What is Addiction?
Addiction is a chronic brain illness that causes people to totally depend on or craves to a particular substance or behavior without minding the destructive consequences it brings to their life and destiny. It could be genetically or environmentally generated.
According to a research writer, Chris Elkins, Addiction is a chronic brain disease that causes compulsive activity despite health, social and legal consequences. The disease is caused by a variety of factors and lead to long-term negative consequences that can be deadly.
I read and watched a documentary a while ago on it, that some people have a higher tendency of being addicted to substances than some because of some gene maker and, it is hereditary and it was stated that the genetic test can indicate those addictions,.Well my heart almost popped watching that because it blew my mind. Individuals are addicted to the most mundane things like specify food because of how it makes them feel; others are addicted to certain activities, the most extreme is drugs, sex, etc., and addicts can replace one addiction for another that’s why during treatments they asked not to be in any of emotional relationships and the serotonin chemical the brain releases when you are happy can be addictive making them addicted to relationships/sex if that person was previously addicted to narcotics. And, recovery is a long process depending on exposure n willingness to get help.
Just like every chronic brain disease, addiction does not give regard to your family background, status, color of your skin, gender or age. When once you start indulging on a certain destructive behavior that appears to be very fun and fantastic experience at the beginning without stopping immediately, it may end up destroying your life, if you do not take personal responsibility to stop it by seeking medical, Counseling or psychotherapy help.
What are the characteristics of addicted persons?
Most addicted people are:
1. Anger
2. Anxiety
3. Craving
4. Withdrawn
5. Dependable
6. Stressed
7. Depressed
8. Secretive
9. Suspicious, and
10. Suicidal (especially, when they are forced to stop it without proper counselling, self-discovery, and support from family and loved ones).
Types of addiction
In my years of volunteer practice, communication and experiences, I have seen different addicted people. Some turn theirs to lifestyle while some are being affected negatively. Here are some addictive substance and behaviors, (now, this will be an a-ha moment for someone).
- Alcohol
- Non-alcoholic drinks e.g. coca cola, coffee, etc.
- Energy drinks
- Drugs; cannabis, cocaine, marijuana, crack, etc.
- Sleep disorder
- Eating disorder
- Illicit sexual behaviors (including masturbation,)
- Cigarettes smoking
- Talkativeness
- Abusive behaviors and negativity.
- Gambling
- Internet, television, pornography
- Excessive shopping
- Excessive eating of kola or bitter kola…
How to overcome addiction?
Overcoming addiction is always easier said than done because the brain of an addict is now used to whatever substance or behaviors for stimulation of their happiness and relaxation. The more they indulge in it, the more their brain demands for more. That is why most addicted people experiences cravings, tolerance, withdrawal and relapse.
However, there is a great hope for any addicted person to recover from the addiction and start living a normal life if and only if he,/she is willing to cooperate with the process.
- Medical dexo is always the start point. This process is carried out by medical practitioners.
- Different kinds of behavioral counseling by a Counsellor, depending on the gravity of the addiction on the addicted person.
- Family counselling my a Counsellor
- Rehab may also be advised to facilitate quick recovery. We know some Rehab centers.
Please, note it might be a long process. But, it is achievable. Remember to please, drop your comments.
