Addiction is said to be the constant use of a substance or behavior to the extent where the brain is being triggered to adjust and crave for the introduced substance or behavior.

There are different types or forms of addiction that has been identified and known, these addiction includes;

1. Drug addiction

2. Food addiction

3. Religion addiction

4. Work addiction

5. People (Codependency) addiction

6. Sex addiction

7. Alcohol addiction

8. Gambling addiction

9. Criminal acts addiction

10. Gaming addiction

There are so many forms of addiction. These addiction might seem like an everyday life activity or requirement but they are harmful once the individual becomes obsessed with such behavior.

Focusing on two most common addiction which has eaten deep into the society, I would be writing on Drug and Alcohol addiction.

Drug addiction is the excessive use of drug substances. It is usually a constant overdose of medications. Most people take drugs, unprescribed drugs due to the feeling of euphoria it creates on the brain.

Alcohol addiction is the regular consumption of alcoholic substances that are quick to cause a feeling oh high. According to Albany L. Bach – An alcoholic has lightly been identified as a man who drinks more than his own doctor.

According to Albany L. Bach – An alcoholic has lightly been identified as a man who drinks more than his own doctor.

What are the signs and symptoms of addiction?

1. Alcohol craving

2. Choosing the substance as a priority

3. Experiencing withdrawal symptoms

4. Losing interest in things

5. Enjoying the substance alone or secretly

6. Constant mood swings

7. Denial of use

8. Using the substance as a coping mechanism

9. Binge drinking

10. Breaking the bank or stealing to acquire the substance

If you experience at least three of those symptoms then you’re on your way to addiction.

What are the causes of addiction?

Truth be noted, most people are not addicted to Drugs or Alcohol. They are addicted to escaping reality.

There are a lot of things that make people want to escape reality, to hide away from things and responsibilities. There are also some triggering factors. Some of them are;

1. Social and environmental factors. These factors include peer pressure, advertisements,clubs, home, school, etc.

2. Gene. It is said that roughly 3 in 10 children born to addicted parents are known to inherit such genes and are not known unless triggered. The law of hereditary also stated that all undesirable treats come from the other parent.

3. Psychological and physiological problems. There are lots of problems under these that could trigger use. They include;

• loneliness

• Sexual emotions

• Grief

• Shame

• Depression

• Anger

• Fear

• Physical and spiritual emotions

• Feeling of disappointment

• Low self-esteem

• Pleasure

• Chronic stress

How does this affect the brain or cause addiction?

When The individual is unable to control the triggering factor, they often reach for whatever that is near. Whether alcohol or drugs. This is known as craving.

They find out they’re able to escape and keep using, it gradually grows into a habit and before they know what happens, they’re always reaching for the substance as a means of survival and that is the birth of addiction as the brain has been triggered to respond to the substance every time.

Health risk associated with addiction.

1. Cancer

2. Seizure disorder

3. Mental health disorder

4. Heart and liver diseases

5. Birth defect in unborn children

6. Sleep disorder

7. Sexual infection

8. Malnutrition

9. Low self-esteem

10. Impaired judgment

11. Decreased social participation

12. High blood pressure

13. Ulcer

14. Poor motor skills

15. Memory damage

16. Slurred speech

17. Neurological and nervous system disorder

18. Diabetes

19. Fertility problem

20. Death.

These are only but a few of the worst possible risks associated with Drugs and Alcohol overdose.

How to withdraw from addiction.

For every problem there’s a possible solution or management.

There are different coping mechanisms and withdrawal methods for stopping addiction.

According to Dinah Maria Mulock Craik – The secret of life is not to do what one likes, but to like what one has to do.

1. Identifying triggers

2. Get support

3. Therapy

4. Support groups

5. Replacing addiction with healthy drink or food

6. Writing journal to keep track

7. Prolonging the use of the substance

8. Setting a daily or weekly limit of use

9. Church

10. Prayer

11. Rewarding yourself

Withdrawal symptoms.

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These withdrawal methods are often associated with its own symptoms. It has its own reaction on the body which one must endure.

You don’t get over an addiction by stopping using. You recover by creating a new life where it is easier to not use. If you don’t create a new life, then all the factors that brought you to your addiction will catch up with you again.

You must endure the following symptoms in order to be whole again.

First week of withdrawal

1. Anxiety

2. Confusion

3. Fever

4. Nausea

5. Agitation

6. Mood swings

7. Depression

8. Nightmare

9. Brain fog

10. Delirium tremens

Second to fourth week

1. Decreased energy

2. Sleep disorder

3. Hyperthermia

4. Reduced sexual interest

5. Tremors

6. Paranoia

7. Hypertension

8. Increased pulse

9. Hallucinations

10. Autonomic instability.

He that eats till he is sick must fast till he is well – Hebrew proverbs.

These symptoms go on for many months till the brain is able to adjust and work with having to depend on the addicted substance to work.

To help with addiction, reach out to your country or community helpline. Some churches and hospitals also have available organizations to help you for free.

If you would require more help, reach out to this email judithsworld.blog@gmail.com