Addiction

Addiction: A compulsive need for and use of a habit-forming substance (such as heroin, nicotine, or alcohol) characterized by tolerance and by well- defined physiological symptoms upon withdrawal. People with addiction do not have control over what they are doing, taking or using. Their addiction may reach a point at which it is harmful. Addiction may refer to a substance dependence (e.g. drug addiction) or behavioral addiction (e.g. gambling addiction). Definition of Addiction

Physical Dependence vs. Psychological Dependence Physical Dependence Alcohol Tobacco Some drugs Prescription medication Psychological Dependence Gambling Sex Internet Work Exercise Different foods (chocolate)

Habit vs. Addiction Habit : 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. Addiction : There is a psychological/physical component; the person is unable to control the aspects of the addiction without help because of the mental or physical conditions involved. Put simply : with a habit you are in control of your choices, with an addiction you are not in control of your choices.

Addiction to substances or activities can sometimes lead to serious problems at home, work, school and socially. Causes of addiction vary considerably, and are not often fully understood. Generally caused by a combination of physical, mental, circumstantial and emotional factors. Addiction, often referred to as dependency often leads to tolerance - the addicted person needs larger and more regular amounts of whatever they are addicted to in order to receive the same effect. Often, the initial reward is no longer felt, and the addiction continues because withdrawal is so unpleasant. Why Addiction?

Addiction can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, hopelessness, despair, failure, rejection, anxiety and/or humiliation.

Signs of Addiction The person takes the substance and cannot stop Withdrawal symptoms Increased appetite Insomnia Constipation or diarrhea Violence, trembling, seizures, hallucinations, and sweats Addiction continues despite health problem awareness Social and/or recreational sacrifices Maintaining a good supply Taking risks Dealing with problems Obsession Secrecy and solitude Denial Excess consumption Dropping hobbies and activities Having stashes Taking an initial large dose Having problems with the law Financial difficulties Relationship problems

Genetics (family history) Gender Having a mental illness/condition Peer pressure Family behavior Loneliness The nature of the substance Age when substance was first consumed Stress How the body metabolizes (processes) the substance Risk Factors ***ANYONE AT ANY AGE CAN BECOME ADDICTED

SCIENCE! The addictive substance, (could be nicotine, alcohol or some drug) that actually causes physical changes in some of the nerve cells in the brain. Nerve cell = neuron Neurons: Release neurotransmitters into the synapses (empty spaces) between nerve cells, which are received by receptors in other neurons. Tolerance Increases: After a while, the user of the potentially addictive substance does not get the same pleasure and has to increase the dose his/her body’s tolerance to it increases. Eventually, the user no longer experiences pleasure from the substance and takes it simply to prevent withdrawal symptoms - taking the substance just makes them feel normal. Experts say that when tolerance increases, the risk of addiction is much greater. Causes of Addiction

Treatments of Addiction First step to treating an addiction is admitting you have a problem. Treatment programs Psychotherapy Self-help groups Help with withdrawal symptoms Withdrawal treatment options vary and depend mainly on what substance the individual is addicted to: Depressants: these may include dependence on barbiturates or benzodiazepines. During withdrawal the patient may experience anxiety, insomnia, sweating and restlessness. In rare cases there may be whole-body tremors, seizures, hallucinations, hypertension (high blood pressure), accelerated heart rate and fever. In severe cases there may be delirium, which according to the Mayo Clinic, USA, could be life-threatening. Stimulants: these may include cocaine and other amphetamines. During withdrawal the patient may experience tiredness, depression, anxiety, moodiness, low enthusiasm, sleep disturbances, and low concentration. Treatment focuses on providing support, unless the depression is severe, in which case a medication may be prescribed. Opioids: Opioids are a class of drugs that are commonly prescribed for their analgesic, or pain-killing, properties. They include substances such as morphine, codeine, oxycodone, and methadone. Opioids may be more easily recognized by drug names such as Kadian, Avinza, OxyContin, Percodan, Darvon, Demerol, Vicodin, Percocet, and Lomotil. During withdrawal there may be sweating, anxiety and stuffy nose – symptoms tend to be mild. In rare cases there may be serious sleeping problems, tachycardia, hypertension and diarrhea. The doctor may prescribe methadone, or buprenorphine for cravings (alternative substances).

Health Coma, unconsciousness or death Some diseases Accidental injuries/death Suicide Relationship problems Child neglect/abuse Unemployment, poverty and homelessness Problems with the law Consequences of Addiction

"All About Addiction." Medical News Today. MediLexicon International, 03 May Web. 11 Sept Sources