When we talk about addictions, alcohol or hard drugs immediately come to mind, but in reality there is a wide range when it comes to this type of disorders and also addictive behaviors.
As we say, addiction manifests itself in very different ways, not only as substances that are consumed
We believe it is appropriate before entering this section to point out that addiction is recognized as a disease by the World Health Organization. In fact, this institution recognizes it as a mental illness, like other disorders such as Alzheimer’s or schizophrenia. In addition, it also places it at the level of chronic diseases such as cancer.
The characteristics of addiction They are mainly the following:
So there is basically three groups of addictions that we can recognize: to substances, to behaviors (non-substances) and emotional ones In this article we are going to talk about the first group.
The most common substance addictions
As we say, the most common and best-known addictions are those that involve the consumption of different substances. They are the following.
1. Alcohol consumption
One of the main problems that alcoholism presents is that alcohol consumption is legal, making it easy to access. However, it is very important to know that ingesting these drinks can cause very serious health effects.
One of the consequences of this addiction is dangerous and risky behavior on the part of the addict. On the other hand, one of the difficulties that the addict has to face is that he is very socially accepted, and often, many believe that it is only a social behavior, when in reality it is a very dangerous substance
The effects of alcohol are notable on a physical and psycho-cognitive level, since they generate effects such as hangover and discomfort as well as emotional instability, a significant decrease in the person’s reaction capacity and greater aggressiveness.
2. Tobacco addiction
Did you know that what causes addiction is nicotine? As in the previous case, it is a legal substance, although there is greater knowledge about the damage it causes
Nicotine changes how the brain works considerably, and that is why addiction occurs. It is important to know that smoke causes many respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
3. Pill addiction
Although getting them is not as easy as getting a bottle of alcohol, There are many people who are addicted to pills
It is very important to consider that each pill is different and has very different effects depending on its type and the amount consumed.
The greatest danger that exists in the consumption of pills is that tolerance to them is very rapid, so Each time the addict needs to take more and more to achieve the effect he intends to achieve with his consumption
4. Cannabis addiction
How many times have you been told that nothing happens if you smoke a joint? Have you been told that the only thing that happens is that you become happier? Well the truth is that there is much more behind cannabis
Although it is an illegal substance, cannabis is one of the most popular among consumers because it is relatively easy to access, and you can even buy plants and grow them as an individual.
There are many false beliefs around cannabis, the most popular being that since it comes from a plant it is natural, and therefore has no negative consequences. The truth is It does have important consequences on the consumer’s health In fact, it affects cognitively, since it causes a deterioration in intelligence, memory and speech fluency. In addition, it is also related to mental disorders, such as schizophrenia.
Addiction must be treated properly
A substance addiction is something that requires specialized and personalized treatment for each specific case. It is important to know the addict and their situation well, and act based on this
Addiction treatment encompasses use through different stages in which different aspects are worked on, such as, for example, the complete elimination of consumption or the patient’s self-knowledge.
