The term addictions is most
commonly associated with drug
and alcohol addiction, however
the truth is that millions
of people suffer from all
kinds of addictions. Some
of these addictions are related
to some form of chemical dependency
such as alcohol, controlled
substances and even prescriptions
drugs. Other addictions are
related to compulsive types
of behavior such as gambling,
shopping, food disorders and
eating, sex and even the Internet.
One of the most important
things to recognize about
any type of addiction, regardless
of whether it is a chemical
addition or a behavioral
addiction; is that it is not
a matter of choice. Individuals
who are addicts do not have
the ability to simply decide
to stop abusing their 'drug'
of choice. Addictions affect
not only the user, but their
family and friends as well.
So, what is an addiction?
How does it begin and when
does a pattern of behavior
become an addiction? Some
individuals seem to have the
ability to use a substance
or engage in a behavior periodically
over a period of years without
becoming 'hooked.' Others;
however are not capable of
stopped and become addicted.
Addictions affect all social
and educational groups. There
is no typical addict.
The causes of addiction have
been studied for a number
of years. In many ways, addiction
is caused by the feeling that
the substance or behavior
brings about in the user.
The body, and mind, becomes
dependent on that feeling
and seeks to maintain it.
There are addiction risk factors
that make some people more
likely than others to become
addicts. Studies indicate
that in some cases addictions
can be hereditary. The child
of an alcoholic may not grow
up to become an alcoholic,
however; they become addicted
to gambling or some other
type of compulsive behavior
as an adult. Besides heredity,
individuals who grow up in
families with abuse, neglect
and who are impoverished and
undereducated are more likely
to become addicts than those
who do not.
For most addicts, it can be
extremely difficult to recognize
that what they have associated
as simply a habit is actually
an addiction. While every
individual and addiction is
different there are some symptoms
that are prevalent among most
addicts and addictions.
* Unable to meet responsibilities
at home, school or office.
* Continues to use substance
or engage in behavior even
when it is dangerous.
* The need increases to engage
in behavior or use more of
the substance to achieve the
same effect or feeling.
* Has tried but failed to
stop using the substance or
end the behavior.
* Continues to engage in the
behavior or use the substance
even when they know the dangers.
Answering yes to three or
more of the above symptoms
during a twelve month period
may indicate that you or a
loved one has an addiction.
The first step to treating
an addiction is recognizing
that it exists.
There is no cure for addiction.
Treatment and counseling can
help an addict learn to control
their behavior, withstand
impulses and recognize the
presence of a problem, but
an addict is never cured.
Treating an addiction can
take years and requires ongoing
support from friends, families
and =resource/support groups.
A 12 step program can be particularly
beneficial in treating an
addiction. One of the most
well known 12 step programs
is AA, also known as Alcoholics
Anonymous; however there are
similar programs for all kinds
of addictions.
Living with an addiction requires
a daily commitment and there
is always the possibility
of relapsing. An addict who
has been 'sober' for even
twenty years, can succumb
to temptation just as easily
as they did decades before.
There are a number of treatment
programs and centers that
can help with the numerous
types of addictions that are
prevalent today. Many of
them are anonymous. Support
groups are also available
to assist family and friends
who are dealing with effects
of an addiction in a loved
one.
The information contained
in this article is for educational
purposes only and is not intended
to medically diagnose, treat
or cure any disease.
Consult a health care practitioner
before beginning any health
care program.
About the Author
Emily Clark is editor at Lifestyle
Health News and Medical
Health News where you
can find the most up-to-date
advice and information on
many medical, health and lifestyle
topics.
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