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ddiction is a psychological and
physical inability to stop consuming a chemical, drug, activity, or substance,
even though it is causing psychological and physical harm.
The
term addiction does not only refer to
dependence on substances such as heroin or cocaine. A person who cannot stop
taking a particular drug or chemical has a substance dependence.
Some
addictions also involve an inability to stop partaking in activities, such as
gambling, eating, or working. In these circumstances, a person has a behavioral
addiction.
Addiction
is a chronic disease that can also result from taking medications. The overuse
of prescribed opioid painkillers, for example, causes 115 deaths every day in the United States.
When
a person experiences addiction, they cannot control how they use a substance or
partake in an activity, and they become dependent on it to cope with daily
life.
Every
year, addiction to alcohol, tobacco, illicit drugs, and prescription opioids
costs the U.S. economy upward of $740 billion in treatment costs, lost work, and the
effects of crime.
Most
people start using a drug or first engage in an activity voluntarily. However,
addiction can take over and reduce self-control.
Addiction vs. misuse
Not everyone that misuses a
substance has an addiction.
Drug
addiction and drug misuse are different.
Misuse
refers to the incorrect, excessive, or non-therapeutic use of body- and
mind-altering substances.
However,
not everybody that misuses a substance has an addiction. Addiction is the
long-term inability to moderate or cease intake.
For
example, a person who drinks alcohol heavily on a night out may experience both
the euphoric and harmful effects of the substance.
However,
this does not qualify as an addiction until the person feels the need to
consume this amount of alcohol regularly, alone, or at times of day when the
alcohol will likely impair regular activities, such as in the morning.
A
person who has not yet developed an addiction may be put off further use by the
harmful side effects of substance abuse. For example, vomiting or waking up
with a hangover after drinking too much
alcohol may deter some people from drinking that amount anytime soon.
Someone
with an addiction will continue to misuse the substance in spite of the harmful
effects.
Symptoms
The primary indications of addiction are:
·
uncontrollably seeking drugs
·
uncontrollably engaging in harmful
levels of habit-forming behavior
·
neglecting or losing interest in
activities that do not involve the harmful substance or behavior
·
relationship difficulties, which
often involve lashing out at people who identify the dependency
·
an inability to stop using a drug,
though it may be causing health problems or personal problems, such as issues
with employment or relationships
·
hiding substances or behaviors and
otherwise exercising secrecy, for example, by refusing to explain injuries that
occurred while under the influence
·
profound changes in appearance,
including a noticeable abandonment of hygiene
·
increased risk-taking, both to
access the substance or activity and while using it or engaging in it
Withdrawal
Stopping the use of a drug can
lead to anxiety.
When
a person has an addiction, and they stop taking the substance or engaging in
the behavior, they may experience certain symptoms.
These
symptoms include:
·
anxiety
·
irritability
·
tremors and shaking
·
nausea
·
vomiting
·
fatigue
·
a loss of appetite
If
a person has regularly used alcohol or benzodiazepines, and they stop suddenly
or without medical supervision, withdrawal can be fatal.
Treatments
Support groups and rehabilitation
programs can be vital to recovery.
Medicinal
advances and progress in diagnosing have helped the medical community develop
various ways to manage and resolve
addiction.
Methods
include:
·
behavioral therapy and counseling
·
medication and drug-based treatment
·
medical devices to treat withdrawal
·
treating related psychological
factors, such as depression
·
ongoing care to reduce the risk of
relapse
Addiction
treatment is highly personalized and often requires the support of the
individual's community or family.
Treatment
can take a long time and may be complicated. Addiction is a chronic condition
with a range of psychological and physical effects. Each substance or behavior
may require different management.
Takeaway
Addiction
is a serious, chronic dependence on a substance or activity. The prevalence of
addiction costs the U.S. economy hundreds of billions of dollars every year.
A
person with an addiction is unable to stop taking a substance or engaging in a
behavior, though it has harmful effects on daily living.
Misuse
is different from addiction. Substance misuse does not always lead to
addiction, while addiction involves regular misuse of substances or engagement
in harmful behavior.
Symptoms
of addiction often include declining physical health, irritation, fatigue, and
an inability to cease using a substance or engaging in a behavior. Addiction
can lead to behavior that strains relationships and inhibits daily activities.
Ceasing
to use the substance or engage in the behavior often leads to withdrawal
symptoms, including nausea and shaking. Do not attempt to suddenly stop using
alcohol or benzodiazepines without medical supervision.
Addiction
treatment can be difficult, but it is effective. The best form of treatment
depends on the substance and the presentation of the addiction, which varies
from person to person. However, treatment often involves counseling,
medication, and community support
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