'The task ahead of us is
never as great as the power
behind us.' -- Alcoholics
Anonymous
An addiction is a psychological
and physiological dependance
on a substance or activity.
There are many common addictions,
some include: nicotine, illicit
drugs, alcohol, food, sex,
and gambling. Physiological
dependence means that the
body has become so accustomed
to a drug or drug's and thinks
it needs such chemicals to
function. When a person addicted
to a drug starts going through
withdrawals, physiological
dependence and the pain it
causes can be witnessed. Psychological
dependence is basically when
the brain is convinced that
it needs the drug to survive.
This is why addiction is so
powerful, and so hard to overcome.
Presently there are over 2
million illicit drug addicts
and over 4 million suffering
from one type of addiction
or another. Because addiction
doesn't only effect the addict,
but everyone else around him,
his family, co workers, friends,
and nabours, addiction is
a very serious problem. Of
course there are different
types and ranges of addictions.
Some can be more serious than
others. For instance, in my
opinion, addiction to heroin
is more serious than addiction
to junk food. However this
point is debatable because
over eating of junk food can
lead to wieght gain and diabetes.
The point is, no addiction
should be treated lightly,
and help should be given as
needed.
Recovery from addiction is
possible,the key steps are
as follows. First off admit
to yourself that you have
a problem with a substance
and you need to give it up.
Without this first step, no
further recovery can be made.
Next, you have to detoxify
to remove the addictive and
harmful chemicals from your
body. This step should be
done with medical help, since
detoxification requires abstinence
from the substance, withdrawal
symptoms develop. Withdrawal
symptoms occur when the body
cannot get the substance which
it believes is vital, and
in turn goes haywire. Withdrawal
symptoms can range from mild
to severe and include the
following; nausea, hallucinations,
anxiety, panic attacks, hot
and cold sweats, diarrhea,
constipation, headaches,tremors,
insomnia, and many others.
Along with these methods,
group therapy, or one on one
counselling should be applied
to ensure a healthy addiction
free future and complete the
Addiction
treatment program.
About the Author
Tyler Falls - What
is an Addiction
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