Addiction

What are Addictions?

Addictions are habitual patterns of intentional, appetitive behaviors​. Often addictions can become excessive, problematic, and produce serious consequences​. An addiction is the stability of these problematic behavior patterns over a period of time.​
​

Addiction are complex as they involve the interrelated physiological, psychological, and social components​ of an individual. Often individuals struggling with addiction have difficulty modifying and stopping these patterns of behavior (smoking, alcohol, marijuana, heroin or process addictions like gambling, sex, etc.)

{"preview_thumbnail":"/sites/default/files/styles/video_embed_wysiwyg_preview/public/video_thumbnails/NLNdVElWhqg.jpg?itok=3pydnaZk","video_url":"https://youtu.be/NLNdVElWhqg","settings":{"responsive":1,"width":"854","height":"480","autoplay":0},"settings_summary":["Embedded Video (Responsive)."]}

The Impact of Addiction on the Brain 

Neurobiological Adaptation – Often addiction can be perceived as a brain disease, meaning there are changes in the brain as brain and biology adapt to the frequent exposure to an addictive behavior or substance.

When there is nuerobiological adaptation you may see...

- an increased need for a substance for an individual to feel normal

- poor stress tolerance, meaning an individual is less able to handle stress

- withdrawal and tolerance

- increased strength of triggers and cues

- negative emotions when an individual is not able to use addictive substances or partake in addictive behaviors

- lack of response to "normal" pleasures - an individual may not feel pleasure in other aspects of their life when compared to the effect of addictive substances/behaviors