About addiction is information about habits that that steadily become out of control by those who become addicted to such things as drugs, alcohol, gambling and other forms. In addition, having an addiction can also include gambling, over and under eating and exercise. Many health professionals have information to help you in understanding addiction.

Many wonder what is addiction and what causes dependence and it seems that for each person who is addicted, there are different and various reasons; however, there are usually two main causes of dependence and they are worsening situations that a person wants to make better such as buying lottery tickets and never winning and being persistent in negative behavior. About addiction are words that can lead you to helpful information.

Some Addiction Statistics

In 2010 approximately 22.6 millions people in America, 12 years old and older, were drug users. What these addiction statistics means is at that time 8.9 percent of those 12 years old and older were using drugs. For those 50 and older, drug use went from 2.7 percent in 2002 to 5.8 percent in 2010. Clearly, an increase in drug use, for many.

Addictions not only harm the person who is addicted but also harm those around him or her. Often times, a person who is addicted doesn’t see the harm until her or she goes through a difficult or crisis situation. The harm of an addiction may also not be seen or felt until a loved one leaves them or perhaps, they lose their job.

When someone is addicted to something or someone and they have no control over how they use it, then he or she becomes dependent on it in order to get through the day. It becomes a necessity in their daily routine. Information about addiction topics can be found online.

Most of us have habits that we acquire during our lifetime and most of the time they cause no harm but when a person has a dependence, he or she has no control over his behavior because they need this dependency, either being mental or physical addictions. Books about addiction also have good information on this topic.

A habit is something we choose to do; we don’t need it in our daily lives to get through the day. When we have a habit, we can stop if we want to. This is different from an dependence. It’s important to note that addictions can often lead to serious health and personal relationships at home, at school or at work.

Signs and Symptoms of Addictive Behavior

There are signs of addiction and symptoms vary from person to person and according to what they are addicted to; however, there are basic signs and symptoms that will tell you that a person has problems.

Some of these symptoms are:

• He or she has withdrawal symptoms such as being moody, being depressed, feeling bitter or having feelings of resentment.
• He or she is taking something and cannot stop taking it.
• The addiction continues; even though he or she is having health problems.
• Taking Unusual Risks
• Being Obsessed in Getting the Drug
• Having Problems with the Law
• Not Interested in Hobbies or their Work
• Being Unable to get Along with their Family and Friends
• Having Financial Problems

Addiction to alcohol is a serious problem for many and in some cases can lead to serious health complications or death, if not treated early and consistently. Withdrawal symptoms from alcohol include sweating, nausea, anxiety or shaking. Most alcoholics need help to stop drinking because the craving for alcohol is so strong. With an effective and caring alcohol rehab program and support from love ones, many are able to stop their drinking. A person’s environment and negative experiences in life also have an impact on their addiction to alcohol.

Risk Factors about Addictive Behavior

There are risk factors for developing an addictive personality behavior such as having a genetic factor such as someone in the family having a history about addiction. It is often the genes we inherit from our parents that decide if we have a risk factor for addiction. Gender is another risk factor because often it is men who have addictive behavior. Another risk factor is peer pressure. Often teenagers will conform with their group so that they can become a member of a certain group. Being mentally ill is another factor. Those who are depressed or who are hyperactive, are more susceptible to addictive behavior. Loneliness and being young are two other risk factors why some become addicted to drugs or other forms of addiction. Stress is another risk factor for some. Too much stress can sometimes lead a person to find an substance to use just to escape a stressful condition.

There are several ways dependence can be diagnosed such as a friend or family member talking with another about their concerns with a person’s behavior. When a doctor examines a person who is suspected to be addicted to something, he or she will ask that person when he or she takes a drug, how often the addiction is performed and if he or she thinks that they have a problem. If the doctor feels that the person does have a problem, he or she may refer them to a specialist such as a psychologist, psychiatrist or an addiction counselor. A blood test may also be given to see if the drug is still in the person’s system.

Diagnosis About Addiction

Once there has been a diagnosis of dependence, then treatment options are considered. There are various addiction treatment options available and they depend on what types of addiction is suspected, how long the dependence has been going on and what treatment program will give the best results.

Psychotherapy is one treatment option. This kind of treatment can be with the family or it can be an exchange with the addicted person and the psychotherapist. Self-help groups are another example of treatment for an addiction. This is where a group of people who are dealing with the same kind of dependence, come together and discuss their problems and talk of ways in overcoming their problem. An example of this kind of treatment might be Narcotics Anonymous. If you need more information about addiction topics, you will find answers at your local library.

No matter what kind of treatment option is given, the main purpose of these treatment programs is to give help to get the substance out of a person’s body, quickly and safely. Sometimes a doctor or psychologist may give a recommendation for an inpatient or outpatient residential treatment center program. About addiction is something many of us need to research because so many in our society are addicted to drugs or other items.

It is important to keep in mind that this can come in other forms such as stimulants like cocaine, being addicted to depressants such as barbiturates, or having an addiction to opioids. Opioids are drugs that many take to help with pain. When a person withdraws from opioids, there can be disturbing symptoms such as anxiety, sweating, sleeping problems, diarrhea and hypertension. Sometimes there is a need for addiction intervention; especally when treatment is not effective or if a person does not want to abide by certain guidelines that will bring him or her to wellness. Help with addiction can be found in several healthcare areas such as one’s doctor, an addiction rehab center or as an inpatient in a hospital setting.

Complications with Addictions

In addition, there can be complications that come when addicted to drugs or other addictive things such as health problems. Some drugs affect a person’s health negatively; especially when a person doesn’t eat or drink properly and that can bring on such health problems as diabetes, weight loss or weight gain, vision problems and hindering one’s immune system. Another complication from being addicted to something is that a person could go into a come or die. There are also some diseases that come along with addiction such as hepatitis or HIV/AIDS. Suicide is also a possibility with an addiction. Unemployment and homelessness often enter into an addicted person’s life because they have no money and cannot afford a place to live. Child abuse is another complication because the addicted person is so focused on getting drugs, that they are no longer interested in taking care of their children.

Getting into trouble with the law is another complication because he or she will steal or do other unlawful acts in order to get the money they need to support their habit. About addiction are words that can lead you to facts and figures.

If you know of someone who is having problems with addiction there are certain steps you can take to help them. First, you need to establish trust with him or her because without having trust in this kind of relationship, little will be accomplished. Then, be sure to get some help for yourself because helping an addict to get help with is or her addiction is stressful and you will need the support and help from a mental health professional. He or she can guide you toward treatment methods that will help your addicted friend.

Then, do what you can to communicate with your friend or loved one. Keep your communication honest, fair and open. You want your communication to be non-threatening and helpful. Once a treatment plan hs been chosen, be supportive but also give that person space and allow the treatment plan to progress according to the therapist’s plan of treatment. In addition, be careful not to criticize or blame your friend for what has happened. About addiction can help you find treatment plans for addiction.

If your friend or loved one is having treatment by himself, show respect for their privacy and be judicious in telling others about what is going on with the drug treatment. About addiction is an important topic.

Drug Rehab Progams

Drug rehab programs should have trained health professionals so that an accurate diagnosis can be made and so that effective treatment can be given to help heal an addict. Also a good drug rehab program should also have various treatment needs such as residential, outpatient and short stay options for treatment. Usually, the length of a person’s stay in a program depends on the stage and seriousness of the illness. Cost is always a factor and the cost depends on the location of the rehab center, services offered and the level of need for the addiction. Another factor to consider is if the treatment program is medically based. This can be a great advantage because your loved one will have 24 hour care from doctors and nurses and they can better examine and evaluate a person’s progress and make adjustments to treatment plans when needed.

There are some who feel that (psychology of addiction) the mind has something to do with addictive behavior. Environmental factors such as coming from a dysfunctional family, living in a dangerous community, being depressed for a long time, suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder or being an overly aggressive person are psychological factors that make some people more prone to addiction.

Family Involvement can make a Difference!

Because family involvement is important during part of most treatment plans, involvement of the family is highly suggested so that recovery can be complete and substantial. In addition, because addiction recovery is a long and sometimes tedious process, everyone needs to be patient and keep in mind the long term positive effects that will come from the treatment programs. There are many topics that can and should be discussed when it comes to the topic of addiction.

However, with a professional and caring staff, programs that offer counseling, treatment programs designed to heal and help the person who is addicted, one can overcome this and look forward to a more positive future with his or her family and become a more productive member of society. About addiction can help a caregiver of an addict find remedies for this illness.

To find out more information about dependence, talk with your doctor or psychologist or other mental health professional about treatment options, symptoms of addiction and causes of addiction. No matter the source of addiction, can be overcome with the help and guidance of a healthcare specialist or in a caring addiction rehab center.