An addiction is an uncontrollable dependence on a certain substance or activity. People become addicted to different things for different reasons, but can all be affected both physically and psychologically.
Physical addictions are usually a result of a particular substance. After excessive use, people build up a tolerance so that they need a larger and larger dose to feel the same effects of the substance. If they do not use the substance they may suffer from symptoms of withdrawal. Psychological addictions occur when there is an uncontrollable urge to attain exposure to the addicting activity. Some of the most common addictions include:
- Alcohol
- Drugs
- Caffeine
- Nicotine/Smoking
- Shopping
- Sex
- Internet
- Dieting
Addiction is a disease that affects multiple circuits within the brain, including those involved in reward, motivation, learning, memory, and control over behavior. Chemical dependence is a form of addiction in which a person uses a chemical substance (drugs or alcohol) compulsively and cannot stop using them despite the problems caused by their use.
Quitting an addiction is an extremely difficult task. While recognizing your problem is the first major step, quitting takes hard work and commitment. It is often helpful to use psychotherapy to quit an addiction. Emotional support from friends and family are also crucial to your success. Continued determination will help you to reach abstinence and manage any potential relapses.
Scientific research since the mid-1970s shows that treatment can help patients that are addicted to drugs to stop using, avoid relapse, and successfully recover their lives. Medication and behavioral therapy, especially when combined, are important elements of an overall therapeutic process that often begins with detoxification, followed by treatment and relapse prevention. Easing withdrawal symptoms can be important in the initiation of treatment; preventing relapse is necessary for maintaining the effects of treatment.
As with other chronic conditions, episodes of relapse may require a return to prior treatment components. A continuum of care that includes a customized treatment regimen-addressing all aspects of an individual's life, including medical and mental health services, follow-up options such as community supports and family-based recovery support systems can be crucial to a person's success in achieving and maintaining a drug-free life.
Long-term follow-up is an essential component of successful addiction treatment. This can include ongoing medical supervision, formal group meetings, and appropriately matched psychotherapeutic support. Our trained professionals may recommend individual or family psychotherapy to help uncover and resolve the issues that have contributed to or resulted from the addiction.
Based on this research, key principles have emerged that form the basis of effective treatment programs:
- Addiction is a complex but treatable disease that affects brain function and behavior
- No single treatment is appropriate for everyone
- Treatment needs to be readily available
- Effective treatment attends to multiple needs of the individual, not just his or her drug abuse
- Remaining in treatment for an adequate period of time is critical
- Medications are an important element of treatment for many patients, especially when combined with counseling and other behavioral therapies
- An individual's treatment and service plan must be assessed continually and modified as necessary to ensure that it meets his or her changing needs.
- Many drug-addicted individuals also have other mental health disorders and treating these may help to manage addiction recovery
- Medically assisted detoxification is only the first stage of addiction treatment and by itself does little to change long-term drug abuse.
- Drug use during treatment must be monitored continuously, as lapses during treatment do occur.
Substance abuse is a serious and dangerous condition that affects millions of people in the US each year. People turn to substances like alcohol, drugs and tobacco for various reasons including pleasure, relaxation and relief of depression. Traumatic events, stress, or chaotic home lives may trigger a dependence on these substances. Even though these substances may serve as a relief in the short term, they can lead to stroke, heart disease, brain damage, cancer, strain on relationships, job loss, home loss, isolation, and even death. Treating a substance abuse issue can be difficult, but admitting you have a problem is the most important step. If you or someone you love has a substance dependence, please contact your doctor right away.