What is addiction? Are you or any of your near ones suffering from the disease of addiction?
Addiction is broadly defined as the continued compulsive use of a substance or behaviour, despite harm to self and/or others. The key piece is really the behaviours and whether or not they cross this threshold of impairing function. The word ADDICTION in itself is sufficient. It does not matter whether you are addicted to something. The essence of addiction matters rather than being addicted to something.
How do you know if a person is an addict or not?
THE FOURS C’S
CONTROL
The person is using more of the substance than intended and for a longer period of time.
COMPLUSION
There is a lot of mental taxing by the person, Planning on using or hiding your using , Automaticity ( using in spite of not intending to)
CRAVING
An overwhelming intrusive thought of wanting to use which overpowers all other thinking.
CONSEQUENCES
Continues using despite harmful consequences in some or all spheres of life – health, moral, physical, relationship, professional.
Physical Symptoms
Tolerance– Needing more of a substance over time to get the same effect.
Withdrawal– The effects on the human body when you are away from your substance- Shivers, tremors, delirium tremens, lack of sleep, craving.