support. There are two types of rehab facilities: inpatient (where you dwell) and outpatient (where you visit on a set schedule). The goal of rehab services is to help you live a long, healthy life free from addiction.

Therapy: Addicts who receive various forms of therapy are able to adopt new viewpoints and modify their behavior. Psychotherapy (talk therapy) modalities like group therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy may be suggested by your provider.
Support groups: A lot of people use groups like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous to help them manage their addiction. Families and relatives of those suffering from drug use disorders can get support from organizations such as Al-Anon. People can find continuing support and a platform to exchange experiences in these groups.

Is it possible to avoid becoming addicted?
You can take certain actions to lower your chance of becoming addicted, such as:

Avoiding or reducing the use of substances that have the potential to become addictive: Make an effort to avoid or reduce the use of non-medical substances, and always abide by your doctor’s instructions when taking prescription medications. Get in touch with your doctor right away if you think you may be becoming dependent on prescription drugs.
Understanding your family history: You may be more susceptible if there is a history of behavioral addictions or substance use problems in your family. Consult your healthcare practitioner about risk reduction measures.
Stress management in a healthy way: Stress and transition are two major factors that raise the likelihood of substance use. It’s crucial to use constructive coping techniques during these periods, like working out, practicing meditation, or picking up a new pastime. If stress management is becoming a problem for you, think about consulting a mental health expert.

How does addiction look in the future?
Many people control their addiction and lead full, healthy lives after receiving treatment. However, it’s difficult to recover from behavioral addictions and drug use disorders. Effective treatment also depends on having friends, family, and medical professionals who are supportive.

Addiction can result in major health problems, including death, if left untreated. It can sour interpersonal bonds, result in money troubles, and give rise to legal issues. Family members suffer from untreated addiction as well, and the impacts can extend beyond generations.