ADDICTION 

 

WHAT IS ADDICTION

 

When a person regardless of the consequences indulges in certain behavioral activities, the person is thought to be addicted. A person can be addicted to Drugs, Gambling, Alcohol, even smoking or internet and many other activities. Once started the frequency of the activity enhances. Whenever the person stops there is an unpleasant feeling. There can be food addiction, Exercise addiction, Addiction to pornography, computer, or cell phone addiction and many more. The person is not able to control his or her behavior and indulges repeatedly in the activity to an extent that he or she is harmed. 

Wikipedia defines addiction as under:

Addiction is generally a neuropsychological disorder defining pervasive and intense urge to engage in maladaptive behaviours providing immediate sensory rewards (e.g. consuming drugs, excessively gambling), despite their harmful consequences. Dependence is generally an addiction that can involve withdrawal issues.

Addiction is inability to stop using or doing something even if the consequences are harmful.

The American Society Addiction Medicine (ASAM) defines Addiction as a primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory and related circuitry.

 

Research suggests that there is a relationship between genetics and addictive behaviour. Those born to addictive behaviour parents generally are more prone to have addictive behaviour. These are known as addictive personalities.

 

SYMPTOMS

 

Inability to have effective control.

Not able to concentrate on studies or work.

Undertaking risk in order to continue with the addictive behaviour.

Withdrawing from social activities.

Lying or making false commitments in order to meet behavioural requirements.

 

TREATMENT

 

Therapies such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) are recommended. The usual techniques for reducing stress also apply for stress addiction as well, e.g., mindfulness, meditation, exercise, and social support.

 

 

(It is hereby made clear that this write up should not be treated as mental health treatment and in no way should be considered as a substitute for a Mental health Professional.)