Addiction

What Is Addiction?

Addiction is a compound condition, a brain disease that is manifested by compulsive substance use despite unsafe consequence. People with addiction (severe substance use disorder) have an intense focus on using a certain substance(s), such as alcohol or drugs, to the point that it takes over their life. They keep using alcohol or a drug even when they know it will reason problems. Yet a number of effective treatments are available 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; desire or unsuccessful attempts to cut down or control substance use

Social problems: substance use reason failure to complete major tasks at work, school or home; social, work or leisure activities are given up or cut back because of substance use

Risky use: substance is used in risky settings; continued use despite known problems

Drug effects: tolerance (need for larger amounts to get the same effect); withdrawal symptoms (different for each substance)

Addictions and habits

With a habit you are in control of your choices, with an addiction you are not in control of your choices.

Addiction – there is a psychological/physical component; the person is not capable to control the aspects of the addiction without help because of the mental or physical conditions involved.

Habit – it is done by choice. The person with the habit can choose to stop, and will subsequently stop successfully if they want to. The psychological/physical component is not an issue as it is with an addiction.

WHAT IS ALCOHOL?

Alcohol is a drug.

It is classed as a depressant, meaning that it slows down vital functions—resulting in slurred speech, unsteady movement, disturbed perceptions and an incapability to react rapidly.

As for how it affects the mind, it is best understood as a drug that decreases a person’s capability to think rationally and distorts his or her judgment.

Although classified as a depressant, the amount of alcohol consumed determines the type of effect. Most people drink for the stimulant effect, such as a beer or glass of wine taken to “loosen up.” But if a person consumes more than the body can handle, they then experience alcohol’s depressant effect. They start to feel “stupid” or lose coordination and control.

What is tobacco?

Tobacco is a plant that encloses nicotine, a psychoactive (mind altering) drug that speeds up activity in our central nervous system but has relaxing effects too.

Tobacco is available in many forms, including cigarettes, pipe tobacco, chewing tobacco, and snuff or snus (a powder that is sniffed or put between the lower lip or cheek and gums). Nicotine also is available in non-tobacco products, including gum, patches and other smoking cessation aids

What is Internet addiction?

Internet addiction is described as an impulse control disorder, which does not involve use of an intoxicating drug and is much related to pathological gambling.  Some Internet users may develop an emotional attachment to on-line friends and activities they create on their computer screens

What is Gambling Disorder?

Gambling disorder engage repeated problematic gambling behavior that causes significant problems or distress. It is also called gambling addiction or compulsive gambling.

For some people gambling becomes an addiction — the effects they get from gambling are similar to effects someone with alcoholism gets from alcohol.