Addictions By: Andrew Bergman Amanda Basse Sean Sheridan Edgar Nunez

What is Addiction?  Addiction is a habitual repetition of excessive behavior that a person is unable or unwilling to stop, despite its harmful consequences. People can be physically addicted to a drug, meaning they may suffer ill physical effects if they stop taking the drug. They also can be psychologically addicted to drugs, gambling, or other behaviors, meaning they feel overwhelmingly deprived if they attempt to stop.

Types of Addictions  Alcohol  Drugs  Tobacco  Gambling  Caffeine  Internet  Eating Disorders  Sex  Shopping  Substances  Work  Videogames

Causes of Addictions  There is no single reason people become addicted but here are a few things that can contribute to it:  Stress  Bad Grades  Boyfriend/girlfriend  Feeling of winning  Trying to get away  Parents  Friends

Effects of Addiction (Physical) Bloodshot eyes Slurred or agitated speech Sudden or dramatic weight loss Skin abrasions/bruises Neglected appearance/poor hygiene Frequently sick Accidents or injuries Unusual odors on breath; stains or odors on clothing

Effects of Addiction (Behavioral) Hyperactivity or unusual aggression Secretive behavior, including lying and locked doors Hidden stashes of alcohol, drugs, or drug paraphernalia Missing alcohol or prescription medicines Not fulfilling responsibilities or missing school or work Avoiding eye contact

Effects of Addiction (Emotional)  Sudden shifts or changes in mood and personality  Emotional instability  Depression  NO interest in previously enjoyed hobbies or activities

Top Addictions  Drugs  Alcohol  Gambling  Tobacco

Drugs Background  Drug addiction is chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences. Drugs change the brain-they change its structure and how it works. The effects can be long lasting, and lead to harmful behavior. Effects  The decision to take drugs maybe voluntary at first but as drug abuse takes over, a person’s ability to exert self control can become seriously impaired. Brain imaging studies show physical changes in areas of the brain that are critical to judgment, decision making, learning and memory, and behavior control. Treatments Medications for drug abuse include but are not limited to; medications that help the brain adapt gradually to the absence of the abused drug, behavioral therapy, group therapy, and motivational incentives.

Alcohol Background  Alcoholic beverages seem to have been around as long as humans themselves. They have been a part of the standard diets of civilizations since prehistoric times and used for everything from personal hygiene, medicinal remedies and recreation to artistic inspiration, aphrodisiacs, and religious worship. Alcohol is engrained in human culture and society. Effects  There are plenty effects from the use of alcohol such as memory loss, blackouts, vomiting, depression, stress, anxiety, mood swings, etc. Treatments Some forms of medications have been uses in the treatment of alcoholism. Some of those medications include Antabuse (which makes the user sick when any alcohol is consumed), Revia and acamprosate (which diminish a cravings for alcohol). Other treatments include group therapy (AA meetings) or family therapy.

Gambling Background  The most basic definition of gambling is “to play games of chance for money or other rewards.” The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) defines problem gambling as “gambling behavior the causes disruptions in any major area of a persons life.” Although most take this as a serious addiction, some professionals assert that gambling could not possibly be addictive and that compulsive behavioral patterns such as problem gambling is a manifestation of other psychological dilemmas. Effects  Depression, anxiety, loss of focus to work/school, withdraw from friends and family, shame, guilt, increase in drug or alcohol use, embezzlement, fraud. Treatments When is comes to gambling there are not many practioners who deal with this kind of problem. Some try to find local support groups, while others seek faculties that specialize in their problem. There is also family therapy, but the main treatment is removing the stigma of addiction.

Tobacco Background  Nicotine occurs naturally in the tobacco plant. Nicotine causes changes in the brain. The effect of nicotine is less dramatic than that of many other drugs. Despite this, nicotine addiction is as strong or even stronger than heroin or cocaine addiction. Effect  In large amounts nicotine is poisonous and first time smokers often feel sick and dizzy. New smokers start to associate situations or moods with smoking. They may become used to having a cigarette when they are at a party or feeling depressed. Before too long they organize their day around smoking and feel anxious if they can't smoke. Nicotine reinforces the desire to smoke and causes users to keep on smoking. Treatments There are quite a few treatments for tobacco addiction. Many of you may be familiar with the patch, nicorettte gum, or even using hypnosis or acupuncture as a form of treatment. There are also “quit course” to help one quit.

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