Addiction : Behavioral Addiction And Substance Addiction

Addiction is a disease that sadly, far too many people suffer from. Addiction actually involves changes in the structure and function of the brain, this chance can in turn create compulsive substance use. Studies have recently found that the changes that happen to the brain during addiction, are very similar to the changes that happen to the brain with compulsive behaviors like gambling, bulimia, and compulsive eating. The reason for this is that humans feel pleasure when basic needs are met, the brain releases certain chemicals leaving feelings of pleasure. In the case of an addiction, substances cause the brain to release high levels of that chemical, and over time the continued use can cause a person to become dependent on the substance to feel normal (Gateway foundation). The changes in the brain can be brought on by

There is no one theory that sufficiently clarifies addiction. However, theorists define addiction as an entity that deals with one’s mind and emotions. They believe their psychological model of research points to a link between addiction and cognitive behavior which can in turn, lead to negative emotions and reactions (McNeece & DiNitto, 2011, p.26).

Addiction is considered to be more of a behavioural disorder that may or may not include physical dependence. It is present when an individual continues to use a drug regardless of negative consequences on their life. They can sometimes gives up important activities such as work, school, family or other relationships because of the substance use, uses a substance addictively and is unable to stop once they have started, uses a substance for reasons other than that for which it was intended and craves the substance even when they are not in pain.

Cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines, alcohol, opium, tobacco, hypnotics, just to name a few. Addiction is a chronic disease that affects the chemicals in the brain. It dysfunctions the circuits in the brain that deal with memory, reward, sex, motivation, behavior, relationships and emotions all mostly resulting in substance use or other behaviors to fulfill those circuit rewards. This world is in a current addiction epidemic on drugs. Let’s try to understand addiction to make it a little clearer.

Addiction, it is all around us, affecting people from all walks of life, it is not limited to certain social classes or lifestyles. It is found in every ethnic group, regardless of gender or age. It affects our neighbors, our friends, and our family either directly or indirectly. Although substances such as alcohol and illegal drugs are two of the most common addictions we hear about, there is a wide range of substances and even activities such as gambling and shopping. There is some debate whether addiction is a brain disease or a choice.

They include alcoholism, substance/drug (including prescription drugs) addiction, nicotine addiction, and sex addiction, food addiction, shopping addiction, gambling addiction, work addiction and even internet addiction. They are manifold varieties of addiction; these are just a few of the well-known types of addiction.

Addiction affects 40% of the population in the Western world (Lewis, Marc). There are many different kinds of addictions such as: food, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, gambling or sexual aspects. When

When people hear the word addiction they often picture someone itching for their next fix. According to dictionary.com, addiction is defined as “the state of being enslaved to a habit or practice or to something that is psychologically

When you hear the word ¨äddiction¨ the first thing that usually comes to mind is drugs and alcohol. These sadly are not the only types of addiction. Humans can come psychologically be obsessed or addicted” to many things like: media or technology, food, gambling, work, and even shopping or spending money. To better understand the word addiction and its meaning, the definition is the fact or condition of being addicted to a particular substance, thing, or activity. The word addiction came from a latin term meaning ënslaved by or bound to.

Addiction is a dependence on a substance in which the affected individual feels powerless to stop. Millions of Americans have addictions to drugs, alcohol, nicotine, and even to behaviors such as compulsive gambling and shopping. Recent studies suggest that millions of Americans are addicted to food, as well.

All types of addictions should be looked at from a philosophical and psychological point of view. Those in the fields of neuroscience, psychology and philosophy often compare their views to show the similarities of addictions whether they be substance induced or behavioral. “Behavioral science experts believe that all entities capable of stimulating a person can be addictive; and whenever a habit changes into an obligation, it can be considered as addiction” (Alaghemandan et al 290). Some addictions can affect people physically. Caffeine and nicotine provide prime examples. The body’s physical state becomes dependent on its effects and causes withdrawal symptoms without use. One of the main differences in behavioral and substance addictions is that behavioral addictions have no apparent physiological or physical withdrawal symptoms. It is not the physical body that is addicted, but the feeling that one gets mentally. The physical body is only affected by the

Addiction, to a layman, is an insane attraction or out of control (being hooked) towards a substance, event, person or an activity in an attempt to escape or avoid emptiness, meaningless, monotonous, boredom, loneliness etc, etc in life. Something that normal people found impossible to understand or comprehend. Advice (gentle or harsh), scolding and even beating would not deter them.

Addiction is something which any person can posses, and can experience at some point in their lives. Some people are more prone to a addiction due to outside circumstances, and even though an addict can be damaging to themselves and others around them, addiction shouldn't be considered a

Addiction can be life threatening for the person and his family. Medically, addiction is a state of mind of the affected individual, which means a mental weakness that he or she is unable overcome. When addictions are left untreated, a person is likely to develop some severe to chronic behavioral changes.

Addiction is defined as a chronic, relapsing brain disease which is characterized by compulsive behavior, despite the harmful consequences.