Addiction is a habit of activity, in which there is a constant use of mood altering substances with no regard for the unfortunate consequences to the mind, body, and soul. There is no demographic that drug and alcohol addiction does not affect; addiction can happen to anyone at any time. People become addicted to drugs and alcohol for many reasons. Some of these reasons are uncontrollable because you’re born with them; others are brought on by environmental factors and poor self-control. The factors that can lead a person to the enslavement of abuse and dependency range from biological elements, influences from the people you surround yourself with, over-the-counter medications that people get hooked on, and the state of mind of the victim of the abuse. Addiction has been affecting people of all ages since before wide scale research was even conducted.
The official definition of the word addiction is “A term describing a compulsion to use a specific drug or engage in a certain activity.”(2012) Addictions can be as serious as drugs or alcohol, and they can also be as underestimated as being addicted to a cell phone, or addicted to food. The most common and most heard about cases of addiction involve Drugs and Alcohol, and these cases are treated over time with Rehab and medication, depending on how serious the addiction the substance is. Addictions take control of the lives of millions of Americans every year, and cause many mental and physical problems among the human being. There are many signs that can help point out that someone has an addiction to a substance. For example, someone with an addiction to alcohol will repeatedly neglect responsibilities at home, work, and school and use alcohol when it puts them in physical danger, such as drinking and driving. People that are addicted to a substance don’t care who or what they harm, as long as they get their addiction taken care of. These serious addictions effect not only the person addicted, but it effects everyone around that person. A person who wants to get treated for their addiction to become clean can be sent off to rehab, or they can go through therapy sessions to better themselves. People trying to become clean may go through “withdrawals”, which is defined as “Discomfort or distress, including physical pain and intense cravings, experienced after stopping the use of addictive drugs”. Withdrawals are the most difficult and intense part of becoming clean, but if one wants to overcome the addiction, the withdrawals will be worth it. There are many addictions that are taking over our world today in a quick manner, but th...
Most people know at least one person, either a friend or family member, or even a friend of a friend who has, or is suffering from drug addiction. The word “addiction” actually comes from a Latin term that means “enslaved by” or “bound to.” (“Understanding Addiction”, 2014) If you’ve ever tried to help someone to overcome a drug addiction, then you’ll understand why this is so.
...n individual’s life. Addiction is the same whether the drug is alcohol, cocaine, heroin, marijuana, or nicotine. All substances allow the individual to feel the high of feeling good, away from all the issues going on in their life. Though each individual has different reasoning’s behind doing the substance, continuing to constantly use the substance or substances makes the body dependent. Becoming dependent will make you experience uncontrollable cravings and relapse. Your body is at a point that stopping would be very difficult, causing severe physical and mental damage from withdrawal. “The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change,” the first step in any process an addict faces is accepting that they are exactly that, an addict. Once that is accepted they are allowing themselves to be open to getting help (Carl Rogers).
So, it is clear that addiction is all around us and can attack anyone of us at any given time. Even studies conducted show that people neglect to speak around their dependency for two primary reasons. Foremost, because people do not comprehend, or they bear a total misconception to their addiction, that they do not realize that addictions can be critical to their overall wellness. Moreover, second, many people believe being an addict will never happen to them, but, in reality, most addictions start off as simple little habits. Such as starting with one drink after dinner and before you know it you are drinking several drinks a day. However, one does not opt to be addicted to a substance, because addictions are physical defects in the brain, a disease, and not one’s choice.
Addiction is a condition that manifests when a person shows excessive patterns of harmful use of any particular substance. Initially, this continued substance use becomes compulsive and can greatly interfere with one’s every day responsibilities. Once substances appear to control the behavior of the user, it is difficult to reach out to that person and understand their means of decision-making. Substance abusers are not always aware that their decisions cause serious problems for not only themselves, but for those around them. A person who becomes dominated by their addictions can lose family, friends, and ultimately, themselves. The one constant thing that every human being has when they are born is their family. Every situation varies, especially in today’s complex society, but ultimately, each person has someone that is unconditionally there from the start. If a person is fortunate enough to have a strong familial foundation, it is likely that their family will stand by their side through all of the trials and tribulations. Although, this is not to say that loved ones are not directly affected. The misuse and abuse of drugs and alcohol have a long line of serious and harmful consequences, whether you, or your family member is the one using. Substance abuse has distinct effects on family structures, especially once it develops into a full-fledged addiction. Drug and alcohol abuse have been a problem in society for as long as we can remember. The initial reasoning for the use of a substance can definitely vary from person to person. For teenagers, it could be to fit in with their peers. For adults, it could be to unwind from stress. The fact of the matter is that substance use has to start somewhere, and that there is no predeter...
In 2010, an estimated 23.5 million Americans were addicted to alcohol and/or drugs and needed treatment or supportive services (Partnership for drug free kids). Most people make the assumption that those that are addicted to a substance are just making poor choices. I will have to admit that I was one of those people that thought that it should be easy to quit something so toxic. It wasn 't until I did the research myself that I found addiction is actually a disease. It takes a lot more then willpower to just stop using something that a person 's brain has become so accustomed to. With all of the advances in science we now have a better idea of what leads to addiction. This doesn 't mean that poor choices and life decisions don 't attribute to addiction, but these causes increase the likelihood of an individual becoming addicted to a substance. The majority of individuals that abuse drugs or alcohol will admit to having a history of childhood trauma, alcoholics in the family, or drug use in their social circle.
Sally Satel, author of “Addiction Doesn’t Discriminate? Wrong,” leads us down a harrowing path of the causes and effects that lead people to addiction. It can be a choice, possibly subconscious, or a condition that leads a person left fighting a lifelong battle they did not intend to sign up for. Mental and emotional health/conditions, personality traits, attitudes, values, behaviors, choices, and perceived rewards are just a few of the supposed causes of becoming an addict.
Drug abuse dates as far back as the Biblical era, so it is not a new phenomenon. “The emotional and social damage and the devastation linked to drugs and their use is immeasurable.” The ripple of subversive and detrimental consequences from alcoholism, drug addictions, and addictive behavior is appalling. Among the long list of effects is lost productivity, anxiety, depression, increased crime rate, probable incarceration, frequent illness, and premature death. The limitless consequences include the destruction to personal development, relationships, and families (Henderson 1-2). “Understandably, Americans consider drug abuse to be one of the most serious problems” in the fabric of society. And although “addiction is the result of voluntary drug use, addiction is no longer voluntary behavior, it’s uncontrollable behavior,” says Alan Leshner, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (Torr 12-13).
Drug addiction is a complex disease that involves biological, social and environmental factors. Care and support from loved ones are crucial to restoring their health and