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Addictions & Disorders

What are Addictions and Disorders?

Addiction is a disease. Most experts agree it's a disorder of the brain. The addict using the substance or continuing compulsive behaviors only deepens the disorder in the brain and then the addiction controls every aspect of how they behave.
An addiction disorder usually doesn't start overnight (cocaine is a huge exception to this rule) and is progressive. Over time, the addict needs more and more of the addictive substance or to continue the compulsive behavior to get the same effect.

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Addiction is short-term relief from emotional pain to control their moods or immediate gratification to escape into the euphoria it gives them to make life tolerable, which turns into a long-term affliction, multiplying the troubles of the addict.Those struggling to cope with painful emotions, such as depression, boredom, stress, loneliness, or anxiety, may feel immediate relief, but over time, it becomes increasingly difficult to get the same "high."

The reasons that some people start abusing substances or begin persistent uncontrollable behaviors can vary. For some, they may take drugs to enhance their performance by giving them a boost and for others it could simply start out as peer pressure and just a “fun night out” or to feel more confident in their social life.

Others with an obsessive-compulsive disorder may start to silently count to themselves to temporarily relieve their anxiety.

The Nature of Addictions and Disorders

The Common Ground of Addictive Behaviors

  • Loss of Control

    People who are addicted cannot control their craving for the substance or their compulsion for a negative behavior, regardless of the consequences to their health, family and friends, career or wallet.

  • Compulsive Behavior

    Persistent behavior (a hallmark of addictions) that always leads to negative consequences. The addiction is a habitual replacement for essential needs not being satisfied. The user continues the out of control behavior despite losing their family and friends, jobs, homes and connection to reality.

  • Denial

    Addicts are incapable of seeing that they have a problem. Denial is a defense mechanism used to avoid coping with the situation, which makes it difficult for the person to admit that they need help. People suffering from an addiction disorder either insist they do not have a problem or blame others.

Types of Addiction

Alcoholism and drug addiction are the addiction disorders that come to mind for most people when they think about addictions. But there are a myriad of addictive disorders that afflict the addict and affect their family and friends. And to make matters worse, people with addictions usually have multiple addictions
(concurrent addictions): Compulsive gambling, eating disorders, sexual addictions, as well as obsessive-compulsive disorder are just a few. If you or a loved one has experienced a relapse – don’t give up hope – addiction treatment can still work for you. By going back to treatment for addiction with a skilled therapist
who can adjust the treatment approach, you can get back on track.

An estimated 22.3 million Americans ages 12 and older suffer from a substance abuse problem in 2007 -- 15.5 million of whom abused alcohol alone, while 3.7 million abused other illicit drugs. One in five young people struggle with a mental health disorder like ADHD, anxiety disorders, depression and millions of adolescents and young adults misuse alcohol, illegal drugs or prescription medications. Studies show there is a 30 percent to 65 percent overlap between these two groups.

The Common Ground of Addictive Behaviors
  • Alcoholism
  • Prescription Drug Addiction
  • Street Drug Addiction
  • Sex and Love Addiction
  • Porn
  • Gambling
  • Overeating
  • Nicotine
  • Shopping
  • Internet
  • Working
  • Exercise
The Common Ground of other Disorders
  • Depression
  • Dual Diagnosis
  • Anxiety
  • PTSD
  • Co Dependence
  • Grief

Signs & Symptoms
An individual may have an addictive disorder if there are signs of:

  • Chronic, daily use of a substance, such as alcohol, or compulsion to act on a
  • behavior, such as shopping or exercise
  • Excessive spending
  • Neglect of daily responsibilities
  • Deterioration of relationships
  • Loss of control
  • Failed attempts to stop abusing a substance or engaging in the
  • recurrent behavior
  • Withdrawal symptoms (including sweating, trembling, raised blood pressure)
  • Tolerance of dosage and the increased desire for more
  • Withdrawal symptoms upon suddenly stopping a medication or drug

For more information or to get help with substance abuse, visit our Treatment Center Directory

Do Not Give Up!

Alcoholism, alcohol addiction and alcohol dependence facts, information, and tools of recovery are included.
Alcoholics in recovery, hope, and AA 12 step groups. are discussed. Alcohol abuse is compared to alcoholism.

Therapies
Treatment plans for addictive disorders and substance abuse are tailored to an individual's needs and the intensity of the impulse.

Therapies may include:
  • One-on-one psychotherapy, including behavioral therapy
  • Family therapy
  • Group therapy including 12-step recovery programs
  • Drug therapy
  • Diet and nutritional modifications
  • Relaxation techniques, such as meditation, guided imagery or yoga
  • Detox, in-patient or out-patient hospitalization

If you or someone you love is suffering from one of the addictions or disorders above, please feel free to contact one of our addiction recovery specialists at 800-533-6166.

The Recovery HQ Team is here to help.

It’s important to know that you and your loved one are not alone in your fight to recover. Whether you choose to use an intervention specialist, go to a detox center, go to an inpatient treatment center, or get outpatient treatment, taking this first step toward regaining your life has begun. Search Recovery HQ, use the SAMHSA Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator, or contact our dedicated team and we will help find the solution which best fits your needs.

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