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Addictions

An addiction manifests itself as patterns of compulsive behaviour marked by recurrent significant occupational, legal, social, and in many cases, interpersonal adverse consequences, such as problems at school, absence from work, arrests and significant marital difficulties.

Professionals describe the addiction as a state of physical or psychological dependence (both in most cases) on the use of alcohol or other narcotics. The term is usually used as an equivalent for substance dependence and sometimes applied to behavioral disorders, such as gambling, internet and sexual.

Sexual Addiction

Many use the term “sex addition” to describe behavior which seems to have become much more common, or at the very least, more commonly reported by the media.

Sexual addiction, or compulsive sexual behavior, is classified by some health organizations as a mental health disorder. Most behaviours associated with it are commonly treated with techniques to help resist a temptation, impulse or urge. Its similar to some psychiatric disorders, including addiction to online sex services and pornography. Click below to learn more.

Sexual Addictions

Drug Addictions

Unfortunately, drug addiction is a chronic disease, usually characterized by drug seeking and use that is usually compulsive, or very difficult to control, despite harmful consequences. Brain activity and changes may occur over time with drug use challenging an addicted person’s self-control and interfere with their ability to resist intense urges to drugs.

Affects of Addictions

Quite a few individuals often have one or more associated health issues, which could include lung or heart disease, stroke, cancer, or mental health conditions. Imaging scans, chest x-rays, and blood testing can show the damaging effects of long-term drug use through the body.

When to Seek Help

When it comes to substance use disorders, it can be very difficult for many people to admit there may be a problem. When substance use and its eventual abuse begins to cause negative effects in your life, its important to take time to reflect and review facts which may indicate a potential addiction. The first step toward any kind of recovery is recognize that there is a problem in the first place. Until this is realized, recovery is unattainable.

The first step is always the most difficult for most people, often resulting in years of struggle alone until eventually hitting rock bottom. For those who do hit the bottom-of-the-barrel, it is often what drive them to enter treatment and make a change for the better.

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