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What is Addiction
The Definition of Addiction
An addiction can be summarised as the need for something intensely, while lacking the ability to control the desire to use and continue using it, despite the adverse consequences. It not only alters the brain by changing how pleasure is registered but as well as altering other normal feelings such as desires and love. The term addiction refers to more than just dependence on substances. But also refers to an inability to stop engaging in habits such as gambling, eating, and even the use of social media. Though many people do start using a drug or first engage in an activity voluntarily, addiction take’s over and reduces self-control.
Symptoms
Addiction may manifest differently in everyone, but there are common traits to look out for, including behavior changes like lying, extreme mood swings, as well as physical changes such as fatigue, and drastic weight changes.
Please note that you can never know for certain what another person is experiencing unless they willingly share it with you. So, if there is concern about someone in your life that you believe may have an addiction; first, you must know where to look. People who suffer from addiction tend to show signs ranging from psychological, physical, and social changes. A point to note is that while they are split into 3 separate categories, this does not mean that symptoms overlap does not occur, (i.e., diverting money from daily expenses into money for said addiction, to ease the psychological cravings).
Treatments & Helping Hand
Though it is often difficult for individuals to admit to themselves that they do have a problem, let alone an addiction; it is nevertheless the most crucial step. The next step would be to seek out treatment programs that can help with regaining their health and overall well-being.
It must be noted that addiction treatment is not uniform when we consider how different each person is from others. It is evident that each person will have to ensure the treatment they choose is one that best caters to you specifically; whether it be spiritual, or faith-based. This would better increase the chances of achieving their goal of recovery.
If you are concerned about the well-being of someone close to you, here are some things to keep in mind:
- Stay Informed
- Addiction is hard to talk about and you will need to better inform yourself more about whatever substance or activity that you are addicted to. This will give you a better idea of how to better approach the situation as well as what treatment might look like.
- Be Present
- Be involved with the treatment process by spending time, following up on how they are feeling and doing, and letting them know when you are available in time if they find themselves in a difficult situation. And remember to avoid judgment. There is already stigma surrounding addiction, therefore people find it difficult to reach out for help.
Stages of Addiction
Addiction is often viewed as something people choose out of boredom or for some other reason. However, addiction is a complex condition, created by compulsive substance use, despite harmful consequences. People with addiction have a strong urge to use a certain substance to the point where it takes control of their life. Despite knowing the consequences and problems that substances can cause, people with addiction still use them.
This is due to the fact that men and women with addiction tend to have distorted thinking, behavior, and body functions. The intense cravings to engage in the habit are largely due to the changes in the brain’s wiring. These changes are also the reason why it’s not as easy to overcome addiction as most people think it is.
These stages feed into one another, thus becoming more intense over time and ultimately leading to the pathological state known as addiction. Different drugs produce distinct patterns of addiction that engage different components of the addiction cycle. Each stage of addiction involves changes in critical neurotransmitters and neural circuits.
While the above-mentioned study suggests there are three stages of developing an addiction, we are going to focus on six to illustrate just how complicated addiction is, but also to demonstrate successful treatment is possible.
Stages of Addiction
A study from the Frontiers in Integrative Neuroscience reports that it is still not entirely clear what neurophysiological processes are involved in the development and progression of addictive disorders. The same study focuses on drug addiction, which they define as a chronic relapsing disorder comprised of three stages:
- Preoccupation / Anticipation
- Binge / Intoxication, and
- Withdrawal / Negative effects
Biology of Addiction
Addiction affects 10 to 15% of the adult population. Independent variables such as genetic predisposition, environmental and psychological risk factors, and the number of substances are used to determine the severity of the addiction. Drugs can use our reward system, which consists of a neural circuit that produces pleasurable feelings in response to stimuli that promote survival. Activators/stimuli can include food, sex, and social interactions. Our future behavior is modified to incorporate those stimuli in our everyday lives.
Point to Point System – one neuron connects with one other neuron
- Amino acids – Glutamate, GABA, aspartate, and lysine as neurotransmitters for action and sensation.
Diverse System - One neuron is connected to many different neurons
- Dopamine, acetylcholine, and serotonin – modulate neural responses to maintain homeostasis - is the body's ability to remain stable while staying the same, a state in which all systems are in balance, a state of equilibrium, an ideal “set point” despite alterations within the body.
- Drugs abuse both systems.
Reward Circuit
Consist of the mesolimbic dopamine system, lateral hippocampus, and medial forebrain. The reward circuit promotes activities of survival by producing a pleasurable feeling. Memory centers are also activated with experiences or activities that promote the reward, this feeling can be incorporated/learned for future behavior. The neurotransmitter that is mainly responsible is dopamine. Other neurotransmitters like glutamate and serotonin regulate and modulate dopamine release in the reward system (promote drug-seeking behavior as it’s associated with the hippocampus).
Why Should You Consider Reaching Out?
It is incredibly gratifying to reach out to a friend to check in, connect and offer support when they need it. When someone is in need of compassion and kindness, this is a unique opportunity for us to be our most loving selves.