Addiction is a chronic, relapsing disease affecting the brain’s reward, motivation, and related systems.

 

It includes substance abuse as well as behavioral problems such as abuse of gambling and video games, and excessive work, food, and sex.

 

People struggling with addiction are unable to control their actions or make rational decisions about their behavior, even in the face of negative consequences.

 

Compounds and experiences with addictive potential activate the brain’s reward circuitry.

Addiction is often referred to as a dependency and often leads to tolerance – the addicted person needs larger and more regular amounts of whatever they are addicted to in order to receive the same effect. The initial reward is no longer felt, and the addiction continues because withdrawal from the addiction is so unpleasant.

 

Initially an addictive substance induces pleasure to the user, and the continued consumption is driven more by a need to eliminate the anxiety brought about by the absence of addictive substance and therefore this leads the individual to compulsive behavior.

 

Psychological dependency becomes evident when the addict experiences withdrawal symptoms such as depression, cravings, insomnia, and irritability. Both behavioral addiction and substance addiction usually give rise to a psychological dependence.

 

Addictions do not only include physical things we consume, such as drugs or alcohol, but may include virtually anything, such as gambling to chocolate – in other words, addiction may refer to a substance dependence (e.g. drug addiction) or behavioral addiction (e.g. gambling addiction).

 

There is a difference between addiction and a habit: With addiction there is a psychological/physical component; the person is unable to control the addiction without outside help because of the mental or physical conditions involved. Where as Habit is the individuals choice. A person with a habit can choose to stop, and will subsequently stop if they want to. The psychological/physical component is not the negative issue as it is with an addiction.

 

A Habit May Eventually Develop Into An Addiction

 

Many of us can use substances or become engaged in activities without any significant problems. Some people, however, may experience damaging psychological and/or physical effects when their habit becomes an addiction.

 

With a habit you are in control of your choices, with an addiction you are not in control of your choices.

Addiction to substances or activities can sometimes lead to serious problems at home, work, school and socially.

The causes of addiction vary considerably, and are not often fully understood. They are generally caused by a combination of physical, mental, circumstantial and emotional factors.

Addiction, often referred to as dependency often leads to tolerance - the addicted person needs larger and more regular amounts of whatever they are addicted to in order to receive the same effect. Often, the initial reward is no longer felt, and the addiction continues because withdrawal is so unpleasant.

 

According to Medilexicon's Medical Dictionary:
 

Addiction is Habitual psychological or physiologic dependence on a substance or practice that is beyond voluntary control. Withdrawal has many meanings, one of which is A psychological and/or physical syndrome caused by the abrupt cessation of the use of a drug in an habituated person.

 

According to the Current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV), published by the American Psychiatric Association:
 

Substance dependence is when an individual persists in use of alcohol or other drugs despite problems related to use of the substance, substance dependence may be diagnosed. Compulsive and repetitive use may result in tolerance to the effect of the drug and withdrawal symptoms when use is reduced or stopped. This, along with Substance Abuse are considered Substance Use Disorders.

 

Addiction May Include Prescription Medications

 

Most people think of illegal drugs when they hear the word “addiction”. However, prescription drug addiction is becoming a serious public health problem in the USA and many other nations. Prescription medication abuse was described as “an epidemic” by researchers from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine in a study they reported on in November 2012.

The scientists explained that doctors today treat pain differently than they used to years ago. This change has led to an increase in prescription drug abuse.

 

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What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Addiction?

 

 

A symptom is something the patient senses and describes, while a sign is something other people, such as the doctor notice. For example, sleepiness may be a symptom while dilated pupils may be a sign.

 

Substance dependence - when a person is addicted to a substance, such as a drug, alcohol or nicotine, they are not able to control the use of that substance. They continue taking it, even though it may cause harm (the individual may or may not be aware of the potential harm).

 

Substance dependence can cause powerful cravings. The addict may want to give up (quit), but finds it extremely difficult to do so without help.

 

The signs and symptoms of substance dependence vary according to the individual, the substance they are addicted to, their family history (genetics), and personal circumstances.

 

To Read More By Christian Nordqvist for Medical News Today Please Click