You can do something about addiction.

Addiction: The thought of addiction can be overwhelming and paralyzing. The easiest thing to do is to be overwhelmed and lose full control with just the mere thought of having to deal with it. When in truth, addiction is something that you can handle. Addiction is something that humans are actually capable of overcoming.

This post will give you an idea as to how substance addiction and addiction to things other than substances can be handled. Addiction can be within your control. You can turn your life around. You can start today.

What is addiction?

Addiction takes place when one is unable to stop using a substance or engaging in an activity or behavior despite one’s knowledge that it causes physical and psychological harm. The term is not limited to substance abuse. It also applies to one’s inability to stop working, eating, or gambling.

When one talks of addiction, one is discussing a chronic condition that requires immediate attention. The good thing about addiction is it is treatable. Addiction only ever happens when one loses self-control. To begin recovery, one simply needs to recognize the fact that one has lost control over one thing. It all starts from there.

The Difference Between Addiction and Misuse

Most people are not aware of the fact that drug addiction is different from drug misuse.

Misuse simply refers to the improper usage of a substance at doses that are high and inappropriate. Such misuse can lead to health or social problems.

Not everyone who misuses drugs is suffering from addiction. Addiction is the inability to stop using a substance or doing an activity.  One can consume alcohol heavily on a given night but such will not be considered an addiction if the person does not continuously seek to experience such consumption.

Substance Addiction and Non-substance Addiction

Addiction is not limited to substances. A person can also suffer from the following forms of non-substance addiction:

• food
• Internet
• gambling
• cell phone
• sex
• exercise
• nicotine

Addiction Symptoms

People suffering from addiction will primarily show the following symptoms:

• poor work performance
• declining academic performance
• difficulties in relationships
• inability to use a substance despite health, relationship, and employment issues
• noticeable dip in energy for daily activities
• noticeable change in appearance
• weight loss
• total disregard for hygiene
• defensiveness when substance abuse or risky behavior is made a topic

Withdrawal

You need to be aware of the fact that recovering from addiction is not simple. One will suffer from withdrawal the very moment that one begins to stop taking a substance or engaging in an activity. This is something that you need to be prepared for if you or your loved one is suffering from addiction. This is something that can easily derail one’s recovery. Hence, awareness is key.

During withdrawal, one would experience certain symptoms that will make it hard for them to proceed with the recovery. Examples of symptoms that one can experience during withdrawal are as follows:

• feeling hot and cold
• having goosebumps
• runny nose
• paranoia
• confusion
• tremors
• disorientation

Some symptoms can be fatal so it’s best to ask for medical help if you or your loved one have become highly dependent on a substance or an activity.

Medical Help

People suffering from addiction should know when to contact a doctor.

A doctor should be contacted by anyone who uses a substance – may it be for medical or for socialization purposes. This should be the case because a doctor will always be in the best position to recommend the safe use of substances. A doctor will also be competent and able to check for signs or symptoms of addiction. Consulting with a doctor will greatly help in avoiding one from becoming dependent on a substance.

It is normal though for people to not be readily willing to consult with a doctor. This is common among people suffering from addiction. But one should immediately be contacted in case a person experiences a substance overdose. In such a case, emergency medical assistance should be provided immediately.

A person who wants to begin recovery should immediately contact a medical professional so that options for treatment can be discussed. Such treatment options will include the following: therapy, rehab, medication, and detox.

Available Treatment

The following treatments will be available for you or your loved one in order to recover from addiction:

• counseling
• behavioral therapy
• medication
• medical devices for withdrawal
• treatment of related psychological issues such as anxiety or depression
• care to reduce relapse risk

Not one patient is the same. This is why addiction treatment differs from one person to another. Addiction also requires support from one’s family or community. Treatment can take years depending on a case’s complexity.

Organizations and Hotlines That You Can Contact Now

The following organizations can help you or your loved one who may be suffering from addiction:

• Shatterproof
• To Write Love on Her Arms
• The Amy Winehouse Foundation
• Faces & Voices of Recovery
• Crisis Text Line

Recovery is Possible

Addiction is a serious health condition that requires immediate help. If you or your loved one is suffering from it, the best thing to do is to pause and reflect on what can be done immediately to prevent further psychological or physical harm. You should keep in mind that people can recover from addiction. Addiction is something that people can conquer and recover from. Help is always available.