When the word addiction is mentioned, most people think of alcohol, drugs or smoking. But addictions can be related to a vast number of behaviors as well substances:
- Internet / Video Game
- Eating problems (bulimia, compulsive eating, compulsive dieting, etc)
- Gambling
- Exercise
- Watching TV / movies
- Shopping
- Sex
- Work / Studying
- Etc
Addiction knows no boundaries. It affects people and families from all social and economic circumstances.
Yet so many people deny its existence in their lives, either from guilt or shame or lack of knowledge. This is the fertile soil that addiction thrives in. The sole purpose of this session is to educate our readers on the many forms of addiction and ultimately free them from the self-imposed prison sentence they are serving.
First off, let’s look at the definition of substance abuse as defined by the American Psychiatric Association. Substance abuse is defined as experiencing one or more of the following within a twelve-month period.
- Recurrent use causing failure to fulfill roles, obligations at work, school, or home; e.g., repeated absences, suspensions or expulsion from school, neglect of children;
- Recurrent use in physically hazardous situations; e.g., automobile driving or machine operation when using;
- Recurrent substance-related problems; e.g., legal, marital, or financial;
- Continued use despite negative consequences in social or interpersonal relationships.
Substance dependence is the next stage in the progressive march into addiction. Substance dependence is defined as experiencing three or more of the following within a twelve-month period.
- Increased tolerance (the need to use more or take more to get the same results);
- Withdrawal (brain, not mind, demands more) physical symptoms;
- Use larger amounts over longer periods than intended;
- Unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control use;
- Excessive time spent obtaining, using, or recovering from effects;
- Important activities given up;
- Use despite physical or psychological problems.
If you can relate to the information in this basic introduction, I strongly suggest, if you do not contact us here
https://mindpeacemastery.com/contact-us-2/ at Mind Peace Mastery, that you find someone who will help you start on the road to recovery.
Here is a brief continuum once again for your consideration of the progression from substance use to dependence:
- experimental
- casual
- intensive
- compulsive
- addicted.
That is the short brief description of addiction.