Addiction

Addiction can come in many forms, first we'll look at the facts, what addiction is and what happens in the body.  Then we'll talk about it feels.

The Facts......

Addiction is a chronic disorder characterized by compulsive engagement in a substance or behaviour despite negative consequences. It affects the brain's reward system, leading to changes in motivation, impulse control, and decision-making.

Types of Addiction

  • Substance Use Disorders – Dependence on drugs, alcohol, nicotine, or prescription medications.

  • Behavioral Addictions – Compulsive engagement in activities like gambling, gaming, or excessive internet use.

Neurobiology of Addiction

Addiction alters brain function, particularly in areas responsible for:

  • Dopamine Regulation – Substances and behaviors overstimulate the brain's reward system, reinforcing compulsive use.

  • Prefrontal Cortex Dysfunction – Impaired decision-making and impulse control.

  • Stress Response Changes – Increased sensitivity to stress, leading to cravings and relapse.

Symptoms of Addiction

  • Loss of control over substance or behavior use.

  • Increased tolerance, requiring more to achieve the same effect.

  • Withdrawal symptoms when stopping use.

  • Neglect of responsibilities, relationships, or health.

The Feels....

Addiction is something that starts out feeling good or helpful, that drink on a Friday night to unwind, the bar of chocolate to take your mind of the argument with your partner.  But over time, the few pints on a Friday night has stretched to Saturday and Sunday, and one bar has turned into finishing the whole pack.  And so the slide begins from something you choose because it feels good, to a negative behaviour that takes over your life and negatively affects one or more areas like your relationships, physical health or finances. .  You get stuck in a loop, doing the same thing over and over again—even though you know it's not good for you. And don't forget, we can become addicted to anything if it serves a purpose which is often escape from painful thoughts or feelings, helping feelings of anxiety, reducing stress and so on: smoking, drinking, gambling, shopping, scrolling endlessly on social media, or even binge-watching TV and exercise. It all helps distract, numb, and avoid things that may be to difficult or overwhelming for us to cope with.

Here's how it usually works:

  • Craving – You start feeling a strong urge to do it.

  • Compulsion – You feel like you have to do it, even if you don't really want to.

  • Loss of Control – You try to stop, but it's ridiculously hard.

  • Consequences – It starts messing with your health, relationships, or daily life.

The tricky part? Your brain gets used to the habit and keeps pushing you to do it again. It's like a broken record that won't stop playing. This is when you may need to look for help, it can be tricky to deal with an addiction on your own, but people recover all the time with the right support, whether it's therapy, lifestyle changes, or just having people who understand.  Go to Resources if you think you or someone you know needs help.