Addiction
Addiction
What is 鈥媋ddiction?
The word 鈥渁ddiction鈥 is often used to refer to any behaviour that is out of control in some way. People often describe themselves as being addicted to, for example, a TV show or shopping. The word is also used to explain the experience of withdrawal when a substance or behaviour is stopped (e.g., 鈥淚 must be addicted to coffee: I get a headache when I don鈥檛 have my cup in the morning鈥).However, experiencing enjoyment or going through withdrawal do not in themselves mean a person has an addiction.
Because the term 鈥渁ddiction鈥 is commonly used in such a vague way, there have been many attempts to define it more clearly. One simple way of describing addiction is the presence of the 4 Cs:
-
Craving
-
loss of Control of amount or frequency of use
-
Compulsion to use
-
use despite Consequences.
Why do people keep using substances?
- The immediate effects of substance use tend to be positive. The person may feel good, have more confidence and forget about his or her problems.
- The problems caused by substance use might not be obvious for some time.
- The person may come to rely on substances to bring short-term relief from difficult or painful feelings.
- Continued substance use, especially heavy use, can cause changes in the body and brain. A person who develops physical dependence and then stops using may experience distressing symptoms of withdrawal.
Signs & Symptoms of A鈥媎diction
There are two important signs that a person鈥檚 substance use is risky, or is already a problem: harmful consequences and loss of control.
Harmful Co鈥嬧媙sequences
The harms of substance use can affect every aspect of a person鈥檚 life. They include:
- injuries while under the influence
- feelings of anxiety, irritability or depression
- trouble thinking clearly
- blackouts
- problems with relationships
- spending money on substances rather than on food, rent or other essentials
- legal problems related to substance use
- 鈥媗oss of hope, feelings of emptiness.
(Source: )