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Introduction
Addiction is becoming an epidemic in our society today. Here is our guide to helping people understand what it’s like in addiction.
Understanding addiction
Addiction is a disease of the mind and body. Cunning, baffling and powerful. A disease that does not care who you are, where you came from or what you do. It can swallow you and take you to the darkest of places. A crippling obsession that can take everything away from you. No matter the consequences, the compulsion is so strong that one can go to any extent to get their fix.
Millions upon millions of people struggle every day with addiction. However, for everyone else, it can be impossible to wrap their heads around it. “Why not just stop?” “Just control yourself!” “You need to have stronger willpower!”. Addiction is a disease. It is not a choice, nor is it a weakness.
For me, my addiction is more. A chronic addict. It does matter what it is. I want it. I am a recovering alcoholic, drug addict, compulsive gambler, and sex addict. When I had my first taste of any of them, I knew straight away. This was what I was looking for my whole life. It took me away from what I was running away from. Escapism, escaping from the never-ending uncomfortable feeling I knew from a very young age.
Addiction is so powerful that even though we are aware of the negative consequences like death, we will still do it. Addiction is so strong that even if it destroys everyone around us. We will still do it. We lose control of our lives.
Addiction can be divided into two categories: physical and behavioural.
Behavioural addictions can be gambling, sex, eating, shopping, work, exercise, the internet, video games or the internet.
Physical addictions may be an addiction to depressants like alcohol or benzodiazepines. It can also be opioids, for example, painkillers, heroin, or morphine. Additionally, they can be stimulants like caffeine, cocaine, or nicotine.
The pleasure we receive from our addiction is because of the neurotransmitters such as dopamine, which are associated with pleasure and reward. These play a crucial role in reinforcing addictive behaviours. We spend the rest of our journey in addiction, searching for that release or high.
Conclusion
Addiction is a devastating disease for everyone involved! Download our App to get exclusive access to our full addiction resource and quiz.
