What is Addiction?

Addiction is a condition that results when a person ingests a substance (alcohol, cocaine, nicotine) or engages in an activity (gambling) that can be pleasurable but the continued use of which becomes compulsive and interferes with ordinary life responsibilities, such as work or relationships, or health. Users may not be aware that their behavior is out of control and causing problems for themselves and others.
The word addiction is used in several different ways. One definition describes physical addiction. This is a biological state in which the body adapts to the presence of a drug so that drug no longer has the same effect; this is known as tolerance. Because of tolerance, there is a biological reaction when the drug is withdrawn. Another form of physical addiction is the phenomenon of overreaction by the brain to drugs (or to cues associated with the drugs). An alcoholic walking into a bar, for instance, will feel an extra pull to have a drink because of these cues. People can be addicted to movies, music, work and many other things such as shopping. Everyone in this world gets addicted to something or someone at a certain time of their life.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ADDICTION?
1. Craving
2. Anxiety
3. Nausea
4. Depression
All addictions have the capacity to induce feelings of shame and guilt, a sense of hopelessness, and feelings of failure.

ALCOHOL ADDICTION
 Alcohol dependence is a gradual process which can take from a few years to several decades to become a problem - with some very vulnerable people addiction can come in a question of months. Eventually, over time, regular alcohol consumption can disrupt the balance of the brain chemical GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), which controls impulsiveness, as well as glutamate, which stimulates the nervous system. Brain levels of dopamine are raised when we consume alcohol - dopamine levels may make the drinking experience more gratifying. Over the long- or medium-term, excessive drinking can significantly alter the levels of these brain chemicals, making the person's body crave alcohol in order to feel good and avoid feeling bad

DRUG ADDICTION
 Many people falsely believe that marijuana is a benign drug that is not addictive. The truth is, however, that long-term use or misuse of marijuana can lead to addiction, just like any other drug. Here are the signs of marijuana addiction and how a marijuana rehab can help you overcome your cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Physical Effects of Marijuana Addiction Marijuana produces numerous physical effects, including: Impaired coordination * Increased heart rate * Reduced blood pressure * Dry mouth and throat * Red, bloodshot eyes * Drowsiness * Nausea * Headache * Increased appetite * Reduced blood flow to the brain * Changes in reproductive organs In addition to physical effects, there are also many psychological effects of marijuana use, including paranoia, anxiety, poor memory, and problems with learning and memory later in life. Signs of Marijuana Addiction Abuse of marijuana can lead to the same addiction symptoms as other types of drug abuse. Here are the main signs of marijuana addiction: * Tolerance. Just like any drug, regular use of marijuana can lead the body to develop a tolerance. Developing a tolerance means that you need more and more of the drug in order to achieve the same high, which means you have become physically addicted to marijuana.

ADDICTION TO SMOKING
  Every pack of cigarettes has a warning from the Surgeon General stating that smoking can be harmful to your health. You are not stupid. You understand this. You feel the harmful effects every time that you cough or have a sore throat, but this has not stopped you from smoking. Why? Because the reasons for smoking are mostly psychological. People are seduced to try tobacco by the glamorization of smoking in the movies and in advertisements. Addiction to nicotine makes it hard to quit smoking once you have started.

ADDICTION CAN BE TREATED
 Addiction is a treatable condition. The first phase of treatment from is withdrawal from the problem substance/activity. There are both physical and psychological effects that occur when substance-taking stops, including such physical signs as nausea and vomiting, chills and sweats, muscle cramps and aches, sleeplessness, shifts in heart rate, even fever. Emotional effects include depression, anxiety, irritability, and mood swings. Withdrawal symptoms typically last three to five days. While they are rarely life-threatening, medical supervision is usually provided in residential treatment programs, and medications may be given to ameliorate the acute discomfort of withdrawal.
Behavioral therapy and counseling are important elements of treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy is often used to help patients identify, avoid, and cope with situations in which they are most likely to abuse drugs or activities. The technique of motivational interviewing is often employed to remind people of their values, as a way of avoiding use. Family therapy may be provided to help the patient maintain a supportive environment and improve family functioning. Rehabilitation programs are often needed to help patients regain necessary job and other skills.

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