Addiction is regarded as something of a serious word – in fact, almost taboo in some respects – and is often misused exclusively for social issues like substance abuse. But addiction is far greater than a simple explanation for how someone feels about a certain drink or drug.
Let’s talk about addiction and how it might be affecting your life.
What is addiction?
The general definition of addiction is a chronic dysfunction of the brain system, specifically around the areas that are attributed to reward, motivation and memory.
On a basic level, addiction is the feelings or cravings for a substance or behaviour without the concern of any consequences that might follow.
Someone suffering from addiction will be:
- Incapable of displaying any self-control
- Become increasingly dismissive of their behaviour
- Show little to no emotional response
- Struggle to stay away or avoid the substance or activity they’re addicted to
- Want to engage with or have more and more of whatever they’re addicted to
What can you be addicted to?
Almost anything. Specifically, anything that can offer a reward that can be compulsively pursued, ultimately dictating your general decision-making.
People joke about being addicted to their phones, playing a specific game, sex, drugs or shopping, but hiding from life when the truth is closer than we’d like to admit, is a common deflection technique and can be the route of a more serious issue.
Common examples of addiction
While addiction can come in many shapes and sizes, some of the most common examples are:
- Drugs
- Alcohol
- Gambling
- Sex
- Pornography
- Food
- Anger
- Work
- Technology
- Shopping
Signs of addiction
Addiction is the type of disease that can start slowly and steadily increase beyond the point of control or, in the case of some substances, be uncontrollable almost from the start.
Signs of someone suffering from addiction will generally start with self-control. Sufferers might:
- Withdraw from social events or gatherings
- Suffer health issues such as memory, weight or sleep loss
- Suffer mental health issues such as anxiety and depression
- See a significant change in their personality
- Become more secretive and deceptive
- Blame others for their situation
- Struggle with emotions and feelings, both mentally and physically
What causes addiction?
Typically, addiction is attributed to a person’s brain make-up, function or chemistry, and is the type of disease that some people cannot even fathom as they can go their entire lives without ever experiencing the feelings or emotions attached to it.
This is starkly contrasted by those who do suffer from it, as their experience is almost entirely out of their control.
Addiction has also been found to be triggered by early exposure to addictive substances, while genetics can increase the likelihood of addictive behaviour. Other factors like the environment you’re in regularly, or the social situations you find yourself in, can also lead to an increased possibility of addiction.
How can you overcome addiction?
Treating addiction is never an easy task but it can be done. In general, treatments vary from medications to therapy, or a combination of both, depending on the type and severity of the addiction.
Before undertaking any form of treatment, you should consult with a doctor or therapist to ensure the treatment is suitable for your addiction and is safe to do.
If you’re a GetSavvi Health member and need more information or help with addiction, or any other mental health issues, please call 0861 18 92 02 and follow the prompts or email talktous@getsavvi.co.za for access to your Member Wellness Programme.
With this programme you can talk to certified, professional counsellors, who will ensure your privacy is protected and anything discussed is fully confidential.
References:
80% of SA's male youth deaths are alcohol-related and drug consumption is twice the world norm
What Is Addiction?
Dealing With Addiction
What is addiction?
Understanding Addiction
What Is Drug Addiction?
Biology of Addiction
Addiction: what is it?
The Staggering Stats of Addiction in South Africa
Understanding substance abuse and addiction
Many a true word is spoken in jest