|
2006-06-11 19:29:41
|
|
Article by Michael Russell |
|
The term "addiction" refers to a compulsion to do something, either a substance or an activity, over and over again, regardless of the consequences. For example, a nicotine addict will continue to smoke even after they have been diagnosed with emphysema or cancer. Or a cocaine addict will continue to use the drug even after being arrested buying coke in a bad neighborhood.
Addiction can happen in two ways -- physically or psychologically. With a physical dependence, the user will suffer physical withdrawal symptoms when he or she stops using the drug. This is most common with opiates, like narcotic pain relievers or heroin. Other substances that can induce physical symptoms on withdrawal are alcohol, barbiturates (some older types of sleeping pills), nicotine and benzodiazepines (xanax, valium, ativan, etc.) Sometimes the withdrawal symptoms can cause serious seizures, as in the case with benzos. People with a physical dependency on a substance will take it, not to obtain pleasure after a point, but simply to relieve withdrawal symptoms. Physical dependency is sometimes referred to as physiological tolerance.
Psychological addiction is different in that a user will use a substance more for the pleasure that they initially get from it more than anything else. The substance will usually interact with the person's brain chemistry and release pleasure inducing chemicals that enforce the use of the drug. This becomes a self perpetuating pattern that the addict finds very hard to stop. The brain chemicals involved in this are usually dopamine, serotonin and associated endorphins. Let's use cocaine as an example. The user will take some cocaine, which in turn will raise the level of dopamine in the brain creating intense pleasure. But what comes up must come down, so when the drug wears off, the user will feel down or depressed and therefore feel compelled to repeat the cycle.
Once this cycle is started it will take more and more of the substance to produce the desired effect as the brain adapts to the drug. The brain chemistry will change and the user will never be able to get as "high" as they did the first few times they used the substance and they spend the rest of their time "chasing" that high to no avail. With continued heavy usage the good effects of the drug will go away and the negative effects will be what the user experiences.
It's not just drugs that people can become addicted to. Activities such as gambling, surfing the Internet, sex, looking at porn, work and even healthy activities such as exercise can also help produce the endorphins in the brain that trigger addictive patterns of behavior.
If you or a person you love has a suspected addiction and wants to stop it, you should seek medical help. Sometimes just realizing you have become dependent on a substance or behavior is enough for a person to make the changes needed to kick the habit. Other times more aggressive options are needed, like participation in a twelve-step program, or a stay in rehab can help the person stay clean. The most important thing in getting over an addiction is support and staying away from people and activities that can trigger usage again. With willpower and hard work addictions CAN be overcome.
|
|
|
Related Articles |
|
More About Drug Rehab Centers (Popularity: ): Florida Drug Treatment Centers are very easy to find. If you have decided that the time has come for you to seek help, there are a lot of centers that can provide you with both inpatient and outpatient services. One of the best ways to find s drug treatment center is to talk to your family physician, they will be able to recommend a place for you that you can ...
Alcohol Withdrawal is Opposite From Alcohol Effect (Popularity: ): It's been a tough day and many people look forward to pouring a drink, settling down in an easy chair and relaxing. Or as one person put it, "I have a meeting with 'Jack' after work." Whatever the ritual, alcohol and relaxation are paired together, as if relaxation were not possible without alcohol. There is that temporary feeling that all is well, as the troubles of the day melt away. ...
Beyond Drunk - Alcohol Poisoning (Popularity: ): Binge drinking is most often linked to college campus fraternity parties, dorm escapades and athletic event celebrations. Walking down the street on the campus of the University of Wisconsin on our way to Camp Randall Stadium for a football game, we see the young men hanging out dorm rooms, frat houses and apartment buildings, guzzling beer and ten sheets to the wind at 11:00 in the morning. Call it a ...
Stuck in a Rut? (Popularity: ): Do you find yourself wondering if there is a way out of this rut?Well, first you will need to ask yourself two more questions: Are you tired of being in the same old rut and truly want to see change? Or have you been here so long, you've decorated it and it's become 'home'?There is a real way to get out of any rut that you are currently stuck in, ...
How To Effectively Quit Alcohol (Popularity: ): If you or a loved one have not had victory during former attempt to discontinue drinking alcohol, here is a simple step you can take to quit alcoholism. Many people go into drinking numerous bottles of alcohol because of their inability to control their emotions. This is the major predicament of alcohol addict. They believe that alcohol makes them feel better; it makes the world a better place for them. ...
|
|
Related Business |
|
Addiction Counselor (Popularity: ): The Academy for Addiction Professionals offers addiction certification as a certified addiction professional, addiction continuing education (CEU) and addiction counselor certification training courses. The Academy will train you to become a Certified Addiction Professional and will introduce you to marketing and job opportunities in the addictions field.
Addiction Treatment (Popularity: ): Addiction is an easy habit to fall into but a very hard one when it comes to leaving. With Rusan ‘s addiction treatment we make even the hardest addictions a painless one for you.
Recovery Addiction Expose (Popularity: ): Recovery Addiction Expose, A complete Guide to Addiction and The means to recover from addiction. Addiction and recovery from them require that you actively seek help from a source other than yourself. You may want to start by consulting with yout family doctor or with an addiction counselor. This is a good place to start since it will be important to access you emotional and your physical behaviors as they ...
The Control Center (Popularity: ): The Control Center is an holistic addiction treatment center in Beverly Hills, California founded by Dr. Reef. We are committed to providing state of the art rehabilitation and personalized care. Our comprehensive holistic addiction treatment program has helped many people suffering from chemical and behavioral addictions, mental health impairment therapy.
Enfys Foundation (Popularity: ): A Swansea based charity that fights poverty and addiction in Wales and Africa. Two centres for those recovering from addictions.
American Society of Addiction Medicine (Popularity: ): Dedicated to educating physicians and improving the treatment of individuals suffering from alcoholism and other addictions.
Samuel Waldner Counselling and Addiction Services (Popularity: ): My goal is to give help and hope to people who are suffering from addictions and other negative patterns of behaviour.
Arium Foundation Resources for Addictions (Popularity: ): A non profit organization offering substance abuse information regarding fetal alcohol syndrome and other addiction issues.
Addiction Therapists of Los Angeles (Popularity: ): Offers outpatient therapy treatment for drug, alcohol and other addictions, exclusively tailored for dependent individuals and their families.
Society for the Study of Addiction (Popularity: ): A society of professionals in the field of the addictions that share their knowledge, skills, and friendships.
|
|
|
|