What is an addiction?
When people use substances such as drugs or alcohol, they develop an uncontrollable desire to repeat the behavior. The person may get a “high” or feel euphoria when they consume the substance. But the feeling is short-lived and the person soon becomes dependent on the substance and feels intense anxiety if they don’t have it. This is known as being addicted.
Addictions are characterized by three primary features: 1) a persistent desire or strong drive for the substance; 2) resistance to the substance; and 3) a failure to fulfill important obligations due to substance use. While each addiction is unique, certain patterns are consistent. Addiction is often associated with the following:
Signs and symptoms of addiction
A person who is addicted to drugs or alcohol often experiences physical and psychological symptoms of dependence and abuse. When an addict stops using, they feel intense withdrawal symptoms for weeks or months. Trucare Trust is one of the leading and best De-Addiction Centre in India for alcohol and drug addiction treatment.
Physical dependence is the body’s adaptation to the presence of a drug. When an addicted person attempts to stop using, their bodies go through withdrawal, which often causes flu-like symptoms such as a runny nose, watery eyes, achy muscles, and a mild fever.
Psychological dependence is the psychological state that occurs when someone has become dependent on a substance, particularly an addictive one. Psychological dependence refers to cravings and feelings of “withdrawal” when the substance is removed.
Causes of addiction
With any form of dependence, environmental factors play an important role. For example, relatives, friends, and even strangers can have a big impact on your likelihood of developing an addiction. Genetic factors also play a role – There is evidence that certain people are simply more likely to become addicted than others. Social and emotional factors, such as feeling rejected or anxious, can also contribute to addiction. If a person is already vulnerable, these feelings can make them even more susceptible to developing an addiction.
Risk factors for developing an addiction
Certain mental health problems, such as depression, can make you more prone to substance abuse. Similarly, people who use substances already are at greater risk of developing an addiction. These include individuals who have a personality type that makes them prone to addictive behavior such as poor self-esteem, a history of childhood trauma, or a weak will.
Stages of drug and alcohol rehabilitation
Depending on the severity of your addiction, you might be able to achieve recovery through a combination of therapy and self-discipline. This is known as the 12-Step treatment. You might be able to get better on your own by following a healthy lifestyle, practicing self-care and moderation. However, this is unlikely if you have a severe addiction.
Aftercare following drug and alcohol rehab
After you’ve completed rehabilitation, you will want to make sure that you continue to heal. This is known as aftercare. Aftercare involves getting support from a qualified professional who can help you navigate the challenges you’ll likely face as you reintegrate into society. You will likely experience feelings of anxiety and isolation during this time.
You can ease this discomfort by getting involved in self-help groups or joining a support group. Additionally, you can seek out professional support such as counseling, psychotherapy, or 12-Step meetings.
Wrapping up
Addictions are difficult to break because they are often paired with other issues such as depression or trauma. But with the right support and care, you can overcome your addiction and regain control of your life. Drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs provide a safe environment in which to get treatment for addiction and learn how to live a healthier, happier life. These programs can help you identify the triggers that cause you to relapse, as well as build healthier coping mechanisms to prevent relapse from happening. If you or someone you know is struggling with an addiction, make sure to seek help as soon as possible. Get Directions to De-Addiction Centre in India.
