Alcohol or drug use disorders may have any number of associated underlying issues, such as co-occurring depression, bi-polar tendencies, co-dependency, other compulsive behaviors, trauma or dysfunctional relationships. Our staff at Sunflower Wellness Retreat in Olathe, KS is trained to identify and integrate services to address the entire emotional, mental, physical and spiritual dimensions that may interfere with successful recovery.
We provide a personal approach, addressing the complexities of addiction. But first, let’s define addiction.
Definition of Addiction
Addiction is one of the most serious health issues in the world today. It is a complex condition that causes health problems and affects patient social life. Addiction is unpredictable which means; anyone can be a victim of addiction.
What is addiction? Addiction is an abuse of substance or behavior, a constant repetition of an act without control, despite the desire to stop it. A habitual dependence on substance beyond a voluntary control is also referred to as an addiction
Medically, it has been viewed to be a brain disorder or disease, temporarily altering the chemical balance of the brain, regardless of its consequences. Addiction is similar to the process of taking psychoactive drugs not prescribed by Doctors.
Addiction is a Brain Disease
American psychiatric association defines addiction as a brain disease that exhibits compulsive use of a substance despite harmful consequences. It went further to establish that in brain imaging studies, there are changes in memory, decision-making, learning and behavior control of an addict.
Psychologically, a person becomes addicted when he or she is not able to control the aspect, of the addiction without help. Because of the mental or physical condition. In other words, it is known as a habitual dependence on behavior and substance, which leads to distorted thinking, behavior, and body functions.
The national institute on drug abuse has stated that people become an addict for some various reasons. Examples of which are, to feel good, relieve stress, tension, and mostly, could be peer pressure. It becomes difficult to stop it, no matter an attempt to quit. From the public policy statement, addiction is the inability to abstain.
According to ASAM (American Society of Addiction Medicine), addiction is not a choice but a manifestation of a disease. However, making an excellent choice is essential to get help from specialists.
Olathe Kansas Rehab
The cause of addiction has been a controversial question among practitioners. Some of which historically stems from physical, mental, circumstantial and emotional factors. Some of which are poverty, mental illness, sociability, cultural factor, and family genes.
Besides, there are several common types of addiction, such as internet addiction, compulsive eating, sex, and shopping (between 2% and 8% of Americans are estimated to have some compulsive relationship with buying).
There are a series of symptoms that come with addiction. Some of these are loss of control, loss of memory, relationship problems, secrecy, despair and continued dependence on the use of the substance.
Steps to Enroll
However, there are necessary steps to take to help overcome addiction. The stated tips below can be helpful in other to overcome addiction.
- Non-denial is the first choice. Admitting an addiction can help put an end to it
- A determination to quit is an important key and a favorable decision to overcome and have a healthy living.
- Avoidance of things or places that trigger addiction.
- Seeking medical treatment
- Talking to a trained therapist
- Associating with a support group
Remember, addiction is often uncontrollable. But addiction starts with a gradual process before it became an uncontrollable act. Therefore, recovery is also gradual but might take a long process. The hallmark of suppressing addiction requires determination to stop, patience, and persistence.
If you are in Olathe or any other surrounding areas in Kansas City, please give Sunflower Wellness Retreat a call and we can help. 913-755-4357