Addiction is a growing concern in India, and it is crucial to understand the nature and challenges associated with addiction. Oftentimes, people choose the path of addiction to escape their negative emotions without knowing how to deal with them healthily. Addiction is not restricted to alcohol; tobacco, drugs, and other substances are all manifestations of addiction.
The consequences of addiction extend far beyond physical health. It harms your mental health and social relationships. Getting the right support and treatment is the key to being substance-free. There are many addiction treatments and resources available to guide you.
Understanding Addiction
When there is a constant need for substances to carry on your day even knowing the potential harm, is known as addiction. Addiction goes beyond drugs and other substances, it also includes engaging in destructive behaviours. This unhealthy behaviour impairs their overall well-being along with that of their loved ones.
Causes of Addiction
Addiction trigger points are different for each person, leading to varying causes of addiction. However, several key factors contribute to its development, including:
- Some people have a very weak coping mechanism for negative emotions like anxiety, anger, loneliness, rejection, or sadness. They found themselves in the pitfall of substances to escape these emotions instead of dealing healthily.
- Individuals with pre-existing mental issues may attempt to self-medicate with different substances to ease their pain. The stigma and challenges associated with mental health push them into finding solace in substances.
- Just as every addict reacts differently to substances, their trigger points function differently. It can be certain objects, places, people, or situations that lead to craving. Sometimes people on long-term medications are also at risk if they are not managed.
- Boredom is one of the most common causes of addiction. People need something to feed their boredom, and unfortunately, instead of finding healthy habits, they land themselves on substances.
- If there is a family history of addiction, early exposure to it can be a contributing factor in becoming addicted, and any conflict with family, friends, co-workers, or loved ones can cause stress, leading them to take substances without knowing any other ways.
- Peer pressure, especially for younger people, can be a major reason to start using substances. Sadly, the desire to do so often stems from a desperation to fit into a certain group and maintain social status.
Signs of an Addiction
The severity of addiction varies, and here are some signs to help you know if you’re worried that you or a loved one may have an addiction.
Excess consumption
Excessive consumption of drugs, alcohol, or tobacco can lead to physical abuse, which is especially common among people battling with alcohol addiction. You need more and more of a substance to achieve the same effect or rush, therefore surpassing limits without recognising the repercussions. When you have a great desire to quench your thirst, you will spend a significant amount of time getting the substance.
Destructive Behaviours
Taking the substances in larger amounts and for a longer amount of time than you’re meant to if it’s a prescription leads to developing risky behaviours such as excessive eating, frequent gambling, overspending money, participating in violence and fighting, stealing, engaging in unprotected sex, increasing the risk of contracting STDs and HIV/AIDS. If you think you or someone else has destructive behaviours, seek help right away. This behaviour puts you at risk and increases the likelihood of breaking the law.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms are the changes that your body undergoes when substances wear off. The severity depends on your consumption level, timing, and physical and mental health. You might experience headaches, sweating, anxiety, hand tremors, hallucinations, confusion, or high blood pressure.
Abandoning Hobbies
Isolation is prevalent in addiction. Addicts stop showing up to family gatherings and stop hanging out with friends who don’t use them. You’ve lost interest in participating in hobbies and activities that you once loved. Lack of engagement can create a sense of emptiness, increasing your chances of turning to substances for enjoyment and to fill that boredom void.
Neglecting Health
When substances become your main focus, you end up neglecting your health. Physical health, such as your respiratory system, is harmed by smoking, your veins are damaged by injecting drugs, and your liver is compromised by excessive drinking. These issues can be substantially exacerbated if left untreated. You may also lose interest in your physical appearance and don’t eat food properly.
Financial difficulties
When you spend all of your money on addictive substances, you deplete your financial resources. The lack of control over expenses becomes evident, when you frequently prioritise your addiction over critical expenses, compromising the supply’s stability. You might borrow or steal money to pay for drugs. Many addicts end up on the streets because they cannot pay their share.
Relationship Problems
Damaged relationships are inevitable among addicts. It becomes difficult to hold meaningful relationships when you are in a constant state of anger, frustration, depression, and isolation. You have trouble getting along with co-workers, teachers, friends, family, or a romantic partner.
Helplessness
Once addiction takes hold, a sense of helplessness arises, causing you to exhibit uncharacteristic behaviour. Abandoning once-enjoyed hobbies, impaired social relationships, poor physical and mental health, and exhausted financial resources corner one into a state of helplessness. There are many addiction treatments to regain control and be free from substance dependency.
Addiction Treatments
Therapists, addiction specialists, and rehabilitation programs are among the resources available to assist you in becoming substance-free. Seeking their assistance is critical to combating this condition. These professionals examine the severity of your addiction, look for any co-existing mental health disorders, and develop a treatment plan that is personalised to your specific needs. Depending on your symptoms, they may employ a combination of therapy and medications. Their comprehensive approach focuses not only on identifying triggers, but also on teaching you coping mechanisms, changing harmful behaviours, and living a healthy lifestyle.
Therapies for addiction include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET), and Family Counselling. A therapist will provide a safe, nonjudgmental environment in which you can feel comfortable opening up.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT is one of the most effective treatments for addiction. This treatment method emphasises recognising and changing the harmful thoughts, beliefs, and behaviours that lead to addiction. CBT lets individuals challenge those negative thoughts and helps people develop coping skills, regulate cravings, and avoid relapse by treating underlying psychological problems.
Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET)
Not everyone is on board; some people are hesitant to begin or continue addiction treatment. This is when the MET comes into play. It focuses on increasing your motivation by fostering in you the willingness, optimism, and confidence to change your unhealthy lifestyle.
Family Counselling
When your family members have a greater knowledge of your issues, the stigma, hardships, and consequences lessen. This is precisely the goal of family counselling. It includes your family members in the counselling session to motivate you and improve the overall efficacy of your therapy.
Coping Skills for Addiction
Rebuilding your life after addiction is hard and requires healthy coping skills to manage your cravings. Here are some coping methods you can include in your lifestyle:
- Communication is the key. Talk to any one of your trusted people about your struggles, and let them know you need their help. Seeking the support of mental health professionals to be free from cravings is a sign of strength. Following their plans and guidance can have profound benefits.
- Choose healthy hobbies like walking, running, dancing, yoga, or brisk walking to release emotions positively and cure your boredom. Finding any activities that suit your taste and support your recovery is the key.
- Create a daily plan for your eating, sleeping, or exercising schedules to ensure stability. Nourishing your body with a balanced diet and sticking to a schedule will help you maintain good physical and mental health.
- Building yourself a supportive circle is just as important as feeding your stomach. Surround yourself with positive and supportive people who will accompany you through the recovery process. Consider joining a support group to share your conditions, which will help you gain a better understanding.
Setbacks are part of your recovery process, so don’t be disheartened. Instead, embrace them as learning experiences. Each setback holds valuable information about your triggers and coping mechanisms. Remember, every step forward, no matter how small, is progress towards a healthier, happier life. With perseverance and support, you can build a healthier and happier life.