Consequences Of Shopping Addiction
One of the most persuasive arguments for shopping addiction being a true mental health disorder is that the shopping continues or even intensifies despite obvious negative consequences, which may include:
- Distress, such as guilt and remorse, due to the shopping
- Significant amounts of time spent shopping
- Social dysfunction due to the spending, especially marital discord and divorce
- Occupational problems due to online shopping
- Overspending and debt
Why Do Some People Become Addicted To Drugs While Others Don’t
No one factor can predict if a person will become addicted to drugs. A combination of factors influences risk for addiction. The more risk factors a person has, the greater the chance that taking drugs can lead to addiction. For example:
- Biology. The genes that people are born with account for about half of a person’s risk for addiction. Gender, ethnicity, and the presence of other mental disorders may also influence risk for drug use and addiction.
- Environment. A persons environment includes many different influences, from family and friends to economic status and general quality of life. Factors such as peer pressure, physical and sexual abuse, early exposure to drugs, stress, and parental guidance can greatly affect a persons likelihood of drug use and addiction.
- Development. Genetic and environmental factors interact with critical developmental stages in a persons life to affect addiction risk. Although taking drugs at any age can lead to addiction, the earlier that drug use begins, the more likely it will progress to addiction. This is particularly problematic for teens. Because areas in their brains that control decision-making, judgment, and self-control are still developing, teens may be especially prone to risky behaviors, including trying drugs.
Addiction And Mental Illness
In a given year, over 18% of adults have suffered from a mental illness. These illnesses may include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Bipolar disorder
About half of people who have a mental illness also experience a substance use disorder and vice versa. Many people use drugs or alcohol to self-medicate mental health symptoms.
Its unclear if substance abuse causes mental illness or vice versa. Instead, most experts agree that the two conditions share many risk factors.
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While Much Of The Coverage Of The Opioid Epidemic Has Focused On White Rural Populations The Epidemic Affects White Black And Latinx People Proportionally
In fact, overdoses are rising more quickly among communities of color. The annual growth rate from 2018 to 2020 for Black individuals and Latinx individuals well surpassed the rate of white individuals during the same period . What’s more, overdoses among Native Americans are above the national average, and the rate continues to grow.
Job Problems For The Employee
A person suffering from a substance use disorder is not only affecting their own lives, they are impacting their family, friends, co-workers, and managers. If your drug or alcohol use is affecting your job negatively in any way and you continue to use, you may be suffering from a serious addiction. Treatment providers can answer your questions and help you start the road to a safe, happy, and sober life. Each substance effects the body in a different way. Alcohol can make someone drowsy, have slowed reflexes, and have impaired judgment and motor function. Opiates, like heroin or prescription pain medications, can cause a loss of interest at work, craving, and sweating. Consuming cannabis before or during work may cause impaired coordination and memory, as well as a distorted sense of time. Stimulants, like cocaine, will cause overactivity, anxiety, and a rapid heartbeat.
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Truth: Addiction Is Treatable
Several safe, effective, and inexpensive treatments are available for addiction. Treatments vary depending on the type of substance use disorder.
Effective medications are available for alcohol use disorder, opioid use disorder, and nicotine use disorder. Often, psychosocial treatments are combined with medication. Treatment can be beneficial at any point in an addiction and can be tailored to a persons needs.
If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction to drugs or alcohol, McLean is here to help. Call us today at to learn more about treatment options.
Understanding Drug Use And Addiction Drugfacts
Many people don’t understand why or how other people become addicted to drugs. They may mistakenly think that those who use drugs lack moral principles or willpower and that they could stop their drug use simply by choosing to. In reality, drug addiction is a complex disease, and quitting usually takes more than good intentions or a strong will. Drugs change the brain in ways that make quitting hard, even for those who want to. Fortunately, researchers know more than ever about how drugs affect the brain and have found treatments that can help people recover from drug addiction and lead productive lives.
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Job Problems For The Employer
Employers may be unaware of their employees addiction, and many addicts cover up their unexplained behavior and absences as medical problems. Presenteeism is also an issue, which is defined as workers who arrive to their job but are not fully functioning. This may be because of a hangover, withdrawal symptoms, or being intoxicated while at work. When researchers looked at the high-cost effects of heavy drinking, such as medical bills, alcohol-related crimes, and lost productivity, they found that hungover workers caused the largest loss. These hungover workers either did not show up to work or arrived but could not function.
Probably the most important issue in job problems caused by addiction is safety. This severely impacts both employer and employee. For any company involving heavy equipment, manufacturing, or transportation, it can be extremely dangerous for someone to be under the influence while at work. Studies show that those who abuse drugs or alcohol are 3 times more likely to cause or experience an injury-related absence. One hospital emergency room study found that 35% of patients who suffered an injury at work were at-risk drinkers, and a breathalyzer test found alcohol in 16% of ER patients who had been injured at work.
- 24% of workers report drinking during the workday at least once
- 11% of workplace fatality victims had been drinking
- 1/5 of workers and managers report that a co-workers drinking jeopardized their productivity and safety
People Suffering From Addiction Receive Punishment More Often Than Treatment
Addiction is the only medical illness thats criminalized, but punishment does not reduce drug use or overdoses.
Approximately 137,000 people are in state prisons or jails in the United States on any given day for drug possession, often for possessing small quantities of illegal drugs. And penalties are doled out inequitably: Racial and ethnic minorities, especially Black and Latinx Americans, are significantly more likely to be arrested and receive stronger sentences for drug-related offenses.
More than half of those in state prisons and two-thirds of people awaiting sentencing in jail exhibit problematic substance use, or meet the criteria for addiction. Whats more, while people with substance use disorders serve jail time, they have incredibly limited access to evidence-based treatments.
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What Is Drug Addiction
Addiction is a chronic disease characterized by drug seeking and use that is compulsive, or difficult to control, despite harmful consequences. The initial decision to take drugs is voluntary for most people, but repeated drug use can lead to brain changes that challenge an addicted persons self-control and interfere with their ability to resist intense urges to take drugs. These brain changes can be persistent, which is why drug addiction is considered a “relapsing” diseasepeople in recovery from drug use disorders are at increased risk for returning to drug use even after years of not taking the drug.
It’s common for a person to relapse, but relapse doesn’t mean that treatment doesnt work. As with other chronic health conditions, treatment should be ongoing and should be adjusted based on how the patient responds. Treatment plans need to be reviewed often and modified to fit the patients changing needs.
How Are Depression And Addiction Related
Depression and addiction are complex and can feel impossible to manageespecially if someone is dealing with them simultaneously. Fortunately, help is available for both disorders. Understanding the risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options can help people with dual diagnoses feel more empowered and engaged in their healing process.
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What Comes First: Substance Abuse Or The Mental Health Problem
Substance abuse and mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety are closely linked, although one doesnt necessarily directly cause the other. Abusing substances such as marijuana or methamphetamine can cause prolonged psychotic reactions, while alcohol can make depression and anxiety symptoms worse. Also:
Alcohol and drugs are often used to self-medicate the symptoms of mental health problems. People often abuse alcohol or drugs to ease the symptoms of an undiagnosed mental disorder, to cope with difficult emotions, or to temporarily change their mood. Unfortunately, self-medicating with drugs or alcohol causes side effects and in the long run often worsens the symptoms they initially helped to relieve.
Alcohol and drug abuse can increase the underlying risk for mental disorders. Since mental health problems are caused by a complex interplay of genetics, the environment, and other factors, its difficult to say if abusing substances ever directly causes them. However, if you are at risk for a mental health issue, abusing alcohol or drugs may push you over the edge. For example, there is some evidence that those who abuse opioid painkillers are at greater risk for depression and heavy cannabis use has been linked to an increased risk for schizophrenia.
% Of Those Who Abuse Heroin Will Likely Become Addicted To It
The heroin statistics continue to prove that its a highly addictive substance. Obviously, its never a good idea to try it because the chances of getting addicted are too great. This is why the Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that in most demographic groups in the US, the use of heroin has increased over the previous two centuries.
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Why New Guidelines For Opioid Treatment Are A ‘big Deal’
Now more than a year into recovery, Browne says he’s become a more reliable employee and has reconnected with his parents and younger brother successes he credits partly to the medication and consistent support he’s received.
Those are hallmarks of the CA Bridge program, says executive director Serena Clayton. Medication is considered a key element of treatment. Connecting patients with a navigator helps them in long-term recovery. And having navigators in the ER creates a more welcoming environment for patients, and gives ER staff a chance to learn more about addiction, she says.
The model is currently used by about 130 hospitals in California, and the state has allotted $40 million to expand the program to more than 100 others. The funds cover the salaries of substance use navigators, training for ER staff on prescribing buprenorphine and other technical assistance.
“This doesn’t have to be a one-off story about a really special hospital,” Clayton says. “It can happen at scale.”
Depression After Using Drugs
Withdrawal from certain types of drugs and alcohol sometimes results in a set of symptoms that overlap with or resemble those seen in cases of depression.
- Alcohol withdrawal:Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can include agitation and anxiety. After the acute withdrawal phase, many people experience mood instability, insomnia, fatigue, lack of sex drive, and feelings of hostility and anger.8
- Stimulant withdrawal:Withdrawal from stimulants can include depressed mood and a lack of pleasure that can last for several weeks. When a person crashes after stimulant intoxication, they may feel incredibly fatigued and struggle with strong cravings.8
- Hallucinogen use:Hallucinogens can cause delusions, hallucinations, and feelings of depersonalization. Some people who use hallucinogens experience prolonged feelings of depression, psychotic reactions, and flashbacks.8
- Opioid withdrawal:Withdrawal from opioids can result in severe agitation, body pain, and depression. Opioid withdrawal can also lead to sleep disturbances, anxiety, and severe cravings for several weeks.8
As indicated, the use and withdrawal of these common substances may also intensify preexisting mental illness symptomsanother reason its so important for people suffering from addiction and depression to be evaluated by an addiction professional for thorough diagnosis and treatment.
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Unbelievable Nicotine Addiction Statistics
Nicotine addiction is one of the most common among all forms of addiction in the world. Studies have inferred that nicotine can be as addictive as cocaine and heroin, if not more. People, regardless of their age, are more likely to be addicted to nicotine than alcohol. While normally it is referred to as smoking or the addiction of smoking, it actually is nicotine addiction.
Effects Of Sexual Addiction
For other sexual addicts, however, the addiction can have a powerful force on their lives. As stimulation doesnt provide the same amounts of pleasure, it becomes necessary for the addict to seek out alternative methods of sexual satisfaction to get the relief that their disorder demands. This can lead to someone committing acts of voyeurism or becoming an exhibitionist. In extreme cases, it can lead to violent conduct as well, including rape and molestation.
It isnt fair to say that everyone who has a sexual addiction will become a predator. It isnt fair to say that all convicted offenders of a sex crime are sexual addicts. Most offenders, in fact, dont try to harm people because they have an overwhelming need to have sex like most people have an overwhelming need to have a cup of coffee in the morning. It is because there is a desire to have control and power in every situation.
For humanity, sex is an essential part of life. It is necessary for our survival just as eating is required. Some people choose to remain purposefully celibate, but a strong sexual drive is normal. Not having a sexual drive can actually be the indicator of a mental illness or a medical problem. For sexual addicts, that drive has gone out of control and it affects the quality of their lives. As the statistics and facts will show, it isnt just the addict that is affected by this addiction. Those who are closest to those who struggle with this addiction also suffer.
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Statistics On Methamphetamine Addiction And Abuse
Methamphetamine, which is commonly called Meth, is a controlled substance which has a high potential for abuse, overdose, and addiction. As an illegal drug, Meth is usually sold as Crystal to be burned and smoked. Meth is highly addictive and dangerous for a persons health.
- About 774,000 Americans are regular Meth users. About 16,000 of them are between the ages of 12 and 17.
- About 10,000 Americans who regularly used Meth suffered a fatal overdose in 2017.
- About 964,000 Americans are addicted to Meth.
- In 2017, about 195,000 Americans used Meth for the first time.
- The number of fatal Meth overdoses almost tripled from 2011 to 2016.
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Compulsive Gambling In Adults
Gambling addiction in adults is more common than underage gambling. Increased financial resources during adulthood and legal access to gambling likely contribute to this higher prevalence. Signs of gambling addiction in adults may often go overlooked as someone simply having a good time. However, when gambling is used as a distraction from lifes problems or to improve mood, it is likely becoming problematic. Feeling the need to hide gambling from loved ones and experiencing guilt and shame after acting out on gambling urges are other key signs of gambling addiction.
With Roots In Civil Rights Community Health Centers Push For Equity In The Pandemic
North Carolina also has programs to train medical students, residents, nurse practitioners and physician assistants in addiction care.
Dr. Sara McEwen, executive director of the nonprofit Governor’s Institute, which has helped to incorporate the training into medical school curricula, said students who see addiction prevention and treatment as a routine part of medicine will naturally apply that when they reach the ER or other clinical settings.
In fact, a recent study at Wake Forest School of Medicine found 60% of medical students who received the education reported using it during their internships.
“The learning is coming from med students to residents, up the chain,” says Paige Estave, a coauthor of the study and a candidate for joint doctoral and medical degrees at the school. “Students bringing it up will cause doctors to start thinking, talking and finding resources. … Hopefully, those little pieces of change will add up cumulatively to something more.”
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Tip : Make Healthy Lifestyle Changes
Exercise regularly.Exercise is a natural way to bust stress, relieve anxiety, and improve your mood and outlook. To achieve the maximum benefit, aim for at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise on most days.
Practice relaxation techniques. When practiced regularly, relaxation techniques such as mindfulness meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, and deep breathing can reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression, and increase feelings of relaxation and emotional well-being.
Adopt healthy eating habits. Start the day right with breakfast, and continue with frequent small meals throughout the day. Going too long without eating leads to low blood sugar, which can make you feel more stressed or anxious. Getting enough healthy fats in your diet can help to boost your mood.
Get enough sleep. A lack of sleep can exacerbate stress, anxiety, and depression, so try to get 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep a night.
