Why does addiction occur?

Addiction is a dependence on a substance, object or activity that yields reward or pleasure, alleviates withdrawal symptoms and/or satisfies cravings. The term addiction is sometimes used a bit loosely. To a person who is dependent on chemical substances like narcotic drugs, painkillers, alcohol or even tobacco, this type of dependence is considered as a ‘true’ or palpable addiction. Failure to satisfy the cravings can lead to physical symptoms of withdrawal. It also leads to the need to constantly seek the substance thereby disrupting one’s personal relationships, academic commitments and career objectives.

Addiction treatment

Overcoming addiction is hard and relapse unfortunately is very common among addicts, addiction can be a lifelong problem and people who are addicted to a certain drug are at higher risk of becoming dependent on a different type of drug also.

The whole aim of treating an addict successfully is to protect their mental and physical health and hopefully minimize the effects the addiction is having on the family as a whole. There are several different methods used in the treatment of addiction and these include:

Controlling the amount used

It is thought that by slowly reducing the amount of substance the addict uses can lead to them eventually kicking the habit altogether, however unfortunately this isn’t always so. Very few addicts will have the will power needed to break the pattern of their habit this way and more often than not the addict will lose the ability to control the amount they take.

Addictions

Addiction is a very complex problem which affects an individual in many different ways including their physical and mental health and if left over any period of time it can have a dire effect on their social life and cause problems in any relationships and family.

Addictions are impossible to control

When people become addicted to something they will tell you that it is impossible to control the addiction, take smoking for example, anyone who has smoked will know how hard it is to give up and resist lighting up that first cigarette in the morning. You will also know how you crave for one during the times when you cannot smoke such as in an aeroplane or at the theatre.