Addictions

I decided to prepare a presentation about Addictions because we discussed drug addictions as one
of the world problems in our previous text.

 Addictions are indeed a big problem in the world today and more and more people get
addicted to various substances or certain behaviours. Today, more than 7 million people suffer
from an illicit drug disorder, and one in four deaths results from illicit drug use. It is estimated that 5.2
percent of the global population between the ages of 15 and 64 years (over 360 million people) used
an illicit drug in 2014. That represents an increase of 24 million people since 1990. Almost 21 million
Americans have at least one addiction, yet only 10% of them receive treatment. About 300
million people throughout the world have an alcohol use disorder.

Drug overdose deaths have more than tripled since 1990.

 In Georgia : No consistent institutional mechanisms for primary prevention exist

in the country
 Use of illicit drugs (other than cannabis), including new psychoactive
substances, among youth is alarmingly high
 Prevalence of injecting drug use is one of the highest in the world

What Is Addiction?
Addiction is a complex, chronic brain condition influenced by genes and the environment that is characterized by
substance use or compulsive actions that continue despite harmful consequences

For a long time, addiction meant an uncontrollable habit of using alcohol or other drugs. More recently, the concept of
addiction has expanded to include behaviors, such as gambling, as well as substances, and even ordinary and
necessary activities, such as exercise and eating.

Symptoms
The signs and symptoms vary from one addiction type to another, but some common symptoms of addiction include:

 An inability to stop
 Changes in mood, appetite, and sleep
 Continuing despite negative consequences
 Denial
 Engaging in risky behaviors
 Feeling preoccupied with the substance or behavior
 Legal and financial problems
 Losing interest in other things you used to enjoy
 Putting the substance or behavior ahead of other parts of life including family, work, and other
responsibilities
 Secrecy
 Using increasingly larger amounts of a substance
  Taking more of the substance than you intended
 Withdrawal symptoms

Defining Features of Addiction

Two aspects that all addictions have in common:

 The addictive behavior is maladaptive. The behavior causes problems for the individual or those around
them. So instead of helping the person cope with situations or overcome problems, it tends to undermine
these abilities.
 The behavior is persistent. When people are addicted, they will continue to engage in the addictive
behavior despite the trouble it causes.

Some of the factors that can contribute to addiction include:

 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. 6
 Environment: Exposure to addictive substances, social pressure, lack of social support, and poor coping
skills can also contribute to the development of addictions.

Addiction is treatable, but not all routes to recovery are the same. Relapses are not uncommon, so the journey may
take time.7 Some of the common treatment approaches that may be used include:

 Psychotherapy: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may be used to address thought and behavior patterns
that contribute to addictions. Other therapies that might be used including contingency management, family
therapy, and group therapy.7
 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. Medications that may be prescribed
include methadone, buprenorphine, nicotine replacement therapies, and naltrexone.
 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.

Addiction is not just a single individual’s problem, it is a problem of society. If left untreated,
addictions cause many physical health problems such as weakened immune systems, as well as
mental health problems. It can increase the risks of commiting a crime or suicide. We should
remember that addictions are diseases. The government as well as the society should try hard to
help these individuals with addictions get help, return to their lives and become members of society
again.