Addiction
What Is Addiction?
Addiction is a complex condition, a brain disease characterized by compulsive substance use despite harmful consequences. People with addiction (severe substance use disorder) intensely focus on using certain substances, like alcohol or drugs, to the point that it takes over their lives. They continue using alcohol or drugs even when they know it will cause problems. However, many effective treatments exist, and people can recover from addiction and lead normal, productive lives.
Symptoms of substance use disorder are grouped into four categories:
Impaired control: A craving or strong urge to use the substance, along with the desire or unsuccessful attempts to cut down or control substance use.
Social problems: Substance use causes failure to complete major tasks at work, school, or home. Social, work, or leisure activities are given up or reduced because of substance use.
Risky use: The substance is used in risky settings, and use continues despite known problems.
Drug effects: Tolerance develops, meaning larger amounts are needed to get the same effect. Withdrawal symptoms occur, which vary depending on the substance.
Addictions and habits
With a habit, you control your choices; with an addiction, you lose that control.
Addiction involves both psychological and physical components. The person cannot control the aspects of the addiction without help due to the mental or physical conditions involved.
A habit is a choice. The person with a habit can choose to stop and will successfully do so if they want to. The psychological and physical components do not pose an issue as they do with addiction.
WHAT IS ALCOHOL?
Alcohol is a drug.
It classifies as a depressant because it slows down vital functions. This effect results in slurred speech, unsteady movement, disturbed perceptions, and an inability to react quickly.
When it comes to the mind, alcohol decreases a person’s ability to think rationally and distorts judgment.
Although alcohol classifies as a depressant, the effect depends on the amount consumed. Most people drink for its stimulant effect. For example, many enjoy a beer or glass of wine to “loosen up.” However, when a person drinks more than their body can handle, alcohol’s depressant effect takes over. They begin to feel “stupid” or lose coordination and control.
What is tobacco?
Tobacco is a plant that contains nicotine, a psychoactive (mind-altering) drug. Nicotine speeds up activity in the central nervous system while also producing relaxing effects.
Tobacco comes in many forms, including cigarettes, pipe tobacco, chewing tobacco, and snuff or snus. People either sniff snuff or snus or place it between the lower lip, cheek, and gums. Manufacturers also offer nicotine in non-tobacco products like gum, patches, and other smoking cessation aids.
What is Internet addiction?
Internet addiction is an impulse control disorder. It does not involve the use of an intoxicating drug but closely relates to pathological gambling.
Some Internet users develop emotional attachments to online friends. They also form strong connections to the activities they create on their computer screens.
What is Gambling Disorder?
Gambling disorder involves repeated problematic gambling behavior that causes significant problems or distress. People also refer to it as gambling addiction or compulsive gambling.
For some individuals, gambling becomes an addiction. The effects they experience from gambling resemble those a person with alcoholism feels from alcohol.
