Addiction
Safe Space Therapy offers personalised treatments that empower you to overcome addiction, with the guidance of experienced therapists.
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Addiction
When you feel like you can’t stop ...
Addiction is a psychological and physical inability to stop consuming a chemical, drug, activity, or substance, even though it is causing psychological and physical harm. Some addictions also involve an inability to stop partaking in activities, such as gambling, eating, working or even social media use.In these circumstances, a person has a behavioral addiction. In most cases, the substance or activity will trigger the brain’s reward system, releasing the feel-good hormone dopamine.
The reward system controls the body’s ability to feel pleasure and so when it is triggered, it encourages you to trigger it again. When the reward system gets overstimulated, this leads to a ‘high’ feeling people often report feeling. This high makes people want to partake in the activity or have the substance again and again.
Over time, the brain adjusts itself to produce less dopamine and/or making the cells in the reward system less responsive. This means the user won’t get the same effect and will build a tolerance. This leads them wanting more of the substance or activity to feel good again.Addiction can show up in many forms due to the complex nature of addiction, which develops when you become dependent on a substance or a behavior that provides pleasure or relief, despite its negative consequences.
Let’s take a look at some of these forms:
- Substance addiction
This refers to the dependence on drugs or alcohol.
Common substances of abuse include opioids, cocaine, amphetamines, cannabis, alcohol, and tobacco.
Substance addiction can have severe physical, psychological, and social consequences.
- Behavioural addiction
Certain activities or behaviours can also become addictive.
Common behavioural addictions include gambling, gaming, internet use, shopping, exercise, and eating.
These behaviours can lead to a loss of control, negative consequences, and an inability to stop or reduce engagement despite wanting to do so.
Social media addiction has been on the rise (click here to learn more about social media addiction)
- Prescription drug addiction
This occurs when individuals become dependent on prescription medications, such as opioids, sedatives, or stimulants.
Misuse or prolonged use of these medications can lead to addiction and dependence.
- Process addiction
This type of addiction involves engaging in a particular process or activity that provides pleasure or relief.
Examples include sex addiction, work addiction, and compulsive gambling.
It's important to note that addiction is a complex issue influenced by genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. It can have serious physical, psychological, and social consequences, and often requires professional intervention and treatment to overcome.
“Addiction is the only prison where the locks are on the inside”
Jessica Levi
Founder, Safe Space Therapy
How
Addiction
can show up:
Addiction can show up in various ways, affecting different aspects of a person's life. Here are some common ways in which addiction may manifest. It's important to note that the signs and symptoms of addiction can vary depending on the individual, the substance or behavior involved, and the stage of addiction.
Depending on the substance or behavior involved, addiction can result in physical symptoms. These may include changes in appetite, weight loss or gain, sleep disturbances, deterioration of physical appearance, and changes in energy levels.
Addiction can impact a person's mental and emotional well-being. Common psychological symptoms include mood swings, irritability, anxiety, depression, and difficulty concentrating or making decisions. The individual may also experience intense cravings and a preoccupation with obtaining and using the substance or engaging in the addictive behavior.
Addiction often leads to strained relationships with family, friends, and coworkers. The person may isolate themselves or withdraw from social activities they previously enjoyed. They may experience conflicts, lie or deceive others to hide their addiction, and may struggle to maintain personal and professional commitments.
Addiction can be expensive, and individuals may face financial problems due to spending excessive amounts of money on obtaining the substance or engaging in the addictive behavior. This can lead to debt, unpaid bills, and financial instability.
Addiction can significantly impact a person's ability to perform well in their job or academic pursuits. They may experience a decline in productivity, increased absenteeism, conflicts with colleagues or classmates, and poor decision-making.
Substance addictions can have severe physical health consequences, ranging from organ damage to increased risk of infections and diseases. Behavioral addictions, such as gambling or excessive gaming, can lead to neglect of self-care and the development of sedentary lifestyles, contributing to overall poor health.
When a person with addiction attempts to stop or reduce their substance use, they may experience withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms vary depending on the substance involved but can include physical discomfort, cravings, anxiety, nausea, tremors, and insomnia.
Warning signs to look out for
The development of addiction can vary from person to person and depends on various factors. It's important to note that addiction typically does not develop overnight but rather progresses over time. The timeline for addiction development can be influenced by factors such as the substance or behaviour involved, individual vulnerability, frequency and intensity of use, genetic predisposition, and environmental factors.
For some individuals, addiction can develop relatively quickly, especially with substances that have a high potential for dependence, such as certain drugs. Factors like binge use, high doses, or using substances in a way that increases their potency (e.g., injecting drugs) can accelerate the process.
Let's take a look at some of the warning signs to be on lookout for:
A combination of these could indicate addiction. If you or anyone you know is experiencing 3 or more risk factors listed please consider reaching out to a mental health professional or GP.
"Addiction is a temporary solution to a permanent problem." - Unknown
It's important to note that these warning signs can vary depending on the individual and the specific addiction. Early intervention and support can make a significant difference in addressing addiction-related issues.
Risk factors
Addiction can be influenced by various factors that make some people more vulnerable to developing it. One important factor is genetics, which means that some individuals may have a higher likelihood of addiction due to their genetic makeup. Family history also plays a role, as growing up in an environment where addiction is present increases the risk.
The environment we're in matters too; if we're surrounded by friends or peers who engage in addictive behaviors, it can influence our own choices. Mental health is another factor, as conditions like depression or anxiety can lead to self-medication through substances or behaviors. Starting substance use at an early age, peer pressure, lack of parental supervision, and poor coping skills can also contribute to a higher risk.
While having these risk factors doesn't mean someone will definitely become addicted, understanding them can help us take proactive steps to reduce the chances and seek support if needed.
Several factors can contribute to the development of addiction. While not everyone with these risk factors will develop an addiction, they can increase the vulnerability to substance abuse or behavioral addiction. Here are some common risk factors:
Genetic predisposition plays a role in addiction. Some individuals may have a genetic makeup that makes them more susceptible to developing addiction. Certain genes are associated with a higher risk of addiction, but genetic factors alone are not determinative.
Exposure to certain environmental factors can contribute to addiction. These may include living in an area with a high prevalence of substance abuse, having friends or peers who engage in addictive behaviors, experiencing trauma or abuse, or living in a stressful or chaotic environment.
Initiating substance use at an early age, especially during adolescence, increases the risk of developing addiction. The developing brain is particularly vulnerable to the effects of drugs and alcohol, potentially leading to long-term changes in brain chemistry.
Inadequate parental supervision or inconsistent discipline during childhood and adolescence can contribute to a higher risk of addiction. Children and teens may lack proper guidance and structure, leading to experimentation and an increased likelihood of developing an addiction.
Growing up in an environment where addiction is present can increase the risk of developing an addiction. Children of parents with substance abuse disorders are more likely to develop addiction themselves due to both genetic and environmental factors.
Mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can increase the risk of addiction. Individuals may turn to substances or behaviors as a means of self-medication or coping with their mental health symptoms.
Social factors, including peer pressure and influence, can contribute to addiction. Being surrounded by peers who engage in substance abuse or addictive behaviours can normalise and encourage their use.
Difficulty coping with stress, emotions, or life challenges can increase the risk of turning to substances or addictive behaviors as a way to escape or cope with these difficulties.
Tips for coping
Coping with and overcoming addiction can be a challenging journey, but with the right support and strategies, it not only becomes possible, but completely achievable. Here are some tips for coping with addiction and working towards recovery:
The 3 P’s in recovery- passion, purpose and power. Remembering that recovery is not a perfect process but an icky, challenging, uncomfortable journey and a lapse in that journey isn't a failure but a part of the process.
Overcome Addiction and Embrace Control
Safe Space Therapy offers personalised treatments that empower you to overcome addiction, with the guidance of experienced therapists.
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