What is Addiction

Addiction is a progressive, chronic, primary, relapsing disorder that involves features such as compulsion to use a chemical or indulge in a behavior, loss of control over the use of a substance or behavior, and continued use or acting out in spite of negative or adverse consequences.

It is the state of being where it becomes impossible to survive and get mental peace until ones needs are fulfilled in regards to whatever the addiction is for.

The word addiction is generally linked to drugs and alcoholism, which is very true also but it’s not only that. There are many
kinds of addiction, which are very common these days: computer addiction, games addiction, gambling addiction, over eating problems, sex addiction, etc.

A Disease

Many people do not think addiction is a disease. Some say it is simply a moral problem, or weakness. Addiction is NOT a moral problem or a weakness. To better understand addiction as a disease, we must first examine what a disease is.

Definition of a disease: A defiant morbid process having a characteristic trait of symptoms, it may affect the whole body or any of its parts. And it etiology, pathology, and prognosis may be known or unknowns. E.M. Jellinek in the late 1940's had found that alcoholism had a characteristic set of signs and symptoms, and it has a defiant and progressive course. We like to think of this as the stages of addiction. They are as followed:

Pre stage: Relief-fun

Early Stage:
Start using more, forgetting, start to sneak use, begin to feel guilt about using, dont communicate about it, and increased tolerance begins.

Mid Stage:
The addict starts to experience a loss of control over use, probably mild at this point. Mild enough to rationalize the use or behavior. The addict can show signs of aggressiveness, grandiose behaviors, and remorse. The addicted person will change friends and begin to lower there standards of friendship in order to continue use or behavior.

Late Stage:
There will be a significant change in values at this point, the deeper into the addiction one gets the less important values become. The addict will neglect health and usually end up in hospital or detox clinics frequently. The addict is saturated with self piety and resentment, and tries to escape reality as often as possible.

Final Stage:
At this stage the addict has lost all control of there use or behavior. All areas of life become affected negatively and are unmanageable. The addict will experience tremors, hallucinations, frequent blackouts, psychosis, irritability, confusion, ethical deterioration, physical and emotional shutdown, insanity and
if intervention is not done death.

At any of these stages addiction can be treated and arrested. Physical dependence can occur with drug and alcohol addiction. Physical dependence occurs when the cells in the body become accustomed to the drug and begin to adapt to the presence of
that drug. Once this has happened, the body appears to be in balance only when the drug is present. Physical dependence must be treated by a qualified medical staff or center, as withdraw symptoms can be dangerous if not properly managed.

Addiction was a term used to describe a devotion, attachment, dedication, inclination, etc. Nowadays, however, the term
addiction is used to describe a recurring compulsion by an individual to engage in some specific activity, despite harmful consequences to the individual's health, mental state or social life. The term is often reserved for drug addictions but it is sometimes applied to other compulsions, such as problem gambling, and compulsive overeating.

In conclusion, addiction is a serious disease. One that involves genetics, environment, social factors, biology, and psychology. Addiction is treatable and many have found relief. The first step
is to admit there is a problem and ask for the necessary help.

At AIS we believe addiction, no matter what the substance, is a treatable and preventable family disease from which individuals affected can and do progress into productive, contented, meaningful and happy lives.

If you would like to find out more about the intervention process.

Call our 24 hour hotline at 1-866-921-8893
There you will find one of our experienced counselors ready to
take you through the rest of the process.
One call can make all the difference.

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