Understanding Addiction
Across the world, people from all walks of life find their lives impaired by drug, alcohol and behavioural addictions every single day.
Significantly reducing the quality of a person’s life, understanding addictions is vital if they are to be overcome.
At Cassiobury Court, we appreciate that understanding addictions can be difficult. As a result, this blog covers everything you need to know about addictions, the signs and symptoms associated, treatments and our services.
What Is An Addiction?
You may have heard of addiction being referred to as an obsession, but this is not the case. Addiction and obsession are inherently different. Addiction is defined as a complex condition that significantly impacts an individual’s day-to-day life. Addictions, be it to substances or behaviours, are psychological disorders that require professional treatment.
Affecting the way a person acts, thinks, feels and behaves, addictions arise from a range of underlying factors such as mental health disorders, stress, marital problems, troubles at work, and genetics. Here, substances, for example, are consumed to navigate and alleviate any pessimistic thoughts and feelings experienced.
As the short-term effects of consuming drugs and alcohol help many relax, substance abuse arises and gives way to addictions.
Although many people believe that addictions are a lifestyle choice, this is not true. When an individual becomes addicted to drugs, alcohol or behaviours, they often do so unintentionally.
Whilst addictions have the most notable impact on the individual suffering, addictions can sadly hinder relationships. This is because the behaviours associated with addictions often harm family members, friends and even inflict danger within the workplace.
The Different Types Of Addictions
Drug and alcohol addictions are the most frequently discussed addictions. In the United Kingdom alone, approximately 602,391 people are reliant on alcohol. Meanwhile, more than 234,101 people require treatment for drug addictions each year.
Among the most common substance addictions in the United Kingdom are:
- Alcohol addictions
- Cannabis addictions
- Heroin addictions
- Prescription drug addictions
- Cocaine addictions
When it comes to understanding addictions, it is essential to acknowledge that behavioural addictions are also problematic. Behavioural addictions, like substance addictions, arise from a wealth of different factors and disrupt the sufferer’s life.
Below, we have shared several behavioural addictions that often require treatment.
- Gambling addictions
- Sex addictions
- Shopping addictions
- Work addictions
- Food addictions
The Main Signs and Symptoms of Addiction
When an addiction arises, many physical, psychological and behavioural signs and symptoms do too. However, it should be noted that the signs and symptoms encountered due to a substance addiction are somewhat different from the signs and symptoms experienced due to a behavioural addiction. This is because substances have different effects on our physical and psychological health.
For example, substance addictions come hand-in-hand with several short and long-term physical and psychological signs and symptoms. These include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Weight loss
- Weight gain
- Changes in complexion
- Bloodshot eyes
- Appearing tired
- Decrease in energy
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Mood swings
- Extreme agitation
These signs and symptoms indicate that an addiction is present. Without treatment, long-term illnesses such as mental health disorders, organ failure, decreased cognitive function, and heart disease emerge.
Left untreated, the psychological symptoms associated with addictions drastically influence and change an individual’s behaviour. As a result, behavioural signs and symptoms surface. These symptoms not only impact the person suffering but those around them too.
Associated with both substance and behavioural addictions, behavioural symptoms include:
- Increased secrecy
- Lack of interest in hobbies
- Reduced concentration
- Inability to retain information
- Changes in relationships with others
- Defensiveness
- Avoiding certain people or places
- Isolation from others
- Financial problems
- The trouble with the law
Treatment Options Available For Addiction
Worldwide, drug and alcohol rehabs provide a range of treatments that are proven to treat addictions. However, instead of seeking professional help, it is not uncommon for those struggling with addictions to attempt to overcome their issues alone. Unfortunately, doing so can give way to numerous withdrawal symptoms, which are one of the leading causes of relapse.
Yet, when treatment via rehab is secured, treatment options are entirely safe. Typically, treatment options include:
- Medically induced detoxification
- One-to-one therapy
- Group therapy
- Psychological therapy
- Well-being therapy
- Aftercare support
- Relapse prevention
Combined, these treatment options treat the physical and psychological side effects of addiction and encourage those suffering from addictions to understand the cause of their addiction. In doing so, those in recovery can learn how to overcome their addiction once and for all.
Though treatment is required, taking the first step in securing addiction treatment is daunting. As a result, many will defer treatment for as long as possible. However, doing so is not safe nor recommended. In fact, deferring addiction treatment can be detrimental, with the NHS stating that at least 1.3 million hospital admissions are made each year due to substance abuse.
Although addictions can be treated when an intervention is sought as early as possible, more than 4,561 deaths related to addictions are registered in England every year when treatment is not provided.
Addiction Treatment At Cassiobury Court
Whilst the above treatments are suitable for many different types of addictions, here at Cassiobury Court, we tailor all of our treatments to the needs of our clients.
To ensure that addictions are understood and overcome, we provide those in our care with personalised treatment programmes. These programmes combine a number of the treatments mentioned above and also include treatments such as art therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, self-help and support meetings.
In addition to providing treatment and support for addictions, we can also treat mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression, at our residential rehab.
Contact Us Today
Upon understanding addictions in greater detail, if you live with addiction or are worried that a loved one has developed an addiction, we encourage you to contact us today.
At Cassiobury Court, we have a wide variety of treatments available, each of which is proven to help individuals overcome their struggles and secure a long-term recovery.
To find out more about how we can support you or a loved one, contact us today by calling 0800 001 4070. Alternatively, you can text HELP to 83222 and a member of our recovery team will be in contact.
