| Addictions are a worldwide phenomenon adversely | | | | depending on the abused substance. Physical |
| affecting the lives of millions across all geographical | | | | dependence, abuse of, and withdrawal from drugs |
| boundaries and cultures. Addictions cause enormous | | | | and other miscellaneous substances is outlined in the |
| personal harm to not only the addict, but to their | | | | Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders |
| families and friends as well. Psychological dependence | | | | (DSM-IV TR). |
| does not have to be limited only to substances; even | | | | Groups |
| activities and behavioural patterns can be considered | | | | Your best bet for getting good information about |
| addictions, if they become uncontrollable, e. In many | | | | 12-step meeetings in your area is to contact the |
| cases, addictions involve both physiological and | | | | national groups; they all have information for this |
| psychological aspects. | | | | purpose. This might mean that you need to find a |
| Problems | | | | new group of friends who will be 100% supportive. |
| Addiction is one of the toughest problems facing our | | | | Many people find that joining a support group can |
| culture today. The growing problems within the | | | | help them stay clean. There are support groups |
| family, as well as many other cultural stressors, make | | | | specifically for teens and younger people. Fortunately, |
| addiction a national and international problem that is | | | | there are many resources available to support the |
| growing by leaps and bounds. In some cases, | | | | addictive personality in breaking free of various forms |
| individuals are brought to the attention of | | | | of addictions, including books, workshops, support |
| professionals because of legal problems related to | | | | groups, therapy, and even inpatient care. |
| their addiction. The theory behind counseling is that | | | | Conclusion |
| people become addicts because of serious problems | | | | Fortunately, there are many resources available to |
| in their lives. If those problems can be resolved, they | | | | support the addictive personality in breaking free of |
| may be less inclined to depend on addictive | | | | various forms of addictions, including books, |
| substances or behavior. | | | | workshops, support groups, therapy, and even |
| Withdrawl | | | | inpatient care. 12-step programs have been shown to |
| Withdrawal means that an individual has a very painful | | | | be very helpful for most addictions. Also, in common |
| physical and/or emotional reaction when the | | | | with all addictions, help is available and treatment is |
| substance or behavior is stopped. Withdrawal | | | | highly effective, restoring people to normal |
| happens in two phases: acute withdrawal and | | | | functioning and happiness. It is never to late to let go |
| post-acute withdrawal. Withdrawal symptoms vary, | | | | of addictions and stand up for yourself to yourself. |