Doctor's Notes on Addiction
Addiction is a compulsive physiological need for and use of a habit-forming substance (or behavior activity) despite adverse consequences. Signs and symptoms of addiction are listed as having three or more of the following:
- There is a need for increased amounts because of tolerance.
- Withdrawal is evident when uncomfortable symptoms occur with absence of the substance.
- Substance use is used in greater quantities or for longer times.
- A person's efforts to cut down on use has failed.
- Considerable time and effort are used in attaining the substance or recovering from its effects.
- Important social, recreational, and employment activities are reduced or given up.
Researchers suggest that genetic susceptibilities and biological traits play a role in the cause of addiction. Also, environment is suggested to play a role. In addition, the substances and behaviors themselves may increase or change the reward circuits in the brain and augment addiction.
What Are the Treatments for Addiction?
There is no one treatment for addiction, no matter how the person has developed the problem. Addiction, in fact, is not even an official diagnosis. The term "substance use disorders" is used in place of addiction and officially covers drugs or alcohol use and not other types such as sex addiction and many other addiction types. The addiction patient must agree to participate with a treatment plan. Some addictive substances are dangerous to stop suddenly, so your doctor may need to slowly decrease the drug and/or behavior as part of a treatment plan. Almost every treatment plan has these components:
- Counseling
- Group support
- Doctor-prescribed and supervised medication(s)
- Treatment of other health issues (for example, depression, ADHD)
There are too many treatment variations to cover in this short introduction; the reader is suggested to click onto one of the conditions listed below. If your topic is not listed, call 1-800-662-4357 for help and more details.
- Alcohol
- Hallucinogens: phencyclidine, LSD
- Cocaine
- Heroin
- Methamphetamine
- Prescription medications: sedatives, anxiolytics, oxycontin
- Marijuana
- Tobacco
- Gambling
- Sexual
- Stealing
- Exercise
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Alcohol Intoxication
Alcohol intoxication is defined as when the quantity of alcohol the person consumes produces behavioral or physical abnormalities. Alcohol is the generic term for ethanol. A person who is intoxicated with alcohol they may have euphoria, poor coordination and movement, poor judgment, memory loss, slurred speech, confusion, and even coma and death if the person consumed enough alcohol. Gender, coexisiting medical conditions, and medications may have an effect on the level of alcohol intoxication a person experiences. -
Alcoholism
Alcohol problems vary in severity from mild to life-threatening and affect the individual, the person's family, and society in numerous adverse ways. Signs of a drinking problem include insomnia, loss of employment, blackouts, depression, auto accidents, bruises, frequent falls, and anxiety. Treatment involves stabilization, detoxification, and rehabilitation of the alcohol-dependent person. -
Barbiturate Abuse
Barbiturates are a group of drugs in the class of drugs known as sedative-hypnotics, which generally describes their sleep-inducing and anxiety-decreasing effects. -
Club Drugs
A wave of new drugs has become increasingly popular with today's adolescents and young adults. These drugs are commonly known as club drugs. Common club drugs include Ecstasy, amphetamines, PCP, ketamine, and inhalants. -
Cocaine Abuse (Addiction)
Cocaine is one of the most commonly abused drugs in the U.S. Symptoms of cocaine abuse include dilated pupils, recurrent nosebleeds, and hallucinations. Medical professionals diagnose cocaine abuse by looking for signs and symptoms such as cocaine-induced headaches and cocaine-induced seizures; psychiatric complications like anxiety, hallucinations, and psychoses; nasal and throat complications like nosebleed and perforated nasal septum; pulmonary conditions like asthma and pneumonia; cardiovascular complications; and infectious complications. -
Drug Dependence and Abuse
Drug dependence is the physical need for a certain substance. Drug abuse and dependence comprise a huge public health problem with no easy treatment available. -
Narcotic Abuse
Narcotic abuse is when people use narcotics for reasons apart from the narcotic's pain-relief purpose. Signs and symptoms of narcotic abuse include euphoria, shallow breathing, small pupils, nausea, vomiting, slurred speech, confusion, and needle marks on the skin. Treatment involves addressing the long-term psychological dependence associated with narcotic abuse and administering medications such as buprenorphine, clonidine, and naltrexone to alleviate withdrawal symptoms. -
Smoking (Cigarette)
Cigarette smoking remains the leading cause of death and illness among Americans. Effects of smoking can cause cancers, emphysema, bronchitis, COPD, chronic cough, and more. Smoking cessation includes nicotine replacement therapy and behavioral therapy. -
Substance Abuse
People abuse substances such as drugs, alcohol, and tobacco for varied and complicated reasons, but it is clear that our society pays a significant cost. Symptoms and signs of substance abuse include forgetfulness, frequent hangovers, having blackouts, and getting into trouble with the law. Treatment typically involves counseling and prescription medications to control withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings.
REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.