People may ask the question, “what is an addiction?” They may know the addiction definition, but they don’t really know what addiction entails or what to do about it. Having a better understanding of addiction can help them avoid it altogether. Understanding addiction also helps them better understand what people who suffer from addiction go through before they are ready to quit.
What Is Addiction?
Addiction is a disorder that occurs when individuals use certain substances or take part in specific pleasurable activities. While most people associate addiction with drug or alcohol use, other things can cause addiction, such as:
- Sex
- Shopping
- Gambling
- Eating
While all of these addictions are hard to overcome, drug and alcohol addiction are the toughest. It takes more than willpower to beat it. People become physically dependent on the drugs they take because of a chemical imbalance in the brain. It takes focused treatment at a top-notch rehab to conquer most addictions.
Why Don’t People With An Addiction Just Stop?
The second-most popular question after, “What is an addiction?” is, “Why don’t people with an addiction just stop?” One reason is that people aren’t aware they have a problem or that their problem is out of control. They trick themselves into thinking they have control over their alcohol or drug use.
Another reason is that people develop a compulsion to use drugs, which is part of the addiction phenomena. These urges are the result of the chemical changes that drugs cause in the brain.
Why Is It Important for People With Addiction to Get Help?
If people have an addiction and enjoy it, why do they have to get help? The main reasons are personal problems, financial woes and sometimes overdose. As people build a tolerance to drugs, they have to keep taking larger doses to get the same high. Sometimes they take too much and may overdose.
It’s only a matter of time before someone who suffers from an addiction hits rock bottom. In the meantime, they ruin their relationships with family and friends. They often put themselves in risky situations. People with addiction can leave their families in financial ruin too.
Does Addiction Run in Families?
The verdict is still out on how much genetics affect the development of addiction. However, people carry certain genes in their DNA that makes them more likely to develop it. If these genes run in families, it’s likely that parents pass them onto their kids.
Unlike other genetic problems, people still have to take drugs the first time to develop this condition. Other diseases or disorders usually manifest on their own. If addiction runs in the family, people should avoid taking drugs.
Get Help to Overcome Your Addiction
At Healing Springs Ranch, we work hard to provide a friendly, caring environment. We create custom plans for our clients to help them overcome everything from alcohol to opioid addiction. Some of the other programs that we offer include:
Don’t let not knowing the answer to, “What is an addiction?” keep you from getting the help you deserve. Let us teach you and your family about the dangers of addiction. Reach out to us today at 866-656-8384. We will answer the question with healing treatment.