What is Addiction?
Addiction. The big and scary word. The word that many have unfortunately experienced. The word that many think they understand but don’t quite get it. So what is it? Allow me to explain to you from a definitive and psychiatric standpoint and from the point of view from an addict herself.
Define it.
According to the Oxford dictionary, to be addicted is to be physically and mentally dependent on a particular substance, and being unable to stop it without incurring adverse effects; in other words, to be dependent on something or for something to become habit.
According to the Webster dictionary, it means to exhibit a compulsive, chronic, physiological, or psychological need for a habit-forming substance, behavior, or activity.
According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine, addiction is a treatable chronic, medical disease involving complex interactions among brain circuits, genetics, the environment, and an individual’s life experiences. People with addiction use substances or engage in behaviors that become compulsive and often continue despite harmful consequences.
My own personal definition of addiction: Being addicted is like being madly in love with a demon straight from hell. It’s like a toxic or abusive relationship, but you’re too in love, you’re too invested to give it up. You begin to turn to your addiction when you’re upset, you feel as if it’ll make you feel better. You turn to your addiction when you’ve had a good day, as a way to celebrate, you deserved it. You’ll find any reason to turn to your addiction, no matter how ridiculous it may seem, you have a reason to use. You don’t know you’re going to suffer from addiction until you’re already there, it’s already too late. Because addiction does not discriminate, it can happen to anyone Satan chooses to send his demon after. Like I said, it’s like falling in love with a demon straight from hell. One day, when you decide to get help, you’ll fall out of love with that demon. But that demon is apart of you now, always. Some days the demon will feel as big as a pea. Other days, that demon feels much bigger than you. But he will always be there, that’s why they call it a chronic disease. You just have to learn to carry him with you now.
Let’s talk more about addiction.
What are some warning signs someone is suffering from addiction?
• They are showing signs of lack of control
• They are abandoning hobbies and activities
• They are performing poorly at school or work
• They are having unexplained financial problems
What are some warning signs my substance use is turning into an addiction?
• You’re hiding your substance use from others
• You’re using the substance as a coping mechanism
• You don’t know how to use in moderation
• You’re experiencing negative consequences, but you continue to use anyway
• You experience withdrawal symptoms when you go without the substance (Withdrawals differ from substance to substance. If you’re using a substance regularly, research what possible withdrawals may occur. Withdrawals can be physical or mental.)
• You’re gaining a tolerance to the substance, needing more and more to get the same high
• You’re becoming obsessed, like you’re in love with the substance, and find yourself constantly thinking about it
• You use at inappropriate times (for example: right before work, before seeing your kids, etc.)
• You’re losing interest in doing other activities that don’t involve using the substance
• You’ve thought about quitting or slowing down but have been unable to
According to Alvernia University, there are 5 stages of addiction:
• First Use
◦ The first use is the first stage of addiction. It’s hard to tell someone to just “not try it,” but we never really know whether we’re going to be addicted to something later down the road or not unless we just do not try it. Addiction does not discriminate. Some substances are more addictive than others, and some people have more addictive personalities than others. But addiction can still happen to anyone.
• Regular Use
◦ This is when you start using the substance more frequently. Maybe you need it every night before bed. Maybe you do it when your friends are around.
• Risky Use
◦ This is when the substance becomes a priority. You may start using while driving. During this time, you may start slipping in school or work. Your relationships may start to fall apart.
• Dependence
◦ Once you become dependent, you will find yourself getting cravings for the substance. If you don’t use, you may experience withdrawals. You will have also built a tolerance and need more of the substance to get the same results. This is when you are truly addicted.
• Substance Abuse Disorder
◦ This is when the substance has become such a priority, you don’t know how to life a normal daily life without using. You feel as if you need the substance to do normal things. The using has become habit. For some, you may prioritize it over school or work, resulting in dropping out or losing your job. For some, you may prioritize spending your money on the substance over bills, resulting in homelessness.
So this is the addiction basics. Frankly, the only way to fully avoid addiction from ever happening to you is to not try any substances. Curiosity killed the cat. But when you have a new substance in front of you with people telling you, “try it,” are you going to be thinking about this journal article? Probably not. Live your life. Take chances. But take precautions. And if you ever find yourself stuck in the middle of addiction, know that there is hope. No matter how far into it you are, you are not a lost cause. Anyone can get better. It just starts with reaching out your hand.
