Have you been taking too much alcohol or drugs lately? Are you not able to go even a day without these substances?
If the answer to these questions is “yes,” then you might be encountering an alcohol or a drug problem. Such a situation is known as addiction. Addiction is a complex, chronic brain condition affected by the genes and environment one is living in.
Addiction was previously referred to as an uncontrolled habit of consuming drugs or alcohol. However, the definition now includes several other activities like gambling, exercising, and eating.
Substance Use Disorder
Substance use disorder is often described as a problematic pattern of consuming toxic substances resulting in impairment and distress. There are various substance-related disorders identified by the experts, such as:
- Tobacco
- Stimulant
- Sedative, hypnotic or anxiolytic
- Opiate
- Hallucinogen
- Cannabis
- Caffeine
- Alcohol
Symptoms Of Addiction
Every user shows different signs and symptoms of addiction, but there are some common ones also observed, such as:
- Withdrawal symptoms
- Consuming more substance than intended
- Increasing the amount of substance consumption
- Secrecy
- Prioritizing substance use
- Losing interest in hobbies and passions
- Engaging in legal and financial troubles
- Feeling preoccupied with the substance use
- Involving in risky behaviors
- Denial
- Continuing consumption despite knowing the consequences
- Change in appetite, mood, and sleep schedule
- Inability to stop
Difference Between Addiction And Dependence
There is a faint line that separates addiction and dependence. Dependence is the initial stage before developing addiction, where the user experiences a dependence on the substance and is forced to take it. In comparison, addiction happens due to dependency. Prolonged dependency on substances leads to addiction where the user, despite knowing the consequences, cannot stop consuming the substances.
Causes Of Addiction
There could be several reasons for a person to develop an addiction. Some could be natural causes, while some are controlled. Below listed are some of the common causes leading to addiction:
- Effect on brain
- Genetics
- Environment
- Frequency and duration of use
Addiction Treatment
Addiction is a chronic disease and also has a treatment available. Mallard Lake Detox Center provides various forms of therapy like:
- Medication
- Psychotherapy
- Hospitalization
- Support group
Addiction treatment does not work on the principle of “one size fits all.” It requires customization of therapies and treatments as per the patient’s needs. Mallard Lake Detox Center in Houston and surrounding areas provides customized treatments and therapies for its patients and promises to help them overcome addiction. You can approach the center now to get more details on our treatment plans and therapies.