What is an Addiction?
'The task ahead of us is never as great as the power behind us.'
-- Alcoholics Anonymous
An addiction is a psychological and physiological dependance on
a substance or activity. There are many common addictions, some
include: nicotine, illicit drugs, alcohol, food, sex, and
gambling. Physiological dependence means that the body has
become so accustomed to a drug or drug's and thinks it needs
such chemicals to function. When a person addicted to a drug
starts going through withdrawals, physiological dependence and
the pain it causes can be witnessed. Psychological dependence is
basically when the brain is convinced that it needs the drug to
survive. This is why addiction is so powerful, and so hard to
overcome.
Presently there are over 2 million illicit drug addicts and over
4 million suffering from one type of addiction or another.
Because addiction doesn't only effect the addict, but everyone
else around him, his family, co workers, friends, and nabours,
addiction is a very serious problem. Of course there are
different types and ranges of addictions. Some can be more
serious than others. For instance, in my opinion, addiction to
heroin is more serious than addiction to junk food. However this
point is debatable because over eating of junk food can lead to
wieght gain and diabetes. The point is, no addiction should be
treated lightly, and help should be given as needed.
Recovery from addiction is possible,the key steps are as
follows. First off admit to yourself that you have a problem
with a substance and you need to give it up. Without this first
step, no further recovery can be made. Next, you have to
detoxify to remove the addictive and harmful chemicals from your
body. This step should be done with medical help, since
detoxification requires abstinence from the substance,
withdrawal symptoms develop. Withdrawal symptoms occur when the
body cannot get the substance which it believes is vital, and in
turn goes haywire. Withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to
severe and include the following; nausea, hallucinations,
anxiety, panic attacks, hot and cold sweats, diarrhea,
constipation, headaches,tremors, insomnia, and many others.
Along with these methods, group therapy, or one on one
counselling should be applied to ensure a healthy addiction free
future and complete the Add
iction treatment program.