Dorothy FarrarAddictions
Habits can become an addiction faster than those affected want to admit and then lead to addictions. The first signs are to be taken seriously and should not be ignored by the environment. The deeper a person slips into an addiction, the harder it is to treat them.
What are addictions?
First and foremost, the term addiction for addictions is a colloquial term. In medicine and psychology, addictions are referred to as addictions. People can be dependent on many things. Basically, an addiction is defined by an irrepressible and irrefutable desire for a certain state that cannot be overcome by rational thinking. This behavior influences and hinders the development of one’s own self and social contacts. There are various forms of addictions described in psychiatry and psychology.
Probably the best known is dependence on psychotropic substances, which is also colloquially referred to as drug dependence. In addition, there is substance-free dependence, which describes, for example, compulsions and addictions that are not related to drugs. Under harmful use of non-addictive substances such addictions are included, which include an unnecessary or indeterminative intake of, for example, drugs or dietary supplements.
Apart from that, the psychiatric concept of codependency exists. As such, the promotion of dependencies of an addict by caregivers is called. These can themselves be dependent in some form or otherwise intensify addictions through their behavior.
Causes
Causes of addictions can be different. As a rule, however, it is based on neurobiological and psychosocial factors. Addictions are caused by faulty control of the so-called reward system in the brain. This releases happiness hormones such as dopamine when positively perceived reactions or sensations. As a result, euphoria or happiness is felt, which instructs people to repeat any behavior, for example.Intoxicants can also trigger this feeling and lead to increased happiness hormone release. If, for these reasons, those affected increasingly take the triggering substances or repeat the behavior leading to them, addiction occurs. The body gets used to the new hormone level. The hormone balance gets upset and the body lowers its own hormone production. As a result, the mood is depressed outside the state of intoxication and those affected have the urge to take the addictive substance again in order to be “happy” again.
Symptoms and course
Typical symptoms of addictions:
- Euphoria
- Loss of control
Often the line between habit and addiction is very narrow. Almost every person has a vice and things that he can do without reluctantly or hardly without. Nevertheless, there are various signs that may indicate dependence. For example, if a person cannot consume the addictive substance for any reason, it can lead to restlessness and irritability. In addicts, in this case, the urge for the addictive substance intensifies. This can also lead to withdrawal symptoms.
It is possible that the interest in other things is reduced or the behavioral patterns of the person concerned are severely restricted. Those who restrict themselves in order to be able to consume the addictive substance regularly are usually dependent. In addition, there is also the loss of control with regard to the consumption of the addictive substance. Another symptom of dependence can also be a development of tolerance. This means the ever stronger or higher doses of consumption of a drug or the execution of an activity, otherwise no effect is achieved.
Finally, there can also be physical, social and psychological consequences, which, however, are not perceived or ignored due to dependence.
Diagnosis
Psychiatry is primarily concerned with addictions. Addiction medicine is a separate department internally and deals with the detection, treatment and prevention of substance-related and non-substance-related addiction in particular. Diagnosis is usually made through conversations with those affected. Among other things, people should describe their everyday life and their behavior. Based on this and discussions with relatives, an addiction can usually be diagnosed very accurately.
treatment and therapy
The type of addiction treatment depends on its severity. In most cases, the goal is total abstinence from the drug, since few people can cope with controlled use. Therefore, the restriction is usually only a first step, which should ultimately lead to complete abstinence. Important for the treatment is not only the patient’s willingness to change something, but also participation in self-help groups, which provide significant support for the treatment.
The aim is to return to normal everyday life without addictions, whereby accompanying psychotherapy is often necessary. Typical treatment steps are initially the outpatient motivation phase, which can be followed by physical withdrawal. The weaning phase then begins in the clinic. This is usually stationary. Only if successful is an aftercare and rehabilitation phase initiated. In principle, it is always important to involve relatives, as they too should behave in a certain way in order to support those affected as best as possible.
Prevention
Addiction can be prevented above all by regular consumption of any addictive substances. From time to time it makes sense to simply give up the possible vice for a few days. Thus, the body does not get too used to it and the chance of developing an addiction is lower.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.