Addiction is defined as the inability to curb a repetitive seeking behavior with the goal of consuming a substance or a rewarding behavior, even though it is causing physical and psychological harm.
Addictions are a chronic problem capable of causing serious problems both to the person who suffers from them and to his or her environment.
What types of addictions exist?
Most researchers agree that there are two main types of addictions: chemical addiction and behavioral addiction.
- Chemical addictions
These are the best known and consist of addiction to substances that are ingested or introduced into the body. For example, chemical addictions include addiction to alcohol, tobacco, cocaine, opioids, medications, caffeine, amphetamines, marijuana, among others.
- Behavioral addictions
These are compulsive behaviors or repeated and persistent behaviors. This classification includes all those behaviors that occur as a result of loss of behavioral control to participate in situations that are pleasurable or produce brief moments of joy. For example, addiction to gambling, gambling, video games, exercise, work, shopping.
What are the causes of addictions?
The specific causes of addiction are not clear, but it is known to be due to multiple interacting factors (genetic and environmental). However, some traits may increase the risk.
Some factors may increase the likelihood of developing an addiction. It is unlikely to develop an addiction after using only once, but it all depends on the vulnerability, greater or lesser, that each individual has. Factors that contribute to the development of addictions are:
- Having family members with addictions or a genetic predisposition to them.
- Changes in the brain reward circuits.
- Environmental factors such as social pressure, exposure to addictive substances, difficulty coping with problems, lack of social support, unstable family environment, among others.
- Disruptive behavior in childhood.
What are the risks for the person who suffers from them?
Addictions involve physical and psychological damage which can cause problems in these areas.
Physical risks or complications include direct damage from substance use. For example, damage to nasal cartilage from snorting cocaine or increased risk of developing cancer from regular tobacco use.
Injuries can also occur when under the influence of substances, e.g., traffic accidents when driving while intoxicated. Other physical risks:
- Overdose.
- Multi-organ damage.
- Congenital malformations and miscarriages.
- Alteration of the cardiovascular system (increased blood pressure and increased heart rate).
More serious psychological risks or complications include drug-induced delusional and hallucinatory symptoms, depression, anxiety, isolation or suicide.
Addictions can also lead to social problems such as economic problems, broken or damaged relationships, crimes such as homicide and robbery.
How can they be treated?
The treatment of addictions includes a recovery process. There are different phases in the short, medium and long term. It should include psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, to address patterns of behavior and thinking that lead to addictions.
Medication may also be necessary to combat withdrawal symptoms and other underlying problems such as depression or anxiety.
In addition, hospitalization and support and self-help groups may be necessary in some cases.
What guidelines should the patient follow to avoid relapse?
Quitting addictions is a long process that may include numerous relapses along the way. It is estimated that quitting can take about 1 to 2 years. The 24-month time milestone is a present concept called “settled recovery”.
Although each stage of recovery has specific and necessary guidelines that must be followed, the following are tips that will reduce your chances of relapse:
- Change your life. It is not about going back to your previous life without using, but making all the necessary changes so that the factors that contribute to addiction do not cause a relapse. Avoid places and people associated with consumption, change negative thought patterns, among others.
- Honesty. Addiction involves lying to hide the problem, it is necessary to encourage people to be completely honest about themselves, at least in the recovery circle and include this honesty in all relationships.
- Ask for help. Meeting in a self-help group increases the likelihood of long-term recovery.
- Always practice self-care. It helps maintain motivation in recovery, fosters self-esteem, and helps to cope with negative emotions.
- Follow the rules. As recovery progresses, many people may feel they have recovered enough and begin to let go of some restrictions. This is why many people relapse even 10 years after recovery. Always follow the rules of recovery.
Following the health care provider’s advice and keeping attending the support group and regular checkups is the road to recovery.