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Symptoms of Addiction
Addictions are most commonly associated with
drug and alcohol addiction, however the truth is
millions of people suffer from all kinds of
addictions. Some of these addictions are related
to some form of chemical dependency such as
alcohol, controlled substances and even
prescription medicines. Other addictions are
related to compulsive types of behavior such as
gambling, shopping, food disorders and even the
Internet.
One
of the most important things to recognize about
any type of addiction, regardless of whether it
is a chemical addiction or a behavioral
addiction; is that it is not a matter of choice.
Individuals who are addicts do not have the
ability to simply decide to stop abusing their
'drug' of choice. Addictions affect not only the
user, but also their family and friends as well.
How
does addiction begin and when does a pattern of
behavior become an addiction? Some individuals
seem to have the ability to use a substance or
engage in a behavior periodically over a period
of years without becoming 'hooked.' Others,
however, are not capable of stopping and become
addicted. Addictions affect all social and
educational groups. There is no typical addict.
The
causes of addiction have been studied for
several years. In many ways, addiction is caused
by the emotion the substance or behavior brings
about in the user. The body and mind become
dependent on that feeling and seeks to maintain
it.
There
are addiction risk factors that make some people
more likely than others to become addicts.
Studies show that sometimes addictions can be
hereditary. The child of an alcoholic may not
grow up to be an alcoholic; however, they may
become addicted to gambling or some other type
of compulsive behavior as an adult.
Besides hereditary, individuals who grow up in
families with abuse, neglect and who are
impoverished are more likely to become addicts.
For most addicts, it can be extremely difficult
to recognize that what they have associated as
simply a habit is actually an addiction. While
every individual is different there are some
symptoms that are prevalent among most addicts
and addictions:
Symptom # 1
An alcoholic or drug addict is
usually unable to meet responsibilities at home,
school or office.
Symptom # 2
An alcoholic or drug addict
continues to use substances or engage in
behavior even when it is dangerous.
Symptom # 3
An alcoholic or drug addict
usually feels the need to increase certain
behaviors or use more of a substance to achieve
the same effect or feeling.
Symptom # 4
An alcoholic or drug addict
usually has tried numerous times to stop but
failed using the substance or end the behavior.
Answering yes to three or more of the above
symptoms during a 12 month period may show that
you or a loved one has an addiction. The first
step to treating an addiction is recognizing
that it exists.
There
is no cure for an addiction. Treatment and
counseling can help an addict or alcoholic to
learn how to control their behavior, withstand
impulses and recognize the presence of a
problem, but neither is ever cured. Treating an
addiction can take years and requires ongoing
support from friends, families and support
groups.
A 12
step program can be particularly beneficial in
treating an addiction. One of the most well
known 12 step programs is AA, also known as
Alcoholics Anonymous; however there are similar
programs for all types of addictions.
Living with an addiction requires a daily
commitment and there is always the possibility
of relapsing. An addict that has been "clean"
for even 20 years can succumb to temptation just
as they did decades before.
There
are several treatment programs and centers that
can help with the numerous types of addictions
that are prevalent today. Many of them are
anonymous. Support groups are also available to
help family and friends who experience the
effects of an addiction in a loved one.
By: Patrick McLemore
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