The term addiction has
evolved over time and now represents something much different than it did even
a decade ago. In the public, addiction is often related to the ingestion of a
particular substance, which is considered to be harmful and negatively
interferes with a person's life and health.
This definition of addiction
includes all types of substances from alcohol to illegal, or prescription
drugs. It may also include the use of chemicals or other types of materials
used in inhaling, smoking, or ingesting, for the purposes of obtaining the
"high" associated with using these compounds.
However, addiction also has
a behavioural component. People can become addicted to engaging in a particular
behaviour, which is in and of itself is a part of normal daily life. This can
include addictions to:
• Food
• Gambling
• Shopping
• Internet or technology
• Pornography
• Sex
• Dieting
• Work
• Exercising
In its most basic form, any
behaviour which causes a negative impact on a person's life and becomes a
compulsive behaviour can be considered an addiction.
What Triggers Addictive
Behaviours?
Research has begun to
unearth the specific environmental and physiological reasons why some people
tend to have a higher risk of addiction than others. While some substances are
highly addictive with even their first use because of the changes they cause in
brain chemistry, other addictions develop over time and with repeated use.
In addition, it is not
simply pleasure seeking or escape that initially causes the use of addictive
substances or negative and harmful behaviours. Instead, it is a complicated
combination of factors which often include environmental triggers, stress,
anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues as well as a genetic
predisposition to addiction. For these individuals, it is the psychological
issues driving the addiction, not just a physiological or behavioural response.
With these clients it is not uncommon for the focus of the addiction to change
over time and throughout life unless the root cause is treated.
The Answer
Treating addiction requires more about simply avoiding unhealthy activity or seeking a new socially appropriate approach. Treatment, however, involves recognizing the root cause of addiction and that an person uses diversion as an appropriate coping mechanism. Often this includes treatment and close attention to dysfunctional family issues, childhood trauma, or perhaps trauma and abuse in a more recent relationship.
There are underlying behavioural wellbeing problems that might not be recognized with certain individuals with addictions. The most prominent of these are depression , anxiety, pain , and fatigue, both of which may contribute to shifts in brain chemistry. Via psychotherapy and counseling, it is important to hear about the catalyst or root condition that triggers resentment, dissatisfaction, distress or tension, and to find more efficient and safe approaches to interact with these problems.
With vast experience dealing for all manner of recovery
victims, Philippe Jacquet & associates here to support. Through kindness,
empathy and a comprehensive attitude to out-patient care, participants can set
expectations, think about their addictions, and discover more about life-long
coping strategies to move down their healing route.
Posted by : Philippe Jacquet
