What is Addiction
What is Addiction. The World Health Organisation (WHO) describes addiction as an illness that affects the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of a person. In the case of addiction, substance abuse or compulsive behaviours alter the brain’s structure and function. The key characteristics include:
Primary
It is not triggered by another illness.
Chronic
It is enduring and long-lasting.
Progressive
It leads to cumulative physical, emotional, and social changes that worsen as the abuse continues.
Fatal
At times, it can have deadly outcomes for both the individual and those around them.
Addiction ruins lives
Addiction not only ruins the lives of those who are afflicted but also impacts their loved ones. We estimate that each person struggling with addiction affects at least three additional lives, whether they are parents, partners, spouses, siblings, children, friends, coworkers, or bosses, among others. Over time, an addict develops a physical condition marked by an “allergy.” This “allergy” presents itself as cravings, meaning that once the addict begins to consume, they immediately desire more and find it nearly impossible to stop. Many individuals today experience allergies to substances like shellfish, wheat, milk, and others. However, here lies the significant difference. A person with a shellfish allergy, for instance, would never think of eating it again, especially not the following day. In contrast, an addict will persist in their consumption, ignoring the repercussions: job loss, family breakdown, financial issues, and even death. This illustrates the mental illness aspect. Addiction is thus defined by two components: the physical aspect, the craving caused by the allergy, and the mental aspect, the obsession that perpetuates the cycle. Addiction is marked by uncontrollable episodes and distorted thinking, particularly the denial of having a problem and the associated consequences.
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Treatment and Recovery
With appropriate treatment, the degenerative and harmful effects of addiction can be halted for both the individuals struggling with addiction and their loved ones. This allows the addict and their family to embark on the journey of recovery; opening up the opportunity to cease substance use, learn to live without their chosen drug (whether it be a substance or behaviour), and enhance the quality of life for everyone involved.
Understanding Addiction
Addiction stems from an individual’s attempt to manage their emotions or personal experiences through substances or behaviours. It occurs when one acts on the impulse to feel something different from their usual state. Individuals who use drugs or engage in compulsive behaviours often do so to relax, escape, numb, or stimulate themselves, among other motivations. The initial effectiveness of these substances in altering mood, perception, and experiences creates a strong desire to repeat the experience. A clear indicator of addiction is when drug use or compulsive behaviours become habitual. Although a person may initially believe they have control over their substance use or behaviours, as the relationship deepens, the behaviour becomes entrenched. Consequently, addiction takes hold. As it strengthens, the brain’s functions adapt, which helps explain why quitting is so challenging.
How addiction began
No matter how the addiction began, there comes a point when the person’s use continues simply because they are trapped. It truly resembles a vicious cycle. The urge to avoid the uncomfortable feelings associated with not using (or withdrawal symptoms) drives them to keep consuming. They find themselves in a futile and desperate battle to regain control over their addiction. As addiction consumes the body, mind, and spirit, the harmful effects on themselves and others, including family members, multiply and worsen. Despite this, individuals face significant challenges in managing and overcoming it. Although they still possess the ability to do so, they struggle to make a decision and follow through with it. A key feature of addiction is it’s persistence, even in the face of increasing evidence of the damage it inflicts. This encompasses the genuine risk of death. Indeed, a fundamental aspect of addiction is the self-deception experienced by the individual, who convinces themselves that their situation is not as dire as it truly is. Nevertheless, recovery is always achievable. It is crucial to motivate those battling addiction to acknowledge that assistance is available and within reach. Call 07811 606 606 (24 hours)