What is Addiction?
In simple terms addiction is called when a person is dependent/attached to a certain object , substance or fixated to such an extent, which is affecting that persons day to day activities or socio-physio-psychological state of mind.
Addictions present with various forms, but can be broadly classified as
1) Addiction behavior
These are like gambling, impulsive buying, technological addictions like internet addictions, mobile addictions, porn addictions etc.
2) Addictive substance use:
These are substance dependency like alcohol, morphine, cannabis( ganja), benzodiazepine (sleeping tablets) etc..
Addictions present with various forms, but can be broadly classified as
1) Addiction behavior
These are like gambling, impulsive buying, technological addictions like internet addictions, mobile addictions, porn addictions etc.
2) Addictive substance use:
These are substance dependency like alcohol, morphine, cannabis( ganja), benzodiazepine (sleeping tablets) etc..
Cause of Addictions ?
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Addiction is a chronic relapsing conditions and every time a person tries to stop their habits due to various external and internal stimuli and situations they reverts back their habits. For some like in substance dependency they might find hard to stop due to withdrawal symptoms caused due to stoppage of the substance. The addiction usually starts as benign fun or as an experiment which on constant use will lead to either abuse of the substance and dependency. Other develop maladaptive behavior directly as a consequence of the substance itself or may be drug seeking behavior etc..For some the consequence of their mental health changes may lead them to lives of solitude, poor impulse control and poor frustration tolerance. The same also applies to the people suffering from behavioral addiction like internet addiction and newer mobile addicts. As addiction progress the person may become isolated , sometimes lack touch with reality, become aggressive, may rub with the police, finding difficulty to cut their habits, loose touch with the family, if the person is living separately they might overdose with the medication kill themselves or may sometimes may commit suicide. If they were working may quit the job as it can prove them hard to maintain normality or may be thrown out of their job due to poor attendance. When they get severely addicted their life will start running around the substance or in other words the person routine activity will revolve around the substance and will be constantly working around getting the substance or to find the next available substance. Addiction is easy treatable condition, but treatments vary depending on the types of Addiction. As mentioned earlier Substance dependency like Alcohol, Morphine, Nicotine etc are treated differently compared to Behavioral addictions such as mobile addictions etc.. The most common problems family faced with the person of addictions is lack of insight into their condition. To put in the other context, he or she may not understand or aware they have problems with addictions. This leads to friction among family members and sometimes addicted person may use violence to continue with their behavior. This delays them to seek help from the professionals. Many a times when health deteriorates and that leads them to seek help and in many situations like this they might have reached a irreversible or deteriorating state of health. Due to certain addictions like for example Alcohol, can increase their chances of getting Diabetes and Hypertension. In IV drug users they might contract viral HIV or Hepatitis B or C virus infection. Cigarette smoker can develop hypertension sometimes can develop stroke. Some cocaine or morphine addicts can develop Deep Vein Thrombosis or Head injury etc. What are the treatment options available? There are multiple treatment options available depending on the type of addictions. The most important thing in addiction is talk about it. Family members can bring up the matter of addiction with the addicted person and discuss with them in the calm and compassionate way. Emotions may not help in these situations and the discussion should be logical, rational and to the point. Because of lack of motivation with the addicts it would be better to discuss the matter of addictions in multiple settings. If this is not possible it would be advisable to take the help of the professional such as Psychiatrist. Treatment for behavioral Addiction This involves a type of CBT, Family therapy and Medications. Depending upon the severity and the type the Doctor decides the type of treatment required and most of the treatment will be personalized Sometimes the Doctor may advice to get admitted to a Hospital for short term to break the habit or for Respite. However some may require long stay at the De-addiction centre for long term therapy and treatment. Treatment for Substance Addiction Substance addiction is difficult to treat compared to behavioral addiction. Here many a time, treatment involves initial Detoxification and long term therapy. In Detoxification depending upon the type of addiction Doctor may advice to get admitted for controlling their withdrawal symptoms and once detoxification is done which takes around 7 – 10 days, He or she may advise long term psychotherapy and Medication to stop their craving. However some may require long stay at the De-addiction centre for long term therapy and treatment. for more information please contact a psychiatrist near you |
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