In today’s fast-paced society addiction is something concerning. When you think about it at first it seems odd to think that addiction is bad, but think about the people who are addicted to cigarettes, to alcohol or to drugs. To be addicted to someone or something means that you cannot live without it. Basically, addiction is a chronic dysfunction of our brain, when our body craves a sensation or a feeling, like a reward after you eat, smoke or drink something.
When you are addicted to something the level of dopamine in your brain is increasing, so that is why we do certain things, good or not for us, just to feel the pleasure afterwards.
It is not entirely your fault because you are addicted. Some studies show that genes can account for as much as 50 percent of a person’s risk for addiction. The genes you have you cannot control, but what you can control, especially if you are a teenager, is your group of friends, the environment you live in has a significant impact on your actions.
Childhood trauma is another thing that has a huge impact on your addiction. A child who has traumas is more likely to become addicted than a child who lived in a normal environment. There are lots of types of addiction. The most common ones are: drug addiction, cigarette addiction, alcohol addiction and gambling addiction, but besides these there are: phone addiction, shopping addiction, food addiction and sexual addiction. Even though these do not seem as dangerous as the most common ones, they have a huge impact on your long-term life and you can become unrecognizable. For example, sometimes you become addicted just because you are bored, or you are forced to stay in. Studies show that since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, overdoses have increased by 50% in the US.
You should understand that even though you are more likely to become addicted when you are a teenager, addiction can happen at any stage in life because of the stress, the environment or your genetics. And remember, the one who is addicted is not the only one who suffers, all the people around him/her are suffering because of their actions.
Addiction is a liar - it tricks the brain into thinking that the substance or behavior is necessary for survival. It convinces individuals that they need it in order to function properly, despite all evidence to the contrary.
One lie of addiction is that you can control it. Many people believe they can quit anytime they want to but find themselves unable to do so when faced with triggers and cravings. Addiction takes over the decision-making process and makes rational choices difficult if not impossible.
Dr. Jane Thompson, Addiction Specialist says that: Addiction is a brain disease. It’s not a weakness. It’s not a choice. And it’s not just about using drugs. It’s interfering with the brain’s reward system, making the drug feel as important as food or water. We must change society’s perception and provide the necessary support and treatment for those battling this disease.
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