What is an Addiction?

Millions of people struggle with addiction every day - drug addiction, alcohol addiction, even addiction to certain behaviors such as sex or gambling. They can take over lives and make people lose all control. For the purpose of this article, we will focus mainly on addiction to mood-altering substances such as drugs and alcohol. When a person continues to drink or use despite the consequences of dependence, including mental and physical harm, they have an addiction.

Addiction Rehab Centers

Many people with addictions can regain control of their lives by attending support groups and addiction centers, but unfortunately some do not end up getting the help they need. Drug addiction centers help people detox in a clean and healthy environment under the supervision of treatment professionals. After the detoxification, they will participate in a series of evaluations and therapy sessions intended to target and address what may be attributing to their substance abuse problems. These issues often include unresolved emotional issues, stressful situations and past traumatic experiences.

Alcohol addiction

Alcoholism is one of the most common addictions. Since drinking alcohol is socially acceptable, legal and widely accessible, many people give in to the temptations of drinking. What may start out as social drinking or occasional partying often turns into full-blown alcohol addiction. At this point, people have no control over how much or how frequently they drink, and alcohol takes over their lives. They can become both mentally and physically dependent on alcohol and need it get through the day.

Drug Addiction

Since there are so many different types of drugs, there are many different kinds of drug addictions. People can become addicted to over-the-counter medications, prescription pills, illicit substances such as cocaine or heroin, or anything that alters their mood. In recent years, crystal meth addiction has become an increasingly large problem due to the relatively easy process of manufacturing the drug and its low cost. The present-day crystal meth problem is comparable to the crack cocaine epidemic of the 1980s.

Dependency & Withdrawal

When people become dependent on drugs or alcohol, they can go through withdrawal symptoms that occur when they are coming down or do not have access to the substance of their choice. The most common symptoms include irritability, anxiety, depression, headaches and intense cravings, but they can also be as severe as tremors, seizures and cardiac arrest. Many alcoholics and drug addicts will continue to drink or use in order to avoid going through withdrawal. The process of detoxification can be both difficult and painful, but it is a necessary step in recovery.

Recovery from drug and alcohol addiction is possible, even in the worst cases. There have been many miraculous stories of people bouncing back from the worst addictions, many of which have been highlighted by celebrities that chose to share their tales of recovery. These stories can be inspiring to people that want to get clean but are scared of what life would be like without drugs or alcohol. It can be a scary thought, and many people think they can control their addictions, but this is usually not the case. Recovery is possible and addictions can be beat, but it requires patience, persistence and the deep inner desire to change for the better.