Addictive Behaviour

Addiction-is substance abuse a matter of choice?

Introduction

Addiction or dependence is a psycho-physical state caused by the interaction of a living organism with a drug. It is characterized by behavior modification and other reactions, usually because of an irresistible impulse to consume a drug continuously or periodically. In order to experience the psychic effects and, sometimes, to relieve the discomfort caused by the deprivation of it, a person gets addicted to drugs.

Discussion

It is necessary to recognize addiction as a disease characterized by a set of signs and symptoms, which involve biological, genetic, psychological and social factors. Addicts are people who rely detrimentally on psychoactive substances such as alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, inhalants and solvents. Some drug addicts are people with health problems or psychological disorders (Rodgers 2011).

Substance abuse refers to the repeated and compulsive use of one or more psychoactive substances. The Anglo-Saxon countries refer to these behaviors under the term addiction. It is a process in which a behavior that is directed may serve to provide pleasure and relieve internal discomfort, and is characterized by the repeated failure of its control and its persistence despite negative consequences (Dodes 2010).

What is a drug?

The term drug is used to refer to those substances that cause an altered state of mind and are capable of producing dependence. Addiction can occur by psychotropic substances, activities and even relationships.

- Psychotropic substances, including alcohol, nicotine and other drugs

- Gambling

- Food or food components such as sugar or fat

- Sex or sexual activity

- Labor

- Interpersonal relationships, especially family

A drug is consumed regularly for passive experience (such as an emotion, pleasure, comfort, sociability etc.), or in order to get rid of a negative emotional state (boredom, shyness, stress, or escape from problems) (Dodes 2010).

Forms of addiction and dependence

There are several forms of dependency, but mostly these are one of the following forms. When they are compared, some seem less important but the fact is that when someone has it close up on life, then it may be a difficult experience. This kind of dependence is about the intake of a substance that affects the body and makes it dependent on this drug.  (Goldstein 73 )

Alcoholism

Alcoholism has been around for many years. It is an addiction to alcohol, where those who suffer from it experience a constant need to consume alcohol, thus creating a psychological and physical dependence. A steady increase in consumption resulting from the tolerance they develop through their misuse. There may be many reasons for alcoholism, but it is usually social and genetic factors leading to such abuse. Psychiatric problems in rare cases could also lead to alcoholism. Amphetamine Dependence

Amphetamine is an artificially produced drug that has a stimulating effect on humans. It has increasingly become a popular drug among young people. A frequent consumption of this drug can lead to dependence. Such abuse is manifested in different ways. Those who consume amphetamines, more extroverted, active and more sensitive. This means that in some cases that the anger experienced stronger, which can lead to aggressive behavior. Dependence on amphetamines may lead to such ...