Fortunately addiction is now classified as a disease that affects the brain, and in medical circles and general society alike it’s no longer thought of as a personal failing or choice.
Please seek help from a medical professional if you or a loved one is suffering from a serious addiction.
Many people think substance abuse when they hear about addictions, but that’s not the only type of addiction people can suffer from.
Today we’re taking a very basic look at various addictions and some simple tips that may help someone that’s suffering.
Dealing With Addictions
The Brain’s Reward System
Addiction interferes with our normal brain function, particularly in the reward system.
When we do something that we find enjoyable, this reward system releases the neurotransmitter dopamine.
Dopamine doesn’t necessarily cause feelings of pleasure or euphoria directly. Instead, it seems to reinforce your brain’s association between certain things and feelings of joy or pleasure, causing you to seek those things out again in the future.
Most Experts Recognize Two Types of Addiction:
- Chemical addiction: Addiction that involves the use of substances.
- Behavioural addiction: Addiction that involves compulsive behaviours.
Common Addictive Substances Include:
- Nicotine.
- Cocaine.
- Alcohol.
- Cannabis.
- Opioids. (Heroin,Oxycodone,Morphine)
- Amphetamines.
Common Behavioral Addictions Include:
- Gambling addiction
- Shopping addiction.
- Exercise addiction.
- Food addiction.
- Video game addiction.
- Sex addiction.
- TV addiction.
- Social media addiction.
What Are Some Effective Ways to Deal with Addiction?
Steps for Quitting an Addiction
- Set a quit date.
- Change your environment.
- Distract yourself.
- Review your past quit attempts.
- Create a support network.
(Source: www.health.harvard.edu )
How Do You Stop a Form of Addiction?
How to Stop Addiction Now
- Admit you have a problem.
- Appreciate the benefits of sobriety.
- Reflect on your addiction.
- Seek professional support.
- Identify your triggers, and change your environment.
Final Thoughts:
As we’ve seen addiction usually involves an inability to control substance use or specific behaviours.
Behavioural addiction can sometimes be equally as serious, and results in persistent, repeated behaviors that don’t offer any benefit.
The first step to recovery is admitting you have an addiction. Consider reaching out to a professional. Many people have successfully beaten addictions in their past.
Remember new behavioural patterns don’t often take hold instantly, and it can take time for new positive habits to form.
I wish you the very best in anything you’re struggling with, I was able to conquer a smoking addiction many years ago and never looked back with that one.
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