What Is A Porn Addiction
Porn addiction is, in theory, when you canât stop looking at porn, even if you want to. And the obsession gets to the point that it interferes with work, relationships, and other parts of daily life. Itâs easy to understand how this could be a problem with the widespread availability of internet porn today. In 2019, for example, the popular site PornHub recorded 42 billion visits — thatâs 115 million a day.
How To Prevent Addiction To Prescribed Painkillers
Most people who take their pain medicine as directed by their doctor do not become addicted, even if they take the medicine for a long time. Fears about addiction should not prevent you from using narcotics to relieve your pain.
But if youâve abused drugs or alcohol in the past or have family members who have, you may be at a higher risk.
To avoid pain medicine addiction:
- Take the drug exactly as your doctor prescribes.
- Tell your doctor about any personal or family history of drug abuse or addiction this will help them prescribe the medicines that will work best for you.
Remember, itâs common for people to develop a tolerance to pain medication and to need higher doses to get the same level of pain relief. This is normal and is not a sign of addiction. With addiction, you may need to use higher doses, but itâs not for pain relief. Still, talk to your doctor if this effect becomes troubling.
Tips For Living With A Person In Recovery From Addiction
Once your loved one has left rehab or stopped doing drugs for a significant period of time, theyre considered a person in recovery. This means theyre still vulnerable to relapses, so its important to continue offering support and building trust so your loved one can come to you if they feel the urge to use substances again.
It can take time to trust a loved one again, especially if theyve lied, exhibited harmful behaviors, or stolen from you. You may need to work with a therapist to help you both reestablish the much-needed trust your relationship needs to thrive.
Also, dont be afraid to directly ask your loved one how theyre doing in the recovery phase. Asking them about any possible urges can help them talk out their feelings rather than giving into their impulses.
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My Brother Died Of A Drug Overdose
I know, it doesnt make sense. My brother died of an overdose so shouldnt I be completely against drugs? He was 10 years older than me and died when I was 8. I never really had the chance to know him while he was alive. It makes no sense to me either, but when Im high on heroin I feel closer to my brother than I ever did in my life. Its almost like something to bond with him over even though he isnt here.
What Are The Signs Of Drug Addiction
There are many types of drugs that people can become addicted to, so there are many different signs to be aware of. If youre concerned that you might be developing an addiction, here are some general signs to look out for.
Social and behavioural signs
People with a drug addiction may:
- avoid people who dont take drugs
- avoid places where it’s not possible to take drugs
- feel distressed and lonely if they don’t take the drug regularly
- rely on drugs to cope with emotional problems
- be dishonest with friends and family to hide their drug use
- have financial problems and debts
- sell or steal things to pay for drugs
- take dangerous risks, such as driving under the influence of drugs
- self-blame and have low self-esteem, especially after trying unsuccessfully to quit
- get into legal trouble.
Health signs
Drugs and alcohol can cause a range of problems for physical and mental health, even after the acute effects of taking the drug have worn off. These include:
- depression
- having unusual ideas
- hallucinations
- sexual dysfunction .
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Caffeine Intoxication And Withdrawal
Caffeine intoxication and caffeine withdrawal are included in DSM-5. Caffeine use disorder, however, is in the section of DSM-5 for conditions requiring further research. While there is evidence to support this as a disorder, experts conclude it is not yet clear to what extent it is a clinically significant disorder.
What Quitting Drugs Feels Like
When you reduce or quit using drugs your body goes through a detoxification process or withdrawal.
Symptoms vary between people, and between drugs, and range from mild to serious. They can last from a few days to a few weeks it’s different for every person but they are temporary. Cravings for the drug will sometimes be weak and at other times very strong. Learning how to manage them is important for staying drug-free.
Find out what withdrawal symptoms are for specific drugs.
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Addiction As A Result Of A Medical Issue
Frequent or long-term prescription drug use could increase dependency to certain drugs.
The National Survey on Drug Use and Health estimates that in 2010, nearly 2.5 million people in the U.S. started using prescription drugs non-medically. This often leads to drug abuse later. Dependence usually comes as a result of a prolonged illness or treatment of a disease that requires addictive prescription drugs. These could be painkillers and that can turn into a serious addiction.
The Difference Between Drug Dependence And Being An Addict
People often mistake physical and chemical drug dependence for addiction however, a person can become dependent on a substance without being addicted to it. When drugs that alter the mind are introduced into the body, changes occur in the brain and its chemical makeup. Certain chemical messengers are affected. These chemical messengers, or neurotransmitters, are what tell a person how to feel, which can therefore impact behaviors. For example, most drugs act on the pleasure and reward centers in the brain. Levels of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin are increased, which is what produces the desired high. Inhibitions are often lowered sociability is increased and decision-making abilities are impaired. Those using mind-altering drugs are then likely to put themselves into potentially dangerous situations and therefore be at risk for accidents, injuries, or other actions that may have adverse consequences .
Some drugs, such as stimulants like cocaine, methamphetamine, and prescription ADHD medications , speed up central nervous system functions. Heart rate, body temperature, respiration rate, and blood pressure are all increased, along with energy levels, focus and attention, and excitement. The high from stimulant drugs can be very intense and may decrease a persons appetite and keep them awake for long periods of time.
One size treatment doesnt fit all. We will tailor treatment for your needs.
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Porn Addiction Causes And Risk Factors
Because porn addiction is controversial in the medical/mental health community, thereâs no a clear set of causes available. But there may be some clues in the causes of compulsive sexual behavior. Things that lead to porn addiction could include:
- A brain chemical imbalance. Chemicals like serotonin and norepinephrine control your moods. High levels are often tied to compulsive sexual behavior, like heavy porn use.
- Brain pathway changes. If you do get addicted, it could change the way circuits in your brain work. An addiction means youâll have to view porn over and over again to get the same level of enjoyment.
- Brain disease. Conditions like epilepsy and dementia, and treatment for Parkinsonâs with dopamine, can damage the part of your brain that controls sexual behavior.
Things that could make porn addition more likely include:
- Ease of access. Thanks to the internet, access to porn is a click away.
- Privacy. Viewing porn in private is easier than ever. Compulsive behaviors thrive in secrecy.
Compulsive sexual behavior like porn addiction could also be more likely if you have:
- Drug or alcohol and use problems, or family members who have them
- Other mental health issues such as a mood disorder like depression or a gambling addiction
- Family conflict
- A history of physical or sexual abuse
Why Do People Get Addicted To Drugs
Often as concerned loved ones, we find ourselves asking things like, Why do some people get addicted to drugs, and others do not? Its a valid question, and many people who use drugs dont think they will become addicted. The truth is, anyone can become addicted to drugs, and there a variety of factors that put them at greater risk. Common risk factors, or potential causes of drug addiction, include:
- Stressful early life experiences, such as being abused or experiencing trauma
- History of physical or sexual abuse
- Genetic vulnerability
- Prenatal exposure to alcohol or other drugs while in the womb
- Lack of parental supervision or monitoring during adolescence
- Association with drug-using peers, or peer-pressure from friends or social circles
- Mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety
As you can see, there are a mix of genetic and environmental influences that can make a person more vulnerable to addiction. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, genetics account for about half of a persons likelihood to develop an addiction. So, environmental risk factors also play a big role: things like stress, trauma, abuse, lack of education, low-income neighborhoods, high school parties.
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Some Suggestions To Get Started:
- Learn all you can about alcohol and drug misuse and addiction.
- Speak up and offer your support: talk to the person about your concerns, and offer your help and support, including your willingness to go with them and get help. Like other chronic diseases, the earlier addiction is treated, the better.
- Express love and concern: don’t wait for your loved one to “hit bottom.” You may be met with excuses, denial or anger. Be prepared to respond with specific examples of behavior that has you worried.
- Don’t expect the person to stop without help: you have heard it before – promises to cut down, stop – but, it doesn’t work. Treatment, support, and new coping skills are needed to overcome addiction to alcohol and drugs.
- Support recovery as an ongoing process: once your friend or family member is receiving treatment, or going to meetings, remain involved. Continue to show that you are concerned about his/her successful long-term recovery.
What If The Person Doesnt Want Help For Drugs Or Alcohol
Ultimately, its the persons decision whether to seek professional help. Many people who misuse drugs or alcohol find it hard to ask for help at first, but may want to reach out later on. Be careful not to nag the person, since this might discourage them from opening up in the future.
Clearly state any behaviours you expect, or wont tolerate, from the person. You might not accept drug use in your home, for example.
Encourage the person to use safely to minimise the risk of harming themselves for example, through needle and syringe programs or opioid replacement programs.
Find an NSP in your state or territory here. You can also use the healthdirect Service Finder to find one near you. Select By name and type needle into the search bar.
Its important to know that you cant force the person to stop using drugs or alcohol. Only they can choose to change.
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Ways To Reduce Or Quit Drugs
There is no treatment that works for everyone. Just as drugs affect each person differently, treatment needs to be individual. Its important to find a program that works for you.
Treatment options range from counselling through to hospital care it depends on which drugs are involved and how serious your dependence or addiction is. They include:
- going cold turkey you stop taking drugs suddenly, with no outside help or support
- counselling and lifestyle changes individual or group therapy can help you learn to cope without drugs. This can be successful if your drug use has been mild. Peer support groups are often run by recovered addicts their personal experience can be helpful to others
- detoxification you stop taking drugs and have medical treatment while your body clears the drug from your system
- rehabilitation this is a longer term treatment where you stay in a hospital or clinic, or at home. It also involves psychological treatment to help you deal with issues that may have contributed to your drug use
If you have mental health issues your treatment will need to address that at the same time for your overall treatment to be effective.
How And Why Do People Get Addicted To Drugs
It is very challenging to try to explain addiction. Especially as a concerned loved one, it can be difficult to explain to yourself how your child, your boyfriend, your sibling, became addicted to drugs. On the outside looking in, many people feel that substance addiction is a:
- Bad choice, in which someone should just say no
- Bad habit that just needs to be kicked
- Weakness, that someone cant overcome the withdrawal symptoms
- Moral failing, that the person has given up
The fact is, drug addiction is none of the above. It is achronic disease of the brain that cannot be overcome overnight, with a simple no or change of mind. If you are asking why do people get addicted to drugs or why did my child get addicted to drugs, its important to recognize this first.
More than likely, you have other questions like, How did this happen? Your loved one may have been raised right, on a solid moral foundation or in a good home, but still started using drugs. The truth is, there are many reasons that people use drugs, and many reasons that people become addicted. Its important you do not blame yourself, or your loved one, before understanding the facts.
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How Can I Stop My Friend Taking Lots Of Drugs
You cant force your friend to do anything they dont want to do, but you still might be able to help.
Start by encouraging your friend to stay away from the places where theyd normally take drugs , and suggest other activities.
You can also remind your friend of the potential dangers involved in taking lots of drugs and tell them where they can get accurate information about what theyre using. Whatever happens, make sure your friend knows youre around and happy to talk that youre there to help and not judge.
How Do People Develop A Sugar Addiction
Sugar consumption can create a short-term high and a spark of energy in the body. Some studies have suggested that sugar is as addictive as Cocaine. People often enjoy the dopamine release that sugar brings. But due to the addictive nature of sugar, long-term health effects like obesity and diabetes are a risk of sugar overindulgence. Similar to other compulsions or behavioral addictions, sugar addiction is a special risk for people with low moods, anxiety, and stress.
Additionally, people who suffer from constant tiredness may reach for carb-rich sugary foods for a boost. Sugar releases endorphins in the body and combines with other chemicals in the body, resulting in a surge of energy. Once someone mentally connects sugar with help providing energy, they may become dependent on it . People may begin to crave sugar to balance irritability, emotional lows, and other conditions. At this point there is often little control over dietary habits, and a sugar addiction has developed.
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Some Things You Don’t Want To Do:
- Don’t preach: Don’t lecture, threaten, bribe, preach or moralize.
- Don’t be a martyr: Avoid emotional appeals that may only increase feelings of guilt and the compulsion to drink or use other drugs.
- Don’t cover up, lie or make excuses for his/her behavior.
- Don’t assume their responsibilities: taking over their responsibilities protects them from the consequences of their behavior.
- Don’t argue when using: avoid arguing with the person when they are using alcohol or drugs at that point he/she can’t have a rational conversation.
- Don’t feel guilty or responsible for their behavior it’s not your fault.
- Don’t join them: don’t try to keep up with them by drinking or using.
Adapted from: National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence
How Addictions Can Affect You
The strain of managing an addiction can seriously damage your work life and relationships. In the case of substance misuse , an addiction can have serious psychological and physical effects.
Some studies suggest a person’s risk of becoming addicted is partly genetic, but environmental factors, such as being around other people with addictions, are also thought to increase the risk.
Behaviours such as substance misuse can be a way of blocking out difficult issues. Unemployment and poverty can trigger addiction, along with stress and emotional or professional pressure.
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How Is Substance Use Disorder Treated
Effective treatments for substance use disorders are available.
The first step is recognition of the problem. The recovery process can be delayed when a person lacks awareness of problematic substance use. Although interventions by concerned friends and family often prompt treatment, self-referrals are always welcome and encouraged.
A medical professional should conduct a formal assessment of symptoms to identify if a substance use disorder is present. All patients can benefit from treatment, regardless of whether the disorder is mild, moderate, or severe. Unfortunately, many people who meet criteria for a substance use disorder and could benefit from treatment dont receive help.
Because SUDs affect many aspects of a persons life, multiple types of treatment are often required. For most, a combination of medication and individual or group therapy is most effective. Treatment approaches that address an individuals specific situation and any co-occurring medical, psychiatric, and social problems is optimal for leading to sustained recovery.
Medications are used to control drug cravings, relieve symptoms of withdrawal, and to prevent relapses. Psychotherapy can help individuals with SUD better understand their behavior and motivations, develop higher self-esteem, cope with stress, and address other psychiatric problems.
A person’s recovery plan is unique to the person’s specific needs and may include strategies outside of formal treatment. These may include:
