Counselling – Essay on Addiction
This essay on addiction throws light on all such compulsive behaviors which give pleasure on a temporary basis but have long-term harmful effects on a person’s lives. In scientific terms, it is a neural disorder. The addictive behaviors may include but are not confined to substance abuse, like alcohol, marijuana, drugs like cocaine, excessive work, or even chocolate etc. Compulsive habits like gambling, excessive indulgence in sexual stimulation, shopping, also fall into the category of addiction. The addict hardly recognizes his/her behavior as an abnormal one and has almost no control over his/her impulses.
Causes
There are several factors leading to addiction. Some of the most common ones are, if one has a genetic predisposition, then there is a high possibility of falling for substance abuse. Another reason is trying to escape a tragic experience or stress. An easy access to cheap and commonly available drugs or cues like going to bar with friends also contribute to forming an addictive behavior. Nonetheless, if a person sees someone in the family history, like mother, father, or uncle taking drugs, alcohol, or going for compulsive behaviors like gambling, or betting sort of things, he/she is most likely to inherit that addiction.
Effects
Research has proved that addiction to any form, especially to physical substances, have effects on the wiring of certain neural patterns in the brain, specifically those related to reward, pleasure, motivation, impulse control, and decision-making. Due to this, the situation keeps getting worse and the addiction becomes more severe. The effects and consequences are a disturbed family life, social isolation, financial troubles, affected work life, serious health problems. All these things add to the embarrassment, shame, repentance, and even depression in that person. To counter and overcome these negative feelings, the addict may further take help of the drugs, that are causing the problem in the first place.
Prevention
Usually, in treating the addiction, preventive measures involve therapy and use of medications. But, taking these measures is only possible when there is acceptance of problem instead of denial. Family support plays a crucial role because the addict may need a lot of emotional and psychological support during the withdrawal stage. It is important to create a clean and drug-free surrounding and this may happen by hospitalizing the patient, confining him to a therapy center for some time. Various support groups help a lot in overcoming the addiction. The therapists also explain to the concerned person, the reasons and special situations which trigger his impulse for drugs. This helps the person in observing and curbing his behavior in future.
Conclusion
Addiction is an involuntary process. It may not be fair to associate a person’s addictive behavior with his moral standards or character. The brain response to an addict changes in such a way that he continues to live with the bad habits and addictions in spite of understanding its dangerous implications. Apart from therapy and medicines, the person requires a lot of love, affection, support, and motivation to get over with the addiction.
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