Addiction is something that can make us lose interest in everything around us and keep us glued to one particular thing!
Addiction is a complex disease, often chronic in nature, which affects the functioning of the brain and body. It also causes severe damage to families, relationships, schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods. The most common symptoms of addiction are severe loss of control, continued use despite serious consequences, preoccupation with using, failed attempts to quit, tolerance, and withdrawal. Addiction can be effectively prevented, treated, and managed by healthcare professionals in combination with family or peer support.
People with a substance use disorder have distorted thinking, behavior, and body functions. Changes in the brain’s wiring are what cause people to have intense cravings for the drug and make it hard to stop using it. Brain imaging studies show changes in the areas of the brain that relate to judgment, decision making, learning, memory, and behavior control.
These substances can cause harmful changes in how the brain functions. These changes can last long after the immediate effects of the drug — the intoxication. Intoxication is the intense pleasure, calm, increased senses, or a high caused by the drug. Intoxication symptoms are different for each substance.
Consider watching this video to know more about top 10 ways to quit an addiction….
Over time people with addiction build up a tolerance, meaning they need more massive amounts to feel the effects. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, people begin taking drugs for a variety of reasons, including to feel functional — the feeling of pleasure, “high.”, to feel better — e.g., relieve stress, to do better — improve performance, curiosity and peer pressure
People with addictive disorders may be aware of their problem, but be unable to stop it even if they want to. The addiction may cause health problems as well as issues at work and with family members and friends. The misuse of drugs and alcohol is the leading cause of preventable illnesses and premature death.
Many people experience both mental illness and addiction. The mental illness may be present before the addiction. Or the habit may trigger or make a mental disorder worse. Effective treatments for addiction are available.
The first step on the road to recovery is recognition of the problem. The recovery process can be hindered when a person denies having a problem and lacks understanding of substance misuse and addiction. The intervention of concerned friends and family often prompts treatment.
A health professional can conduct a formal assessment of symptoms to see if a substance use disorder exists. Even if the problem seems severe, most people with a substance use disorder can benefit from treatment. Unfortunately, many people who could benefit from treatment don’t receive help.
Because addiction affects many aspects of a person’s life, multiple types of treatment are often required. For most, a combination of medication and individual or group therapy is most effective. Treatment approaches that address an individual’s situation and any co-occurring medical, psychiatric, and social problems can lead to sustained recovery.
Medications are used to control drug cravings and relieve severe symptoms of withdrawal. Therapy can help addicted individuals understand their behavior and motivations, develop higher self-esteem, cope with stress, and address other mental health problems.
Addiction to anything has a negative impact on our mind as well as body. We must thus identify the causes of addiction of different kinds and avoid them by taking the aforementioned measures!
Until Next Time,
Team Doctor ASKY!