New Insights Into A Common Problem
Nobody starts out intending to develop an addiction, but many people get caught in its snare. Consider the latest government statistics:
- Nearly 23 million Americansalmost one in 10are addicted to alcohol or other drugs.
- More than two-thirds of people with addiction abuse alcohol.
- The top three drugs causing addiction are marijuana, opioid pain relievers, and cocaine.
In the 1930s, when researchers first began to investigate what caused addictive behavior, they believed that people who developed addictions were somehow morally flawed or lacking in willpower. Overcoming addiction, they thought, involved punishing miscreants or, alternately, encouraging them to muster the will to break a habit.
The scientific consensus has changed since then. Today we recognize addiction as a chronic disease that changes both brain structure and function. Just as cardiovascular disease damages the heart and diabetes impairs the pancreas, addiction hijacks the brain. This happens as the brain goes through a series of changes, beginning with recognition of pleasure and ending with a drive toward compulsive behavior.
Reasons For Video Game Addiction
The most addictive video games have no pre-defined ends.there is never the experience of “Game Over”Addictive video games feed a need of making social connections.require that players interact socially with each otherVideo games are more addictive when in-game rewards are based on a leveling system.The more addictive video games often encourage play and collaboration with gamers worldwide.Addictive video games often have some form of in-game currency.It is easier to view video games as harmless online activities. One important factor that makes video games addictive is that rewards often are set on variable schedules.variable ratiovariable intervalBehavioral Game DesignAddictive video games often require team play to advance.The virtual world of addictive video games continues to evolve even if the player is not online.Companies regularly release upgrades or expansion packs.Top video game players or teams can earn real world rewardsAddictive video games do not reward short and unscheduled periods of play. Addictive video games may allow the player to immerse him/herself in a fully realized virtual world.escape from the reality of the physical worldSome video games require monthly fees. Video games can generate strong emotions in players.
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What Are Methamphetamine Withdrawals
During methamphetamine withdrawal, an individual may experience numerous adverse effects, usually the opposite of how the drug affects them. The severity of withdrawal depends on the person, how long, and how much they used. Medically supervised methamphetamine detoxification is recommended for anyone who is addicted to Meth. It is also possible to experience withdrawal symptoms from meth for several days up to several weeks. Meth withdrawals can cause many symptoms, including:
- Exhaustion and extreme fatigue
- Poor psychomotor function
- Paranoia
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How Are Medicines Used To Treat Opioid Addiction
Methadone, when administered properly, is included in treatment with counseling and is always provided in a clinic setting. It helps to block the effects of opioids and to reduce cravings.
The medicine buprenorphine also helps opioid cravings without giving the same high as other opioid drugs. Prescribed by many physicians, this is typically a daily dose placed under the tongue and can also be delivered as a once-a-month injection or through thin tubes placed under the skin every six months.
These medicines both activate opioid receptors in the body that suppress cravings, and are effective and similar in safety and side effects and typically used for maintenance treatment. They can be used as a taper agent as well but some patients relapse, and we need to try something different with those patients who relapse several times. Patients who are highly motivated and have good social support have a tendency to do better.
Can Drug Addiction Be Cured Or Prevented
As with most other chronic diseases, such as diabetes, asthma, or heart disease, treatment for drug addiction generally isnt a cure. However, addiction is treatable and can be successfully managed. People who are recovering from an addiction will be at risk for relapse for years and possibly for their whole lives. Research shows that combining addiction treatment medicines with behavioral therapy ensures the best chance of success for most patients. Treatment approaches tailored to each patients drug use patterns and any co-occurring medical, mental, and social problems can lead to continued recovery.
More good news is that drug use and addiction are preventable. Results from NIDA-funded research have shown that prevention programs involving families, schools, communities, and the media are effective for preventing or reducing drug use and addiction. Although personal events and cultural factors affect drug use trends, when young people view drug use as harmful, they tend to decrease their drug taking. Therefore, education and outreach are key in helping people understand the possible risks of drug use. Teachers, parents, and health care providers have crucial roles in educating young people and preventing drug use and addiction.
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Are All Addictions The Same
Is addiction to shopping or texting the same as being hooked on drugs or alcohol? We know these things can affect your brain in many of the same ways. But experts don’t yet agree about how far those similarities go. If you feel you have a habit that’s out of control, talk to your doctor or a therapist.
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Theresa Parisi
- About
All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.
Theresa is a Certified Addiction Professional , a Certified Behavioral Health Case Manager by The Florida Certification Board, and a Certified International Alcohol and Drug Counselor by The International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium . Theresa is also a Certified Professional Life Coach and volunteers at a local mental health facility helping individuals who struggle with homelessness and addiction.Theresa is a well-rounded clinician with experience working as a Primary Addiction Counselor, Case Manager and Director of Utilization Review in various treatment centers for addiction and mental health in Florida, Minnesota, and Colorado. She also has experience with admissions, marketing, and outreach. Eager to learn, Theresa is currently working on her Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. As a proud recovering addict herself, Theresa understands first-hand the struggles of addiction. There is no limit to what Theresa is willing to do to make a difference in the field of Addiction!
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Why Do People Use Heroin
Because we know how addictive heroin is after just one use, its hard to understand why someone would start using it unless they were previously using prescription medicines. NIDA warns that both heroin and opioid pill use can lead to addiction and overdose.
Another reason individuals use heroin and become addicted to it is that they like the feeling of combining it with another drug. In general, heroin is mixed with water and injected with a needle. It can be sniffed, smoked, or snorted. Some users may combine heroin with other drugs, whether that be alcohol or cocaine. When heroin is mixed with cocaine, its called a speedball because it is mixing a stimulant with an opioid , masking the effects of the heroin, and elevating the risk of overdose.
People use and become addicted to heroin for a variety of reasons, which can be similar or dissimilar. They can become addicted to heroin because of biological reasons and how the drugs mechanisms affect the brain and body. People are drawn to drug use because of both circumstantial and personal reasons. Their genetics play a role, and peer pressure does as well in some situations, but the reason a person uses a drug in the first place is their personal decision.
At Boardwalk Recovery Center, we help people understand why they are drawn to drugs. We use a holistic approach to care and assist our clients and their families in understanding why they became addicted to heroin.
Some Prescription Drugs Reduce Emotional Pain
Emotional pain is not uncommon with patients in Canada, and indeed all around the world. Sometimes, prescription drugs have the effect of being able to block out the pain. This is partly due to the way these drugs affect the brain. So, even if the pill is not intended to block out this pain, it may happen regardless.
The emotional pain-blocking effect of some prescription drugs is the reason some people develop an addiction to it. In such cases, the users continuously use these medications to deal with their unwanted feelings instead of seeking therapy.
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How Do You Get Addicted To Smoking Cigarettes
An addiction to cigarettes starts by smoking them. Cigarettescontain a chemical called nicotine. The nicotine triggers receptorsin the brain and causes feelings of relaxation or pleasure. Soafter a while, when someone starts to feel stress, they haveconditioned themselves to reach for a cigarette. There is both thephysical addiction of the nicotine, and also the psychologicalfactors. The psychological part include the habit of putting thingsin one’s mouth, as well as factors such as stress, loneliness,boredom and nervousness leading the person to want a cigarette.
What Is Social Media Addiction
Checking and scrolling through social media has become an increasingly popular activity over the last decade. Although the majority of peoples use of social media is non-problematic, there is a small percentage of users that become addicted to social networking sites and engage in excessive or compulsive use. In fact, psychologists estimate that as many as 5 to 10% of Americans meet the criteria for social media addiction today. Social media addiction is a behavioral addiction that is characterized as being overly concerned about social media, driven by an uncontrollable urge to log on to or use social media, and devoting so much time and effort to social media that it impairs other important life areas.
Addictive social media use will look much like any other substance use disorder and may include mood modification , salience , tolerance , withdrawal symptoms , conflict , and relapse .
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Why Do People Get Addicted To Drugs And What Can You Do About It
The first part of that question has no simple answer. Addiction isnt a matter of choice or willpower or even pleasure. Its a complex set of factors that include genetics, stressors, mental illness, and even basic pain management.
Legal addictions present a unique problem. Theyre often not detected until a something worse arises.
For smokers, its cancer. For alcoholics, its repeated heavy drinking and drunkenness. Opioid addicts end up relying on their pills.
Addiction is a disease. It has symptoms. It can relapse.
Fighting addiction isnt easy. It requires treatment, support, and understanding.
Fortunately, treatment options are available. No matter what youre addicted to or your level of addiction, you can get help. Thats what we do.
At Trafalgar, were addiction experts. We offer a private solution, designed to help you get your life back on track.
Why do people get addicted to drugs? For many reasons.
Why do people quit? Just one: to live. Call us today at 1-855-972-9760 or email us from our website.
Well give you all the resources you need to get clean!
Why Do People Get Addicted To Heroin
You may have heard that heroin is one of the most addictive substances in the world. To understand what makes heroin so addictive and how it affects the brain and body, we must first understand what it is and why people use it. The National Institute on Drug Abuse defines heroin as a very addictive drug made from morphine, a psychoactive substance taken from resin of the seed pod of the opium poppy plant. Heroin is included in the opioid drug class which is composed of addictive prescription pain relievers like codeine, oxycodone, and hydrocodone. It makes sense that heroin and these drugs are in the same class of drugs because of their shared potential for addiction and how they affect the users brain and body. There is something unique about heroin that makes it, unfortunately, the endgame for drug use in most cases.
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Recognizing A Social Media Addiction
Although many people habitually use social media, very few are genuinely addicted. To determine if someone is at risk of developing an addiction to social media, ask these six questions:
- Do they spend a lot of time thinking about social media or planning to use social media?
- Do they feel urges to use social media more and more?
- Do they use social media to forget about personal problems?
- Do they often try to reduce use of social media without success?
- Do they become restless or troubled if unable to use social media?
- Do they use social media so much that it has had a negative impact on their job or studies?
A yes to more than three of these questions may indicate the presence of a social media addiction.
A digital detox, a period of time during which someone significantly reduces the time spent using electronic devices such a smartphones or computers, could be a wise precaution. This can include simple steps, such as turning off sound notifications and only checking social media sites once an hour. Other changes can include having periods in the day where there is self-imposed non-screen time, such as during meal times, or leaving the phone in a separate room at night so as not to disturb sleep. This allows for a restored focus on social interaction in the physical world and reduces dependency on networking sites.
Related To Others With Addiction
There is no question that genetic makeup has at least some effect on a persons risk of developing addiction. As described by many studies, including one from the journal Psychiatry, having a close family member who is struggling with an addiction can make it more likely that an individual will develop an addiction as well.
In fact, certain portions of the human genome have even been identified as having a direct connection to specific addictions, according to a study in Nature. With this knowledge, it may be possible in the future to more accurately identify just how likely a person is to develop addiction. Still, genetic potential is no guarantee that an individual will develop addiction. Other complex, environmental factors also contribute to the potential that a genetic predisposition will become a true substance use disorder.
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What Are The Symptoms And Effects Of Cocaine Addiction
If you think that you or someone you know has developed a problem with cocaine misuse, its important that you are able to spot the signs and symptoms of cocaine addiction.
While cocaine can cause a number of effects that may seem positive to some people, its also important to realise that it can also produce a number of negative symptoms and long-term effects. These can include:
- Anxiety and paranoia
- Breathing problems
They Develop A Tolerance
It is not uncommon for users of some prescription drugs to build a tolerance for such medication. This is particularly common among people who take such medications regularly over extended periods.
People who develop a tolerance to specific drugs will find that they must take an increased dosage to achieve the same desired effect. This is a red flag of a growing dependence and addiction. Rather than abuse the drugs by taking more than necessary, such patients must speak with their doctor.
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How Quickly Do Drugs Become Addictive
Drug addiction is a chronic disease of the brain that must be managed over a lifetime. However, developing an addiction is a much quicker process than treating one. Most people know that drugs and even other substances or activities can be addictive, but they may not know how addiction develops. Understanding how quickly drugs become addictive is key in the prevention of substance abuse.
How Do People Overcome Drug Addiction
Although drug addiction creates physical and chronic changes in the brain, there is good news. The brain can be re-wired again. Substance addiction is actually very treatable and manageable. Of course, this cant happen overnight. Much like it took time for the persons brain to re-wire in favor of drug use, it takes time for the brain to re-wire back to a healthier state.
Overcoming addiction requires modified routines and thought processes. It means replacing drug use with healthy behaviors like exercise and cooking. It also involves re-framing a persons outlook and definition of drug use it is not a matter of survival, but a process of destruction. This requires education, combined with cognitive therapy to get to the root of their drug-using behaviors.
Over time, the brain can be taught to crave healthier behaviors and to dismiss drug cravings by considering the outcomes and alternatives. It can be taught to seek and prioritize meaningful relationships and activities, rather than drugs and alcohol. It can be taught this through abstinence, ongoing therapy, active management, cognitive reframing, and professional support.
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They Do It To Relieve Stress
Stress is a part of everyday life. It can be anything from changing a tire to pressures at work. For an addict, stress, no matter how small, can fuel the desire to use drugs.
Drugs offer them an escape from their daily problems. Take alcohol, for example. Many people go to a bar and drink away the day.
Alcoholics do it even more so. Some are even so bad, they need alcohol just to function.
As is the case with self-medication, drugs make the problem worse. It also inhibits a users ability to handle stress sober.
