what is addiction
Addiction is defined as not a physiological or psychological dependence on a substance.
The individual will feel like they have no control over taking or using the substance.
Sometimes they’ll use it to the point where it could be harmful to them.
Addiction is most commonly associated with alcohol, drugs, gambling, and nicotine, but it's possible to be addicted to just about anything, including:
work – some people are obsessed with their work to the extent that they become physically exhausted; if your relationship, family and social life are affected and you never take holidays, you may be addicted to work.
internet – as computer and mobile phone use has increased, so too have computer and internet addictions; people may spend hours each day and night surfing the internet or gaming while neglecting other aspects of their lives.
solvents – volatile substance abuse is when you inhale substances such as glue, aerosols, petrol or lighter fuel to give you a feeling of intoxication.
shopping – shopping becomes an addiction when you buy things you don't need or want to achieve a buzz; this is quickly followed by feelings of guilt, shame or despair.
What causes addiction
There are biological, social, psychological and other causes of addiction.
The biological processes that cause addiction involve the reward pathways in the brain. These circuits provide rushes of positive feeling and “feel-good” chemicals that feel like a “reward” when using the preferred substance.
The areas of the brain responsible for stress and self-control also undergo long-term changes during an addictive disorder.
In the case of alcohol, drugs, and nicotine, these substances affect the way you feel, both physically and mentally. These feelings can be enjoyable and create a powerful urge to use the substances again.
The strain of managing an addiction can seriously damage your work, life and relationships.
In the case of substance misuse (for example, drugs and alcohol), an addiction can have serious psychological and physical effects.
Some studies suggest addiction is genetic, but environmental factors, such as being around other people with addictions, are also thought to increase the risk.
An addiction can be a way of blocking out difficult issues. Unemployment and poverty can trigger addiction, along with stress and emotional or professional pressure. There are other triggers of course.
Using substances or other types of “rewarding” situations is a temporary solution to the real issue, and when you repeat using substances, what is happening is that your are numbing the pain you are suffering. This might help temporarily, but it’s not going to go away unless you face it.