Are you worried that someone close to you is caught in the grip of substance abuse? Or maybe you’re concerned that you yourself are veering towards addiction.
Well, take comfort in the fact that you’re not alone. Shockingly, statistics reveal that around one in seven Americans struggle with addiction, according to the CDC.
But here’s the good news – no matter how dire the situation may seem, there’s always hope. With a plethora of treatment options available, addiction can be tackled head-on.
Curious about what addiction really is and what the most common types of addiction are? Stay tuned as we dive into these questions and more.
What Is Addiction?
According to Wikipedia “Addiction is a neuropsychological disorder characterized by a persistent and intense urge to engage in certain behaviors, one of which is the usage of a drug, despite substantial harm and other negative consequences.”
Understanding addiction can be the key to spotting it in its early stages and treating it with the utmost care.
We will delve further into the fascinating world of addiction, touching on several issues, ranging from its types to how to explain this complex topic with your loved ones effectively.
Technical Definition of Addiction
Addiction is a disorder in which a person becomes dependent on certain substances or harmful behaviors. Addiction is a neuropsychological condition that can cause severe physical and mental distress.
Simple Definition of Addiction
Simply put, addiction is when a person engages in harmful behaviors or substances and cannot stop. People with addiction may feel anxious or physically ill when they cannot access their addictive substance or activity.
How Do You Explain Addiction to a Child?
When explaining addiction to children, you should keep things simple yet honest.
Use vocabulary the child is familiar with and offer to explain any words or concepts they don’t understand. Don’t sugar-coat the truth, but don’t go into graphic detail if it isn’t necessary, either.
The best way to explain addiction to a child will vary depending on their age, personality, and experiences. Always keep these factors in mind before starting a conversation about addiction.
What Are The Most Common Types of Addiction?
Any harmful behavior can be a potential addiction. However, the most common types of addiction are alcohol, nicotine, marijuana, and opioids. Here’s a closer look at these addictive substances.
Alcohol
Over 14 million Americans over 12 struggle with alcohol addiction, or alcoholism.
Occasional alcohol consumption does not mean someone has an addiction. It is only a cause for concern once drinking becomes excessive and interferes with a person’s everyday life.
If they don’t receive treatment, people with alcoholism are at risk of health issues like liver disease, cancer, and brain damage.
Nicotine
Nicotine is an addictive compound found in the tobacco plant. People consume it in many forms, such as:
- Cigarettes
- Chewing tobacco
- Cigars
- Pipes
- E-cigarettes
Nicotine from tobacco is linked to several types of cancer. This drug can also raise blood pressure and increase one’s risk of heart attacks or strokes.
Marijuana
Marijuana is a drug that comes from the cannabis plant. People consume it by smoking it or mixing it with food.
Studies suggest that people who use marijuana have a 10% chance of developing an addiction.
Health risks associated with marijuana addiction are lung cancer, impaired memory, and anxiety.
Opioids
Opioids, or narcotics, are a category of pain-relievers that can become addictive. Many people start out using prescription opioids for pain and eventually become dependent on them.
Around 16 million people worldwide struggle with opioid addiction. Many people who are addicted to opioids also develop heroin addictions.
Many risks come with opioid abuse, such as mental fog, pregnancy complications, slowed breathing, and overdose.
What Are The Stages of Addiction?
Addiction does not happen overnight—a person will go through five stages before becoming addicted to a substance or behavior.
Stage 1 – First Use
Stage one is when a person first tries an addictive substance or behavior. At this stage, they may only intend to experiment with it. They might also feel pressured by friends to try it.
In some cases, addiction does not develop past stage one. But many people will quickly move to stage two.
Stage 2 – Continued Use
Once a person repeatedly takes part in harmful behaviors, they are now at stage two of addiction.
People in stage two might begin finding comfort in the dangerous substance or behavior.
Stage 3 – Tolerance
Once a person reaches stage three, their addictive behaviors become more intense.
Tolerance is when someone no longer gets enough satisfaction from the addictive substance or behavior and thus has to increase their intake. This stage is when addiction begins truly affecting the brain and body.
Stage 4 – Dependence
At stage four, treating an addiction becomes difficult because they are now dependent on it.
Once a person reaches this stage, ceasing the drug or substance can cause withdrawal symptoms. Nausea, sweating, and anxiety are a few common symptoms of withdrawal.
Stage 5 – Addiction
At stage five, quitting an addiction can be incredibly difficult. Many people who are at this stage may deny that they have a problem at all.
Addiction at this stage will also interfere with a person’s daily life and relationships.
Why Does Addiction Happen? Common Causes & Impact
Many factors can contribute to addiction. A few common examples include:
- Mental illness
- Poverty
- Exposure to drugs during childhood
- Peer pressure
- Abuse
- Genetics
Not everyone with these traits will develop an addiction, but they are at a heightened risk compared to the rest of the population.
Addiction significantly impacts both addicts and the people in their lives. It can cause health problems and negatively affect relationships.
Unfortunately, the stress of these consequences can make the addiction even worse. So if you suspect someone in your life has an addiction, it is crucial to approach the issue with care.
Substances & Behaviors That Can Trigger Addiction
There are hundreds of recognized addictions. These addictions fall into two categories: chemical and behavioral.
Some examples of chemical addictions include:
- Alcohol
- Nicotine
- Marijuana
- Opioids
- Inhalants
- Cocaine
- Amphetamines
There are several behavioral addictions as well, such as:
- Gambling
- Sex and pornography
- Food
- Shopping
Regardless of the substance or behavior, addiction can seriously impact one’s mental and physical health.
Most Common Signs of Addiction
Addiction can present in many ways. Here are a few signs of addiction to watch out for:
- Problems with school or work
- Behavioral changes
- Sudden weight gain or weight loss
- Lack of energy
- Poor hygiene
Many people struggling with the early stages of addiction might not show any of these signs.
People with addictions usually try to hide the issue from their loved ones as long as possible.
But as they reach the later stages of their addiction, these signs will usually become more apparent.
Why Do Some People Get Addicted to Things and Others Don’t?
Many people consume drugs without developing addictions. There are a few reasons, most of which relate to a person’s environment and genetics.
In some cases, the genetic impact of addiction is a significant factor. If a person has several family members who struggle with addiction, they face a higher risk of developing an addiction than those who don’t.
People with mental illnesses are also at a higher risk of developing addictions than those without. People with personality disorders and depression, for instance, face higher rates of addiction than the rest of the population.
Environmental factors play a role in addiction, too. People with family members or friends who consume drugs have easier access to these substances, which increases their chances of developing an addiction.
What Environmental Factors Increase the Risk of Addiction?
An individual’s environment plays a significant role in whether they develop an addiction. A few environmental factors that can increase one’s risk of addiction include:
- Their home environment. People who grew up in a family where drug abuse was common can develop drug addictions at a young age. Even if they don’t, their addiction risk is higher later in life.
- Their friends. Most people pick up behavior from their peers, including addictive behaviors.
- Their culture. A person’s culture has a significant impact on their lifestyle. Certain drugs and addictive behaviors are common in many cultures, which can increase a person’s risk of addiction.
Even if your environment puts you at risk of addiction, that does not necessarily mean you will develop one. Many people who grow up in high-risk environments will never develop an addiction.
Summary
Addiction is a severe health issue with many risk factors. The most common types of addictions are drug-related, but behaviors such as gambling and video games can also turn into addictions.
Spotting addiction in the early stages is essential, so knowing what signs to look for is important.
Do you have any more questions about addiction? Feel free to share them in the comments below.
Remember that addiction is a neuropsychological illness, so treating it alone can be difficult. Fortunately, many options exist for people seeking recovery and care from addiction.
So if you or someone in your life is struggling with substance abuse, remember there is hope.
