ADDICTION

Addiction can affect any person in all walks of life. It is both a physical and psychological inability to discontinue the use of consuming a chemical, drug, certain activity or behavior, or a substance even though it results in physical, mental, or emotional harm. Addiction does not only refer to heavy drugs like heroin or cocaine, addiction can come in multiple forms. A person who cannot stop taking drugs or chemicals has a substance dependency. Some addictions can be surrounded by actions or activities. Examples of these activities include eating, gambling, or even working. Addiction is a disease that is very difficult to cure. 

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Addiction begins when the actions, activities or use of a substance takes over the users daily lives. For example, many people have addiction issues due to opioid painkillers at one time being prescribed to them. It then becomes a dependence that can be life altering.

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When a person experiences addictive tendencies they simply cannot control themselves. So what is the difference between misuse and addiction? Not everyone who uses a substance has an addiction. Addiction runs your everyday life, whereas misuse is an excessive or unhealthy way of using a substance or performing an activity. So, what are the symptoms to look out for when it comes to addiction? It begins with having no control over your impulses to seek out the activity or substance you may be addicted to. Relationships often take a toll with addiction as well. Not only does it affect friends and family, but it can change how you behave with these individuals. 

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Addiction can take over your life, but it is important to remember that you can overcome it. Even if you feel hopeless there is help out there. Contact Neuro-Behavioral Clinical Research for some information and resources on taking control of your addiction