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Addiction

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SANDARU AKASH GURUSINGHE
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8 views

Addiction

Uploaded by

SANDARU AKASH GURUSINGHE
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Sandaru Akash Tos-12136 11-B

Addiction
What is Addiction?
Addiction is a condition where a person becomes dependent on a substance
or behavior, such as drugs, alcohol, gambling, or overeating. It leads to
compulsive engagement, despite harmful consequences. Addiction affects
the brain, altering behavior, judgment, and decision-making. Individuals
often seek the substance or behavior to avoid discomfort, find pleasure, or
cope with stress. Over time, it becomes harder to stop, and physical and
psychological effects may develop. Treatment typically involves therapy,
support groups, and sometimes medication to help manage the addiction
and promote recovery.

What is The Use of Addictive Substances and


Different Types of Addiction
Use of Addictive Substances:
-To seek pleasure or euphoria: Many addictive substances (e.g., drugs,
alcohol) trigger the brain’s reward system, leading to feelings of pleasure or
relaxation.
- To cope with stress, pain, or emotions: People may use substances to
numb emotional pain, anxiety, or stress.
- Social pressure or influence: Peer pressure or social contexts can
encourage substance use.
- Habit or routine: Over time, substance use can become a regular part of
an individual’s lifestyle.

Different Types of Addiction:

1. Substance Addiction:
- Alcohol Addiction: Compulsive drinking despite negative consequences.
- Drug Addiction: Dependency on substances like opioids, cocaine,
marijuana, etc.
- Nicotine Addiction: Dependence on smoking or vaping products.

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Sandaru Akash Tos-12136 11-B

2. Behavioral Addiction:
- Gambling Addiction: Compulsive gambling behavior leading to financial
and emotional distress.
- Internet Addiction: Excessive use of the internet, leading to social,
academic, or professional issues.
- Food Addiction: Compulsive overeating or craving unhealthy food.
- Video Game Addiction: Excessive gaming that interferes with daily life
and responsibilities.

3. Sex Addiction: Compulsive engagement in sexual behaviors, often


leading to distress or harm.

4. Work Addiction: Obsession with work, often at the cost of personal


relationships and health.

What is the relationship between drug addiction


and crime?
1. Economic Crimes: Drug addiction is strongly linked to economic crimes
such as theft, robbery, and property crimes. Individuals addicted to
substances like cocaine or heroin often commit crimes to fund their
addiction. A study showed that drug users were more likely to be involved in
criminal activities compared to non-users.

2. Drug Trafficking and Illegal Activities: The illegal drug trade itself is a
significant area where addiction and crime intersect. Addicts may engage in
drug dealing as a way to support their habit. Research has found that small-
scale drug dealing, often done by addicts, frequently leads to criminal
careers and further addiction.

3. Violent Crime and Aggression: Some substances, particularly


stimulants like methamphetamine and cocaine, can increase aggression,
leading to violent crimes such as assault, domestic violence, and even

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Sandaru Akash Tos-12136 11-B

murder. Studies have shown a clear link between stimulant use and violent
behavior.

4. Family and Social Context: Family dynamics, such as lack of


supervision or parental drug use, can contribute to both substance abuse
and criminal behavior in adolescents. Research suggests that positive family
relationships and communication can reduce the risk of both drug use and
criminal conduct.

The Risk Factors Involved in Developing Addiction

1. Genetics and Family History: Genetics play a significant role in


addiction. Individuals with a family history of substance use disorder are
more likely to develop an addiction themselves. Research suggests that
genetic factors contribute to 40-60% of the risk of addiction.

2. Mental Health Conditions: People with mental health disorders like


depression, anxiety, PTSD, or ADHD are at higher risk for developing
addiction. Often, individuals use substances as a way to self-medicate, which
can lead to substance abuse and eventual addiction.

3. Early Exposure and Peer Pressure: Early exposure to drugs or alcohol,


particularly during adolescence, increases the likelihood of developing an
addiction later in life. Peer pressure and the desire to fit in with social groups
can also contribute to early substance use, setting the stage for addiction.

4. Trauma and Stress: Childhood trauma, abuse, or chronic stress can


increase vulnerability to addiction. Individuals may turn to substances as a
coping mechanism to manage overwhelming emotions or past experiences.

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Sandaru Akash Tos-12136 11-B

5. Environment and Social Factors: Environmental factors, including


growing up in a household with substance abuse, poverty, or high crime
rates, increase the risk of addiction. Additionally, environments that
normalize or encourage substance use, such as certain social circles or
workplaces, can heighten this risk.

6. Personality Traits: Certain personality traits, such as impulsivity,


sensation-seeking, or a high need for novelty, can make individuals more
likely to engage in risky behaviors like substance use, potentially leading to
addiction.

7.Access to Substances: Easy access to drugs or alcohol, such as living in


areas where substances are readily available, can contribute to addiction.
This is particularly true when the substances are legal or socially acceptable,
such as alcohol or prescription medications.

Potential Symptoms of Addiction


1. Physical Symptoms:
- Tolerance: Over time, individuals need increasing amounts of the
substance to achieve the same effect (e.g., higher doses of alcohol, drugs).
- Withdrawal Symptoms: When not using the substance, the individual
experiences physical and psychological discomfort (e.g., anxiety, sweating,
nausea, tremors).
- Changes in Appearance: Addicts may have neglectful personal hygiene
or visible health issues like weight loss or a pale complexion.

2. Psychological Symptoms:
- Preoccupation with Substance Use: Constant thoughts or obsessive
planning around obtaining, using, or recovering from the substance.
- Denial: A refusal to acknowledge the negative impact of substance use,
often minimizing the severity of the problem.

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Sandaru Akash Tos-12136 11-B

- Mood Swings: Extreme changes in mood, including irritability,


depression, or anxiety, when the substance is not available or being used.

3. Behavioral Symptoms:
- Inability to Stop: Even after multiple attempts to quit, the person
continues using the substance, demonstrating a lack of control.
- Neglecting Responsibilities: Work, school, or family obligations are
often ignored or compromised due to the addiction.
- Risky Behaviors: Engaging in dangerous activities while under the
influence (e.g., driving while intoxicated).
- Social Isolation: Withdrawal from family, friends, and social activities,
often because the person prefers to use the substance alone or feels
ashamed of their behavior.

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