National Addictions Awareness Week: Understanding Addiction and How to Seek Help

Addiction is a chronic condition that can disrupt nearly every aspect of a person’s life, including physical health, mental well-being, relationships, and career. It’s an issue that affects millions of people globally, and during National Addictions Awareness Week, it's important to shine a light on this issue, understand its complexities, and explore the treatment options available for those struggling with addiction.

What is Addiction?

Addiction is more than just a bad habit or a lack of willpower. It is a chronic brain disorder that involves compulsive behaviour—whether it be the use of substances or engagement in certain activities—despite knowing the negative consequences. Over time, addiction can drastically diminish a person’s quality of life, affecting their ability to function normally in day-to-day tasks, damaging relationships, and leading to significant health issues.

The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) classifies addiction as a disease, which means it can be managed but not entirely cured. This classification also highlights that addiction is not a choice; rather, it is a condition rooted in changes to brain chemistry that affect how a person behaves and feels. Recognizing addiction as a medical condition helps reduce the stigma that often surrounds it, making it easier for those affected to seek the help they need.

Types of Addiction

There are two primary categories of addiction: substance use disorders and behavioural addictions. While substance use disorders tend to get more attention, behavioural addictions can be equally damaging and deserve recognition and treatment.

1. Substance Use Disorders

Substance use disorder (SUD) refers to the harmful and compulsive use of drugs or alcohol. Substances that people can become addicted to include:

·        Alcohol: One of the most common forms of addiction, alcohol use disorder affects a significant portion of the population. It is especially problematic because alcohol is legal and widely available, making misuse easy.
 

·        Prescription Drugs: Painkillers, anti-anxiety medications, and stimulants like Adderall® are among the most commonly misused prescription drugs. Although prescribed for legitimate medical conditions, these substances can be highly addictive when used improperly.
 

·        Illegal Drugs: Cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and other illicit substances have a high potential for addiction. They rapidly alter brain chemistry, creating a powerful urge to continue use, often leading to severe consequences like overdose or long-term health issues.
 

·        Tobacco/Nicotine: Cigarettes and e-cigarettes (vaping) are major contributors to addiction-related deaths worldwide. Nicotine addiction can lead to lifelong health problems, including heart disease and cancer.

Substance use disorders are categorized by severity—mild, moderate, and severe—and addiction represents the most extreme form of substance use disorder. It is crucial to identify the signs early and seek professional treatment to prevent the disorder from progressing.

2. Behavioural Addictions

Behavioural addictions involve compulsive engagement in activities that stimulate the brain's reward system. Although these addictions do not involve substances, they can still be incredibly destructive. Currently, gambling disorder is the only behavioural addiction formally recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). However, other behaviours have the potential to become addictive, including:

·        Eating disorders: Overeating, binge eating, and certain forms of dieting can become addictive behaviours that impact both mental and physical health.
 

·        Shopping: Compulsive shopping or “shopaholism” can lead to financial strain and personal distress.
 

·        Sex and pornography: Some individuals develop an unhealthy reliance on sexual activities or pornography, which can interfere with relationships and normal life functioning.
 

·        Video gaming and internet use: The rise of technology has brought about concerns regarding internet addiction and gaming disorders, which can take a heavy toll on a person’s social life, mental health, and productivity.

While behavioural addictions may not have the immediate physical dangers of substance use disorders, they can still lead to emotional distress, social isolation, and financial hardship. It is important to acknowledge the serious impact behavioural addictions can have on mental health and seek appropriate support and intervention.

What Causes Addiction?

Addiction is a complex condition that does not have a single cause. Rather, it develops due to a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors.

1.      Genetic Predisposition: Studies show that genetic factors can account for up to 60% of a person’s susceptibility to addiction. If you have a close family member with an addiction, your risk of developing one increases significantly.
 

2.      Mental Health Conditions: People with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are more likely to develop an addiction. Many individuals turn to substances or addictive behaviours as a way to cope with their mental health symptoms, which can create a dangerous cycle.
 

3.      Environmental Factors: A person’s environment plays a crucial role in the development of addiction. Access to substances, peer pressure, and a lack of social support can increase the likelihood of addiction. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), including trauma and neglect, are also major contributors.
 

4.      Brain Chemistry: Addiction affects the brain’s reward center, releasing high levels of dopamine, a chemical responsible for feelings of pleasure. Over time, the brain becomes desensitized to the effects of the substance or activity, leading to increased usage to achieve the same level of reward. This altered brain chemistry makes quitting extremely difficult.

Signs and Symptoms of Addiction

Recognizing the signs of addiction is critical in getting help early. Here are some common signs to watch for:

·        Inability to stop: Whether it’s using a substance or engaging in a behaviour, people with addictions often feel powerless to stop despite wanting to.
 

·        Tolerance: Over time, individuals need more of the substance or activity to achieve the same effect.
 

·        Cravings and Preoccupation: People with addictions often become consumed with thoughts of the substance or activity, spending significant time obtaining or thinking about it.
 

·        Neglecting Responsibilities: Work, school, and personal relationships often suffer as the addiction takes priority in the individual’s life.
 

·        Withdrawal Symptoms: When attempting to stop, people may experience withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, shaking, sweating, and more.

How is Addiction Treated?

Addiction is treatable, and recovery is possible with the right combination of support, medication, and therapy. Treatment options include:

1.      Medical Detoxification: For those with severe substance use disorders, a medically supervised detox is often the first step. This process helps manage withdrawal symptoms safely in a controlled environment.
 

2.      Medications: Certain medications can help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. These are especially helpful for opioid and alcohol addictions.
 

3.      Rehabilitation Programs: Inpatient or outpatient rehab programs offer structured environments where individuals can receive therapy, support, and education about addiction. These programs also teach valuable coping skills for long-term recovery.
 

4.      Therapy: Various types of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) or group therapy, can be highly effective in treating addiction. Therapy addresses the underlying emotional and psychological issues driving the addiction and helps individuals develop healthier coping mechanisms.
 

5.      Support Groups: Peer support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) provide a sense of community and ongoing support throughout the recovery journey. Support groups can also be helpful for family members of those struggling with addiction.

Preventing Addiction

Preventing addiction is just as important as treating it. Some steps individuals can take to reduce their risk include:



·        Understanding family history: If addiction runs in your family, it’s important to be aware of your risk factors and take steps to avoid situations that could lead to dependence.
 

·        Managing stress in healthy ways: Stress is a significant trigger for addiction. Activities such as exercising, meditating, and engaging in hobbies can help reduce the risk.
 

·        Limiting exposure to substances: Avoiding or limiting the use of substances like alcohol, nicotine, and drugs can help prevent addiction.

Supporting a Loved One with Addiction

If someone you care about is struggling with addiction, it’s essential to approach the situation with empathy and understanding. Here are some tips:

·        Speak up: Address the issue sooner rather than later. Encourage your loved one to seek help and offer your support in finding resources.
 

·        Be patient: Addiction is a chronic condition, and recovery can be a long process. Be supportive and patient, as setbacks are common.
 

·        Take care of yourself: Supporting someone with an addiction can take a toll on your own mental health. Consider joining a support group like Al-Anon or seeking therapy to manage your own stress.

Conclusion

During National Addictions Awareness Week, let’s remember that addiction is a treatable condition, and recovery is possible. Whether it's through therapy, support groups, or medical treatment, many people have successfully overcome addiction and gone on to live fulfilling lives. If you or someone you love is struggling, seek help today—early intervention can make all the difference.