What is Addictive Behaviour?
Addiction-related disorders are identifiable, clinically significant syndromes that are linked to distress or disruption of human functioning. These disorders arise from recurrent, fulfilling behaviors that are not related to the use of substances that cause dependency.
Addiction to behavior, which includes gambling, overeating, compulsive watching of television, and computer gaming, is comparable to drug addiction in that the sufferer is addicted to the conduct itself or the pleasure derived from engaging in it.
Types of Addictive Behavior
- There are two main groups of addiction:
- Substance addictions (substance use disorders)
- Non-substance addictions (behavioral addictions)
Substance Addictions
Substance addiction is now referred to as substance use disorder by medical professionals. Specific diagnostic standards for substance use disorders can be found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) published by the American Psychiatric Association.
Drugs with the potential for addiction are substances. They include the following and can be either non-medical or prescription drugs:
- Booze
- Coffee
- Cannabis or hemp
- Hallucinogens, including LSD and PCP
- Sedatives, hypnotics, and anxiolytics (anti-anxiety medications), including barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and sleeping pills
- Paint thinners, aerosol sprays, gasses, and nitrites (poppers) are examples of inhalants
- Opioids with and without prescriptions, include heroin, oxycodone, and codeine
- Stimulants with and without prescriptions, including cocaine, methamphetamine, and Adderall®
- Tobacco and nicotine products, including e-cigarettes and traditional cigarette
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Get A Second OpinionNon-Substance Addictions
Any behavior that activates your brain's reward system has the potential to lead to behavioral addictions. The parallels and contrasts between behavioral addictions, chemical addictions, and other disorders characterized by compulsive behavior, such as bulimia nervosa and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), are still being researched by behavioral scientists.
Only the category of "non-substance-related disorders" under "substance-related and addictive disorders" in the DSM-5 presently accepts gambling disorder as a diagnosable behavioral addiction.
Other behavioral addictions are not currently included in the DSM-5 since there is insufficient research on them. But any habit or hobby that takes over your life and interferes with your day-to-day functioning can lead to serious problems with your mental, social, and physical health and in certain situations, your finances as well.
Management and Treatment of Addictive Behaviour
Your healthcare professional can suggest a mix of therapies, such as:
- Hospital administration: Withdrawals from some substances might be hazardous. In order to provide you with treatment throughout your drug withdrawal, certain hospital units use therapy and observation techniques.
- Medication: A few drugs can lessen persistent withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and urges. Your healthcare practitioner might also prescribe medicine to treat any other mental health conditions you may have, such as depression or bipolar disorder.
- Rehab, sometimes known as "sober living" or "residential treatment," is another name for rehabilitation. During rehab, providers provide organized counseling, instruction, encouragement, and support. There are two types of rehab facilities: inpatient (where you dwell) and outpatient (where you visit on a set schedule). The main goals of rehab services are to improve your quality of life and long-term addiction management.
- Counselling: Addicts who receive various forms of therapy are able to adopt new outlooks and modify their behavior. Psychotherapy (talk therapy) modalities like group therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy may be suggested by your provider.
- Support Teams: A lot of people use support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous to help them manage their addiction. Families and relatives of those suffering from drug use disorders can get support from organizations such as Al-Anon. People can find continuing support and a platform to exchange experiences in these groups.
Is It Possible to Avoid Becoming Addicted?
You can take certain actions to lower your chance of becoming addicted, such as:
- Always follow your doctor's instructions when taking prescription drugs. Get in touch with your doctor right away if you think you may be becoming dependent on prescription drugs.
- Being aware of your family's past, you can be more susceptible if there is a family history of behavioral addictions or drug use issues. Consult your healthcare practitioner about risk reduction measures.
- Stress management in a healthy way is important. Stress and transition are two major factors that raise the likelihood of substance use. It's crucial to use constructive coping techniques during these periods, like working out, practicing meditation, or picking up a new pastime. If stress management is becoming a problem for you, think about consulting a mental health expert.
- Stay away from non-medical and always follow your doctor's instructions when taking prescription drugs.
- Get in touch with the doctor right away if you think you may be becoming dependent on prescription drugs.
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