The term addiction does not only refer to dependence on substances such as heroin or cocaine. A person who cannot stop taking a particular drug or chemical has a substance dependence.
Some addictions also involve an inability to stop partaking in activities, such as gambling, eating, or working. In these circumstances, a person has a behavioral addiction.
Addiction is a chronic disease that can also result from taking medications. The overuse of prescribed opioid painkillers, for example, causes 115 deaths every day in the United States.
When a person experiences addiction, they cannot control how they use a substance or partake in an activity, and they become dependent on it to cope with daily life.
Every year, addiction to alcohol, tobacco, illicit drugs, and prescription opioids costs the U.S. economy upward of $740 billion in treatment costs, lost work, and the effects of crime.
Most people start using a drug or first engage in an activity voluntarily. However, addiction can take over and reduce self-control.
Addiction vs. misuse
Drug addiction and drug misuse are different.
Misuse refers to the incorrect, excessive, or non-therapeutic use of body- and mind-altering substances.
However, not everybody that misuses a substance has an addiction. Addiction is the long-term inability to moderate or cease intake.
For example, a person who drinks alcohol heavily on a night out may experience both the euphoric and harmful effects of the substance.
However, this does not qualify as an addiction until the person feels the need to consume this amount of alcohol regularly, alone, or at times of day when the alcohol will likely impair regular activities, such as in the morning.
A person who has not yet developed an addiction may be put off further use by the harmful side effects of substance abuse. For example, vomiting or waking up with a hangover after drinking too much alcohol may deter some people from drinking that amount anytime soon.
Someone with an addiction will continue to misuse the substance in spite of the harmful effects.
When a person has an addiction, and they stop taking the substance or engaging in the behavior, they may experience certain symptoms.
These symptoms include:
- anxiety
- irritability
- tremors and shaking
- nausea
- vomiting
- fatigue
- a loss of appetite
If a person has regularly used alcohol or benzodiazepines, and they stop suddenly or without medical supervision, withdrawal can be fatal.
Medicinal advances and progress in diagnosing have helped the medical community develop various ways to manage and resolve addiction.
Methods include:
- behavioral therapy and counseling
- medication and drug-based treatment
- medical devices to treat withdrawal
- treating related psychological factors, such as depression
- ongoing care to reduce the risk of relapse
Addiction treatment is highly personalized and often requires the support of the individual’s community or family.
Treatment can take a long time and may be complicated. Addiction is a chronic condition with a range of psychological and physical effects. Each substance or behavior may require different management.
Takeaway
Addiction is a serious, chronic dependence on a substance or activity. The prevalence of addiction costs the U.S. economy hundreds of billions of dollars every year.
A person with an addiction is unable to stop taking a substance or engaging in a behavior, though it has harmful effects on daily living.
Misuse is different from addiction. Substance misuse does not always lead to addiction, while addiction involves regular misuse of substances or engagement in harmful behavior.
Symptoms of addiction often include declining physical health, irritation, fatigue, and an inability to cease using a substance or engaging in a behavior. Addiction can lead to behavior that strains relationships and inhibits daily activities.
Ceasing to use the substance or engage in the behavior often leads to withdrawal symptoms, including nausea and shaking. Do not attempt to suddenly stop using alcohol or benzodiazepines without medical supervision.
Addiction treatment can be difficult, but it is effective. The best form of treatment depends on the substance and the presentation of the addiction, which varies from person to person. However, treatment often involves counseling, medication, and community support
Q:
I have a family member with severe addiction, but they refuse to seek help. What is the best way to connect a relative with the care they need?
A:
The best way to help your relative is to establish trust, so they will believe that you have their best interests in mind.
Make sure that any conversation about your concerns does not occur while they are under the influence. Avoid criticizing or shaming them for their addictive behaviors. Instead, say something like, “I care about you and am worried about your safety and health,” and share your observations about their behavior.
Remember, many people deny that they have problems for a long time. If that happens, don’t challenge them, just remind them that you care, and ask permission to keep checking in with them.
This resource might help once the individual acknowledges the presence of an addiction.
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