What Is Addiction?

Generally speaking, addiction is one of the most chronic, relapsing diseases of the brain, which is usually identified by psychological and physical dependence on alcohol, drugs, or even sometimes a behavior. Once a person has developed an addictive disorder, he will continue with the toxic habits at the cost of his danger, or sometimes’ others loss also happens.

Addiction impacts the way a person feels, acts and thinks. Individuals with addictive disorders are familiar with their problems, but unfortunately, they find it very hard to stop on their own.

Alcohol and drugs addiction:

Drug addiction is a broad terminology on its own. Drug addiction is not merely about cocaine, heroin, or any other illegal drugs. Addiction can happen with anti-anxiety medicines, nicotine, alcohol, and any other legal substance if the amount and frequency are not kept under supervision.  Interestingly, you can also get addicted to prescription or illegally obtained narcotic pain medications or opioids. This problem is at epidemic levels in the United States. In 2018, opioids played a role in two-thirds of all drug overdose deaths.

In the beginning, you may choose to take a drug because you like the way it makes you feel. You start to think you can control how much and how often you use it. But with time, drugs manipulate and change how your brain functions. These physical changes can be long-term. You start to lose your control, and ultimately it leads to damaging behaviors.

Alcohol addiction, also referred to as alcoholism, is a disease that affects people from all walks of life. Experts have tried to identify the factors like genetics, sex, race, or socioeconomics that may predispose someone to alcohol addiction. Still, it has been proven that there is no single cause. It could be due to genetic, psychological, or behavioral factors. Research has been carried out and a vast amount of research is done on this topic.

It’s important to note that alcoholism is an actual disease. It can cause changes to the brain and neurochemistry, so a person with an alcohol addiction may not control their actions.

Alcohol addiction can show itself in a variety of ways. The severity of the disease, how often someone drinks, and the alcohol they consume varies from person to person. Some people drink all day heavily, while others binge drink and then stay sober for a while.

There might be numerous forms of alcohol addiction. Still, it is valid for all the individuals suffering from alcohol addiction that they cannot stay sane or sober for an extended period if they rely heavily on drinking.

Diagnosing an Addiction:

Identifying addiction is similar to diagnosing any other disorder or illness. The patients undergo an examination of specific symptoms and a particular scientific criterion that defines alcohol addiction. One of the best tools for spotting addiction is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), published by the American Psychiatric Association.

The criteria mentioned in the DSM is generally accepted and used by professionals to help understand and determine the presence and severity of a substance use disorder.

It includes:                                 

Lack of control

The person fails to develop control on the use of the quantity of substance he initially decided.

Desire to limit the use

Aiming to reduce the usage of alcohol but unable to do so.

Time spent

A considerable amount of time is spent trying to acquire a substance.

Cravings

The consumer faces an extreme urge and desire to use the respective drug. 

Lack of responsibility

The substance consumed takes priority over all obligations, work, school or home, or family.

Issues with relationships

Interpersonal relationships are consistently strained from drug use.

Lack of interest

The user stops or restricts engaging in meaningful social or recreational activities in favor of drug use.

Dangerous use

Continued use despite dangerous circumstances.

Worsening situations

She continued use irrespective of worsened physical or psychological problems.

Tolerance

An urge or necessity to consume more significant amounts of the substance to achieve desired effects.

Withdrawal

This can be physical and emotional. Side effects may include anxiety, irritability, nausea, and vomiting.

Addiction and the Brain:

The excessive use and abuse of alcohol affect all the body organs, but the part that is impacted the most is the brain. When a person drinks alcohol, the brain starts the production of dopamine in large quantities, which triggers the reward system of the brain. The continued excessive use of alcohol leaves an adverse effect as the brain stops producing dopamine independently. This means that a person will struggle to find enjoyment in pleasurable activities – like spending time with friends or family – when they are not under the influence of drugs or alcohol.