Addiction to alcohol, drugs, food, or nicotine or medications is a chronic disease which can cause serious problems; destroy the immune system and induce numerous consequences that can ruin the overall health. Unable to deal with unexpected problems and stress, some people reach for a particular food, alcoholic beverages, medications or even drugs to cope with pressure and problems. But the problem is that some people don’t know how to stay on the other side of the line that limits regular and addictive use. In fact, most of them are not even aware that it is addiction until it is too late.
Signs of addiction
Even though the kinds of addiction may differ, they all have most of the common signs and symptoms.
The change in behavior is the first and the most common sign of all people with an addiction. They will avoid any event or situation that may prevent them to feed the addiction.
Sudden mode swings, tantrums and nervousness and lack of control when the thing the person is addicted to cannot be consumed are another signs that the person probably has a problem with addiction.
Moreover, addicts are more likely to keep secrets about their activities or find excuses for their excessive consumption of something by blaming others for their behavior.
Types of addiction
The person can become addict to almost everything that is used excessively. Also, there are addictions to particular behaviors such as gambling, betting, video games and so on.
The most common types of addiction that can reach a point at which may be harmful and disastrous for the health are:
-drug addiction includes may include addiction to only one substance or the combination of stimulants, hallucinogens, inhalants and heroin.
-alcohol addiction is also one of the most common type of addiction which can affect every organ causing serious complication such as liver disease, cancer and heart attack
-food addiction includes the excessive use of foods reach in sugar, animal fat, and salt can cause cardiovascular problems.
-prescription drug addiction which is becoming a serious problem and include excessive use of painkillers, CNS depressants, sedatives, and stimulants.
-nicotine addiction can cause serious damage to the respiratory system
How to break the vicious circle
The very first thing that an addict should do is to admit that he/she has a problem with addiction. This is the first and the most important step in the fight against addiction. Facing the fact that a person has a problem is the first sign that he is ready to take another step and to step out of the old patterns.
Rehab can be extremely exhausting, and it can easily break the addict’s will to be cured, that’s why it is crucial to count on the family members and friends and count on their support and encouragement.
Treatments and Complications
Treatments include rehab programs, regular visits to therapists and psychologist, medical detoxification and the use of medications that will relieve withdrawal symptoms.
Once the person starts the rehabilitation, it is possible that the damage caused by addiction will become visible and more prominent. But it can be treated and cure successfully for as long as the person stay away from the addiction.