What is an addictive disorder?
Addictive disorders, such as substance abuse and dependence, are common disorders that involve the overuse of alcohol and/or drugs. Addiction develops over time and is a chronic and relapsing illness. Addiction is when a person compulsively persists in certain behavior regardless of the consequences.
A person can be addicted to substances (drugs or alcohol) or activities (gambling, sex, the Internet). Over time, the frequency and intensity of the activity increases, and when the person stops, he or she experiences unpleasant feelings or emotions.
Addictive Disorder Symptoms:
People with addictive disorders may experience symptoms differently. Some typical symptoms of addictive disorders may include:
- Feeling that you have to use the drug regularly — daily or even several times a day
- Lying, especially about how much they are using or drinking
- Avoiding friends and family members
- Giving up activities they used to enjoy, such as sports or spending time with non-using friends
- Talking a lot about using drugs or alcohol
- Believing they need to use or drink in order to have fun
- Pressuring others to use or drink
- Getting in trouble with the law
- Taking risks, such as sexual risks or driving under the influence of a substance
- Suspension/expulsion from school or being fired from work for a substance-related incident
- Missing school or work due to substance use
- Depressed, hopeless or suicidal feelings
- An inability to stop
- Changes in mood, appetite, and sleep
- Continuing despite negative consequences
- Denial
- Losing interest in other things you used to enjoy
- Putting the substance or behaviour ahead of other parts of life including family, work, and other responsibilities
Addictive Disorder Risk factors:
People of any age, sex or economic status can become addicted to a drug. Certain factors can affect the likelihood and speed of developing an addiction:
- Family history of addiction. Drug addiction is more common in some families and likely involves genetic predisposition.
- Mental health disorder. If you have a mental health disorder such as depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder, you’re more likely to become addicted to drugs.
- Peer pressure. Peer pressure is a strong factor in starting to use and misuse drugs, particularly for young people.
- Lack of family involvement. Difficult family situations or lack of a bond with your parents or siblings may increase the risk of addiction, as can a lack of parental supervision.
- Early use. Using drugs at an early age can cause changes in the developing brain and increase the likelihood of progressing to drug addiction.
- Taking a highly addictive drug. Some drugs, such as stimulants, cocaine or opioid painkillers, may result in faster development of addiction than other drugs.
Addictive Disorder Causes:
- The brain: Addiction leads to changes in the brain’s reward circuits over time.
- Family history: You may be more likely to become addicted if you have family members who also have addictions.
- Genetics: Research suggests that genetics increases the likelihood of developing an addiction.
- Environment: Exposure to addictive substances, social pressure, lack of social support, and poor coping skills can also contribute to the development of addictions.
- Frequency and duration of use: The more someone uses a substance the more likely they will become addicted to it.
Addictive Disorder Treatment:
Some of the common treatment approaches that may be used include:
- Psychotherapy: Cognitive Behavioural therapy (CBT)may be used to address thought and behaviour patterns that contribute to addictions. Other therapies that might be used including contingency management, family therapy, and group therapy.
- Medications: This may include medications to help treat craving and withdrawal symptoms as well as other drugs to treat underlying mental disorders such as anxiety or depression.
- Hospitalization: In some cases, people may need to be hospitalized in order to treat potentially serious complications while they detox from a substance.
- Support groups and self-help: In-person and online support groups can be a great resource for education and social support as people learn new ways to cope during recovery.
- Behaviour therapy: Its a form of psychotherapy that can be done by a psychologist or psychiatrist. Therapy and counselling may be done with an individual, a family or a group.
