Addiction is a condition that results in or engages in an activity that can be pleasurable but the continuation of which becomes compulsive and interferes with ordinary responsibilities and concerns such as work, relationships, or health.
People who have developed an addiction may not be aware that their behavior is out of control and causing problems for themselves and others.
Addiction is a complex condition caused by compulsive use despite harmful consequences. People with addiction have an intense focus on using alcohol to the point that it takes over their lives. They keep using alcohol even when they know it will cause problems.
ADDICTIONS – THE BRAIN:
Pleasure Pathways in the Brain:-
* eating delicious food.
* completing the job well.
* receiving the salary.
* paying with a child or a pet.
WHY ONE ISN’T ENOUGH?
* feels happier.
* feels better.
* more relaxed.
* less stressed.
* more motivated.
* Energetic.
* euphoric.
Switching from one Addiction to Another is Cross Addiction.
Using more Addiction along the other is Multiple Addiction/Poly-Addiction.
Cross-addiction occurs because all addictions work in the same part of the brain.
CHARACTER OF ALCOHOL ADDICTION:-
Alcoholism is the most serious form of problem drinking and describes a strong desire to drink.
Sufferers of alcoholism will take place drinking above all other obligations, including work/family may build up a physical tolerance of experiencing withdrawal symptoms.
Alcohol addiction is a serious medical condition that involves diagnosis and treatment. If alcohol abuse is not treated as soon as possible, it grows into addiction.
Addiction is an inability to stop. Once they begin drinking, alcoholics have little/no control over the amount they consume.
SYMPTOMS OF ALCOHOL ADDICTION:-
1. Extremely low ability/inability to control how much and when to drink.
2. The need for larger or more frequent doses for the same effects.
3. Experience of withdrawal effects when trying to stop drinking – sweatiness, shakiness, anxious feelings, racing heart, etc.
4. Alcohol drinking becomes a priority over other activities.
5. Spending a lot of time drinking or recovering from drinking.
6. The person cannot stop drinking even when they are aware that alcohol affects their life.
7. The person drinks ALONE which is an indication of addiction and starts drinking EYLEA.
8. Reliance on alcohol to stop stress and solve problems.
9. Concealing drinking from others.
10. Previous attempts to quit drinking.
11. Drinking becomes a focus point of life.
WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS OF ALCOHOL ADDICTION:-
(No booze for a few weeks/months)
1. Convulsions and Tremors in the body and shakes.
2. Excessive sweating in a cold environment.
3. Feeling of extreme agitation and anxiety.
4. Persistent problems with sleep.
5. Nausea/Vomiting.
PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL ADDICTION:-
* Become clumsy.
* Very sad.
* Very angry after a few drinks.
AVAILABLE TREATMENTS FOR ALCOHOL ADDICTION & DETOXIFICATION PROGRAM-PRESCRIBED MEDICINES:-
1. Rx. Antabuse – To reduce the dose of alcohol.
2. Rx. Naltrexone (Injection)
* To reduce pleasure from drinking.
* To diminish cravings for alcohol.
3. Rx. Campral
* Reduce withdrawal symptoms. Should be taken 3 times.
PSYCHOLOGICAL:-
* Therapy/Counseling/CBT/REBT
TALKING THERAPY:-
* Can help change your thinking patterns and your coping skills.
