Most people have a particular activity or food that they enjoy doing or eating. These activities can be done frequently and become a habit. They only become a problem if they cause negative effects on your health or your quality of life. They may also affect your mental state. This is when they become an addiction. Almost everyone knows at least one person addicted to something. A Glendale addiction specialist can help these individuals. More about addiction and what it entails is discussed below.
What is Addiction?
This chronic health condition involves complicated interactions between genetics, your brain, the environment, and your life experiences. Addicted people frequently behave or take substances compulsively and do not stop despite the negative consequences.
Addicts do these addictive behaviors or substances with their consent. The addiction slowly creeps in without you noticing, and your self-control gradually diminishes.
Addiction can be mistaken for drug misuse. Misuse is different in that it is the overuse of a substance in inappropriate situations or in high doses, resulting in various social and health issues. Not all people who misuse a substance have an addiction.
An example of a person who drinks alcohol heavily one night and feels the harmful effects of the substance is not necessarily an addict until they go through recurrent relapsing issues evidenced by compulsively looking for drugs, continued use despite the negative impacts, and long-term effects on the brain.
Addiction can be classified into substance and non-substance addiction. Examples of non-substance addictions include:
- Food
- Gambling
- Gaming
- Internet
- Sex
- Cell phone
An addict typically goes on misusing the activity or substance despite the negative consequences associated with it.
Signs and Symptoms
The most typical indications of addiction include:
- Poor performance at work
- Difficulty at school, including declining grades
- Being unable to stop taking the substance despite its obvious personal or health issues involved like problems in relationships or with employment
- Relationship challenges involving lashing out at loved ones that point the addiction out
- Definitive changes in appearance such as a noticeable abandoning of hygiene and severe weight loss
- A noticeable drop in energy when performing daily activities
- Defensive behavior when inquired into substance use
An addiction specialist is a medical professional trained in dealing with addiction issues. They can either be a psychiatrist or physician who has undergone additional training in addiction. There are several types of addiction specialists, including:
Counselors
Counselors mainly focus on the psychological side of addiction recovery. They work together with other addiction specialists to diagnose various medical conditions associated with addiction.
Recovery Coach
They are responsible for assisting patients in looking for the resources they require to recover, like looking for jobs effectively.
Interventionist
This specialist offers an objective presence and professional expertise in developing strategies for friends and families. This is because most substance issue patients have difficulty accepting their issues from a familiar face.
Addiction is a prevalent societal issue, but that does not mean it should not be taken seriously. It is a big issue in our society resulting in many wasted lives without the proper help. For any addiction specialist inquiries, call our offices in Phoenix, AZ.
