Addiction

Addiction- a disorder

MEANING AND TYPES

Addiction is a condition in which a person engages in use of a substance or in a behavior that has rewarding effects or compelling incentive to repeatedly pursue the behavior despite inimical consequences. Addiction a disorder may involve the use of substances such as alcohol, opioid, nicotine. As well as  gambling can also be an example of this. There is scientific evidence that the addictive substances and behaviors share a key neuro-biological feature. They intensely activate brain pathways similar to reward and reinforcement. Such disorders engage many of the same brain mechanisms of compulsivity. They respond to same approaches to treatment.

CHARACTERISTICS

Impaired control over usage characterizes disorders. Social impairment, involving disruption of everyday activities and relationships; and may involve craving. Individuals may continue the activity despite physical or psychological harm incurred by use. And typically, tolerance to the substance increases, as the body adapts it. Because addiction affects the brain’s executive functions. Individuals who develop an addiction may not be aware that their behavior is causing problems for themselves and others. Over time, pursuit of the pleasurable effects of the substance or behavior may dominate an individual’s activities.

CAUSES AND TREATMENT

There is no one cause of addiction. Although genetic or other biological factors may contribute to vulnerability to the condition, many social, psychological, and environmental factors have a powerful influence on substance use. There is no particular personality type associated with addiction, either. It is linked to the lack of ability to tolerate distress. Although all addictions have the capacity to induce a sense of hopelessness and feelings of failure, as well as sense of shame and guilt.
Individuals can achieve improved physical, psychological, and social functioning on their own—so-called natural recovery. Others prefer the support of community or peer-based networks. Still others opt for clinical-based recovery through the services of credential professionals. The road to recovery is seldom straight: Relapse, or recurrence of substance use, is common—but definitely not the end of the road. For those who achieve remission of the disorder for five years, scientists report, the likelihood of relapse is no greater than that among the general population.

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