| Addiction can be a negative force in a person's life | | | | there is an addiction issue. After this takes place, |
| bringing damage to self and others. It is sometimes | | | | then the individual is now ready to seek and get help. |
| defined as a person's inability to help himself from | | | | There are several options which are available for |
| abusing a substance or indulging in certain behaviors. | | | | persons seeking help to overcome it and these |
| So how can a person know if he is an addict? The | | | | include: |
| key to knowing if there is addiction is determining if | | | | Treatment programs |
| the addictive behavior is harming the person's ability | | | | The main thrust of these programs is to assist the |
| to solve problems and persisting with the behavior | | | | individual with overcoming and finding ways to |
| despite the ill-effects. This article was written to help | | | | prevent the person from slipping back into the habit. |
| you to diagnose addiction in yourself and others and | | | | This type of treatment may be individualized or in a |
| point the way towards possible treatment options. | | | | group setting. There are some treatment programs |
| Diagnosing addiction | | | | that require persons to live in a secure facility for a |
| You can be diagnosed if you experience at least | | | | period of time until recovery has been achieved. |
| three of the following situations: | | | | Support groups |
| Level of tolerance to the substance - as the body | | | | These provide an environment for persons to talk |
| becomes more accustomed to receiving the | | | | about the addiction without feeling condemned or |
| substance; it usually requires greater amounts of it to | | | | useless. The group usually includes other persons who |
| reach the same degree of pleasure. | | | | are also working to overcome their addiction. This |
| Use of the addictive substances results in avoiding | | | | atmosphere can be motivating, educational and |
| work, recreational and other activities. | | | | informative as people share experiences with a |
| Withdrawal symptoms are observed when the | | | | facilitator gently guiding the interaction. |
| individual tries to stop taking the substance. | | | | Psychotherapy |
| Additionally, continued use of the substance is | | | | This may require personal sessions with the individual |
| practiced to avoid the effects of withdrawal. | | | | or in conjunction with family members. The rationale |
| The use of the substance continues despite family, | | | | behind including the family is to provide the individual |
| social, physical or even mental problems. | | | | with a support base to help him or her maintain their |
| The substance abuser frequently tries to stop or | | | | recovery. This is especially crucial in helping the |
| lessen the amount of substance intake but finds it | | | | person to desist from using the substance in the |
| impossible. | | | | future. |
| The person is caught in a cycle of spending more | | | | Admittedly, addiction can become a liability in |
| resources to acquire the substance, spending more | | | | anyone's life. However, quickly diagnosing it can |
| time using it and recovering from the negative impact | | | | prevent many days and months of pain. Further, |
| on mind and body. | | | | taking steps to treat it will set you on a path to |
| Treating addiction | | | | recovery and abstinence. Therefore, since we have |
| There are several treatment programs available for | | | | the ability to identify the problem and understand the |
| addiction; however, for any meaningful recovery to | | | | treatment alternatives, we should be in an |
| take place, then the individual must first accept that | | | | advantageous position in handling addiction. |