What is Addiction?
Addiction arises from powerful urges to use or do certain things repeatedly and excessively. Fulfilling such urges often provides a release from emotional pain, or an escape from challenging situations linked to stress or anxiety. This enables the individual to feel both emotionally and physically well, which can be very satisfying. However, this moment of satisfaction can trigger a powerful need to continue the habit or activity, over and over, in order to feel that way again. Addiction represents a difficulty in controlling repetitive behaviours, to the extent that they have extremely harmful consequences.
Addictions can develop from what may be innocent or common social habits. Drinking alcohol, gambling, eating, having sex and using the internet can all turn from something that is considered a commonplace activity, to a darker and more destructive compulsion.
In many cases, people with an addiction are unaware of the problem, nor are they aware of the impact it is having on their lives and on the lives of those around them. They are often in denial of their addiction and its consequences as they are not ready to change their behaviour, nor do they wish to see the way their addiction has affected their life negatively. They will also choose not to accept that their behaviour is affecting family and friends, by burying their emotions.
If an addiction has arisen from trauma, such as a past or present disturbing event, bereavement, depression or anxiety, the individual concerned may be unable to break out of the addiction on their own. Support will be needed to address both the addiction and the underlying issue(s).
For many people, recovering from addiction is not as easy as simply stopping the habit. It takes time, patience and a lot of support from professionals and loved ones. The first and biggest step is for an individual to be honest about their addiction. They will then need to take further steps to understand their addiction and the impulsive behaviour accompanying it. A change in lifestyle will be required to overcome the addition and to manage their feelings and actions in the future.
Science and Research on Addiction
All addictions have the capacity to induce a sense of hopelessness and feelings of failure, as well as shame and guilt. Fortunately, research documents that recovery is the rule rather than the exception. There are many routes to recovery. Individuals can achieve improved physical, psychological, and social functioning on their own (this is termed ‘natural recovery’). Others will benefit from the support of community or peer-based networks, while some opt for clinical-based recovery through counselling and the services of accredited 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 an addiction disorder for five years, researchers report the likelihood of relapse is no greater than that among the general population. Neuroscientists also report that synaptic density is gradually restored.
There is evidence that addictive behaviours share key neurobiological features. They heavily involve the brain pathways of reward and reinforcement, which includes the neurotransmitter dopamine. And, in keeping with other highly motivated states, they lead to the pruning of synapses in the prefrontal cortex, home of the brain's highest functions, so that attention is highly focused on cues related to the target substance or activity. It is important to know that such brain changes are reversible after the substance use or behaviour is discontinued.
Both substance use disorders and gambling behaviours have an increased likelihood of being accompanied by mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety, or other pre-existing problems. Substance use and gambling disorders not only engage the same brain mechanisms, but respond to many of the same treatment approaches.
Substance use and gambling disorders are complex conditions that affect the reward, reinforcement, motivation, and memory systems of the brain. They are characterized by impaired control over usage, social impairment, involving the disruption of everyday activities such as relationships and cravings. Continuing use is typically harmful to relationships as well as to obligations at work or school.
Another distinguishing feature of addictions is that individuals continue to pursue the activity despite the physical or psychological harm it entails, even if it the harm is exacerbated by repeated use. Typically, one's tolerance to a substance increases as the body adapts to its presence.
Because addiction affects the brain’s executive functions, centred in the prefrontal cortex, the individual who has developed an addiction may not be aware that their behaviour is causing problems for themselves and others. Over time, pursuit of the pleasant effects of the substance or behaviour may dominate an individual’s activities.
Myths About Addiction
The processes that give rise to addictive behaviour do not have a simple explanation. There is not just one cause. Genetics or other biological factors can contribute to a person’s vulnerability to the condition, but social, psychological, and environmental factors also have a powerful influence on substance use.
Some characteristics, such as a lack of ability to tolerate distress or other strong feelings, have been associated with addiction, but there is no one “addictive personality” type that clearly predicts whether a person will face problems regarding addiction. Research shows there is no way to predict who will develop compulsive substance use or gambling behaviour.
Addiction is a multi-faced condition, arising from the confluence of many elements, including exposure to an addictive agent. It is more accurate to think of risk factors for the development of substance abuse disorders, rather than direct causes.
Symptoms of Addiction
Recurrent use of a substance or engagement with an activity that leads to impairment or distress is the core of most addictive disorders. The clinical diagnosis of an addiction is based on the presence of at least two of the following features:
- The substance or activity is used in large amounts or for a longer period than was intended.
- There is a desire to cut down on use or unsuccessful efforts to do so.
- Pursuit of the substance or activity or recovery from its use after a significant amount of time.
- There is a craving or strong desire to use the substance or engage in the activity./li>
- Use of the substance or activity disrupts obligations at work, school, or home.
- Use of the substance or activity continues despite the social or interpersonal problems it causes.
- Use of the substance or activity continues despite the social or interpersonal problems it causes.
- Use of the substance or activity continues despite the social or interpersonal problems it causes.
- Participation in important social, work, or recreational activities drops or stops.
- Use occurs in situations where it is physically risky.
- Use continues despite knowing it is causing aggravating physical or psychological problems.
- Use continues despite knowing it is causing aggravating physical or psychological problems.
- Tolerance occurs, indicated either by a need for drastically increased amounts of the substance to achieve the desired effect or significantly diminished effect of the same amount of substance.
- Withdrawal symptoms, manifesting in either the presence of physiological issues or the taking of a related substance to block them.
The severity of the condition is gauged by the number of symptoms present. The presence of two to three symptoms generally indicates a mild condition; four to five symptoms indicate a moderate disorder. When six or more symptoms are present, the condition is considered severe.
Are you ready to book with Lorna
Contact MeHow counselling can help
Please note that in addition to seeking counselling, individuals are encouraged to obtain medical advice. This is essential for addictions relating to substances. Counselling can help you to:
- Explore ways of managing and resolving your addiction. Some individuals may choose complete abstinence, while others may opt for a controlled programme. If an individual opts for a controlled option, they will be responsible for setting their own personal goals which they judge to be achievable.
- Reflect on and gain an understanding of impulsive behaviour and of your particular cycles of addiction.
- Reflect on and gain a deeper understanding of how your addiction has impacted on your life.
- Deal with regrets surrounding your addiction in a safe place and without judgement, enabling you to find some acceptance with a view to being more transparent.
- Explore other forms of support for controlling your addiction, including family and friends.
- Understand irrational and unhelpful psychological thoughts and feelings regarding your addiction.
- Explore techniques for implementing your chosen approach towards managing your addiction.
- Explore, understand and address underlying issues that may have influenced your addiction.
- Understand what life changes are necessary in order to reduce or resolve your addiction, enabling you to gain more control over, and to rebuild, your life.