Addiction

Addiction is a disorder characterized by compulsive, chronic engagement in rewarding stimuli that causes harmful physical, psychological or social effects.

Addiction can be with substance use, gambling, sex, alcohol and food.

Most commonly associated with addiction are drugs and alcohol. With addiction the object or activity becomes increasingly more important and other previously important people, situations, become less important. There is a clear shift in priorities.

Addiction has the core element of craving more, loss of control over its use and continuing to engage despite negative consequences.

Addiction changes the brain. The brain registers pleasures in the same way, whether its through drugs, money, sex or a satisfying meal.

Dopamine (the feel good chemical in your brain) contributes to pleasure and when you use addictive drugs and behaviors, the brain is flooded with this chemical-dopamine.

Eventually, the brain adapts to this flood and you need more and more to feel the same pleasure.

Common signs of addiction:

Lying, stealing, changes in social groups, irritability, unexplained and urgent ‘outings’.

Giving up an addiction is not easy. It is important to have a support system or assistance through therapy and or organizations that can help. The individual will go through a period of withdrawal and will need people who are supportive and patient as their body and mind cope.

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