What Is Addiction?

Addiction is characterized by a compulsive need to engage in certain behaviors, despite the potential negative consequences. Drug and alcohol addiction—as well as behavioral addictions—are types of addictions that can have devastating physical, psychological, and social effects. Drug and alcohol addictions are characterized by chronic substance abuse to achieve an altered state of consciousness or perception. This type of addiction often involves intense cravings for drugs or alcohol, even when there are clear negative effects. Behavioral addictions involve the same compulsive behavior patterns. But instead of being related to drugs or alcohol, they involve activities such as:

• Gambling
• Shopping
• Food
• Sex

People with behavioral addictions feel strongly compelled to engage in the activity regardless of bad consequences. Types of addictions include:

Heroin Addiction

Heroin is an illegal, highly addictive drug. It is a processed form of opium, which comes from the poppy plant. Heroin is usually a white or brown powder. It can also be a black sticky substance known as “black tar heroin.” It is typically:

• Injected
• Sniffed
• Smoked

People who use heroin often develop a tolerance to the drug quickly. This means they need to use more of it to get the same effect. This can fuel drug seeking and use despite harmful consequences. People with opioid addictions often have great difficulty quitting on their own. Many require time in a residential treatment center to recover from heroin abuse.

Prescription Painkiller Addiction

Prescription painkillers are a type of medication for moderate to severe pain relief. They work by binding to certain receptors in the brain and spinal cord. This reduces your perception of pain. Prescription painkillers can be effective at treating pain, but they also carry a risk of addiction and overdose. When taken as prescribed, painkillers are relatively safe. When they are misused or taken in large doses, they can be highly addictive. Symptoms of an addiction to painkillers may include:

• Taking the medication more often or in higher doses than prescribed
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not taking the drug
• Neglecting other obligations because of drug misuse
• Taking the medication with other drugs or alcohol to enhance its effects

Fentanyl Addiction

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is up to 100 times more potent than morphine. It’s typically prescribed for severe pain, such as that associated with cancer. But fentanyl is also used illegally. Its high potency makes it especially dangerous. When misused, fentanyl can lead to opioid addiction and overdose. Fentanyl works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain. This reduces pain and can produce a sense of euphoria. However, repeated use of fentanyl can cause the brain to become tolerant to the drug. You require higher doses to achieve the same effects. This can quickly lead to addiction. People who are addicted to fentanyl may experience withdrawal symptoms if they try to stop taking the drug. These fentanyl withdrawal symptoms can include:

• Anxiety
• Muscle aches
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Sweating
• Chills
• Insomnia

Treatment for fentanyl addiction typically includes medication and behavioral therapy.

Meth Addiction

Methamphetamine is a powerful and highly addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system. The drug is commonly known as:

• Meth
• Speed
• Crystal meth
• Crank

Meth is typically sold as a white or translucent powder that can be snorted, smoked, or injected. The effects of meth include:

• Increased energy and alertness
• Decreased appetite / weight loss
• Euphoric rush

Meth users often become addicted after just one use. This is because the drug creates a strong sense of pleasure and well-being. However, the short-term effects of meth are quickly replaced by negative consequences such as:

• Anxiety
• Paranoia
• Hallucinations

Long-term meth use can lead to serious health conditions such as:

• Kidney damage
• Heart failure
• Stroke

Treatment for meth addiction typically involves a combination of drug detox, counseling, and medication.

Cocaine Addiction

Cocaine is an illegal drug and powerful stimulant made from the leaves of the coca plant. It is usually sold as a white powder that can be:

• Snorted
• Smoked
• Injected

Cocaine produces a short-lived, intense feeling of euphoria followed by feelings of restlessness, paranoia, and anxiety. Over time, cocaine abuse can lead to:

• Addiction
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Seizure

Cocaine addiction usually requires treatment from addiction and medical professionals.

MDMA Addiction

MDMA is a synthetic drug that acts as a stimulant and hallucinogen. It is also known as:

• Ecstasy
• Molly
• Beans
• X
• Love Drug

MDMA increases the activity of three neurotransmitters in the brain:

• Serotonin
• Dopamine
• Norepinephrine

This produces feelings of euphoria, increased energy, and empathy. It can also lead to anxiety, paranoia, and sleep problems. When people stop using MDMA, they may experience depression, anxiety, and memory problems. Some people also develop tolerance to the drug, which means they need to take higher doses to achieve the desired effect. Alcohol Addiction Alcohol addiction is a chronic disorder characterized by intense cravings for alcohol. This is accompanied by compulsive behaviors and an inability to control your drinking. Over time, alcohol addiction can lead to physical and psychological dependence, as well as damage to the:

• Liver
• Brain
• Heart
• Pancreas

Alcohol addiction typically develops over time, starting with occasional binge drinking or heavy drinking. In some people alcohol addiction may be genetic. In others it may be the result of underlying mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression.

Behavioral Addictions

Behavioral addictions are addictions to activities, not substances. You can become addicted to anything that you do repeatedly that gives you a sense of pleasure or satisfaction. The most common behavioral addictions are:

• Gambling
• Shopping
• Eating
• Sex
• Internet or phone use

Like substance use disorders, behavioral addiction is characterized by compulsive behaviors, despite negative consequences. People with behavioral addictions often feel out of control and unable to stop on their own. Treatment for behavioral addiction typically includes therapy, support groups, and sometimes medication.