Addictions

What is addiction?

The dictionary definition of addiction is that it is “mainly connected to the condition of being abnormally dependent on some habit”, especially compulsive dependency on narcotic drugs ingesting drugs/alcohol.

Signs of addiction

Classic hallmarks of addiction include impaired control over substances or behaviour, preoccupation with substance or behaviour, and continued use and denial of the consequences of the addiction.

Habits and patterns associated with addiction are typically characterised by immediate high/good feeling in the short-term, coupled with a delayed reaction of low mood and an inability to function without getting the next “fix”.

Types of addiction

There are many different addictions – almost anything can be addictive – below is a short list of the most commonly experienced ones:

• Drugs
• Alcohol
• Prescription medication
• Exercise
• Food
• Sex
• Internet
• Video gaming
• Pornography
• Gambling

What causes addiction?

Any substance or activity that has the capacity to be pleasurable can become addictive and there are many possible theories for what exactly causes addiction: whether it is physical, chemical or psychological. Likely it is a mixture of all of these factors which lead some people to experience dependency on a substance or activity.

All addictions impact various neural circuits of the brain, including those related to reward, motivation, and memory.

However, most addictive behaviour is not related to either physical tolerance or exposure to cues. People compulsively use drugs, gamble, or shop, nearly always in reaction to being emotionally stressed, whether or not they have a physical addiction. Currently, only substance addictions and gambling addictions are recognised by the DSM-5 (the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders), which uses physical dependence and the associated withdrawal syndrome to identify an addictive state.

Symptoms of addiction

• The main symptom of addiction is feeling unable to stop taking a substance or partaking in an activity even though it is causing you harm. An inability to limit yourself to one drink or one roll of the dice, despite previous serious consequences of this behaviour, is often the main sign that you may have an addiction.
• There is a craving or compulsion to use the substance or activity.
• Recurrent use of the drug or activity escalates to achieve the desired effect – you find you need more of whatever it is to bring the sought-after ‘high’
• Attempts to stop usage produce symptoms of withdrawal such as irritability, anxiety, shakes and nausea.
• Recurrent use of the substance or activity impairs work, social, and family responsibilities, creates psychological impairments and interpersonal problems, has negative effects on health, mood, self-respect, exacerbated by the effects of the specific substance itself.

The focus of the addiction isn’t what matters; it’s the need to take action under certain kinds of stress, which is important and understanding how it works psychologically. All addictions have the capacity to induce feelings of shame and guilt, a sense of hopelessness, and feelings of failure. In addition, anxiety and depression are common conditions among those with substance and behavioural addictions.

Treatment of addiction

Addiction is a treatable condition.

Phase One

Withdrawal from the problem substance/activity. There are both physical and psychological effects that occur when substance-taking stops, including physical signs such as :-

• nausea and vomiting,
• chills and sweats,
• muscle cramps and aches,
• sleeplessness,
• shifts in heart rate, even fever.

Emotional effects include depression, anxiety, irritability, and mood swings. Withdrawal symptoms can typically last between three to five days. While they are rarely life-threatening, medical supervision is usually provided in residential treatment programs, and medications may be given to alleviate the acute discomfort of withdrawal.

Phase Two

Behavioural therapy and counselling are important elements of treatment. Psychological counselling can help the person to understand their addiction and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is often used to help patients identify, avoid, and cope with situations in which they are most likely to abuse drugs or activities. The technique of motivational interviewing is often used to remind people of their values, as a way of avoiding use. Family therapy may be provided to help the patient maintain a supportive environment and improve family functioning.
Rehabilitation programs are often needed to help patients regain necessary job and other skills.

How can counselling help with addiction?

If you would like to find a counsellor suitable to discuss this issue, please search our database.