Addiction Explained: From Causes to Recovery

-Maanasa B V

Intern, Jan- Apr 2024

Introduction

Addiction is defined as a state of psychological and physical dependence on the use of drugs or other substances, including alcohol, activities, and behaviors. There are also non-substance-related behavioral addictions, like sex, exercise, and gambling. Despite the variety of addictions that exist, the psychology behind them is similar. Addiction results from multiple factors making it difficult to establish a concrete cause-effect relationship. When individuals engage in a pleasurable activity and cannot stop doing it even if it disrupts their everyday life including their work, family, health, and social life it is considered an addiction. For example, if an individual continues to gamble even when it causes tension in their family and financial problems, they are likely addicted to gambling.

What causes addiction?

Addiction results from a complex interplay of factors, including:

• The brain: Research suggests that all addictive behaviors share common neurobiological factors. Addiction affects the brain’s reward, reinforcement, motivation, and memory systems. As addiction impacts the executive functions of the brain, the person remains unaware of the harmful effects caused by it. When we experience a pleasurable stimulus, our brain releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter that reinforces behaviors. Reinforcement causes the repetition of behaviors. Those susceptible to addiction have dysregulated reward systems which causes compulsive engagement in addictive behaviours.

• Personality: sensation-seeking and impulsivity have been linked with addiction. Impulsivity makes an individual more susceptible to a relapse.

• Mental health: Mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, etc. can increase the chances of addiction.

• Accessibility and availability: The easy availability of addictive substances like drugs and alcohol leads to an increased risk of addiction.

• Family relations: Research indicates that strong family bonds serve as protection against substance abuse disorders. Lack of supervision and family support can lead to an increased risk of addiction.

How is addiction diagnosed/identified?

Clinicians use a set of 11 criteria to diagnose substance use disorders outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). The clinical diagnosis is based on the presence of at least two of numerous symptoms. Symptoms of addiction include:

• The use of the substance or the frequency of the behavior is greater than initially intended.

• Attempts to reduce intake or frequency of the addictive behavior.

• The craving to use the substance or engage in the addictive activity.

• Continued use despite negative consequences.

• Continued use during risky situations.

• Continued use despite the physical and psychological problems it causes.

• Declining or no participation in work, social, and recreational activities.

• Increased tolerance to the substance or requiring more of it to get the desired effect.

• Withdrawal occurs in the form of physiological symptoms or using related substances to block these symptoms.

The severity of addiction can be assessed through the number of symptoms present, the more the symptoms, the more the severity.

Recovery 

There are many ways through which an individual can recover from addiction. Some individuals can improve by themselves which is known as natural recovery. Some can benefit from community and social support. Others choose clinical-based recovery through the help of professionals. Often, recovery from addiction is not a linear process. Relapses are common but relapse does not mean that recovery isn’t possible. 

Some treatments for addiction include:

• Detoxification under medical supervision.

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

• Group therapy and support groups.

• Medication to reduce use.

Please keep in mind that if you or someone you know struggles with addiction, do not hesitate to seek help. Social and professional support can go a long way in helping one overcome addiction.

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