Addicts
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Addicts are individuals who are physically and/or psychologically dependent on a particular activity or substance.
Although the term “addict” is often used in reference to people who are addicted to drugs or alcohol, it also applies to people who are addicted
to a number of other activities such as sex, gambling, the Internet, video games, eating, porn, religiosity, and love.
Addicts: Typical and Observable Characteristics
According to addiction researchers and experts, addicts, similar to addictions, display common, observable
characteristics. The following list represents some of the more identifiable characterizes of addicts:
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They have definite preferences for one activity or substance over another and for how
they use the substance or activity of abuse.
- They are susceptible to the risk of relapse no matter how successfully they are treated.
- They tend to be risk takers and thrill seekers and expect to have a positive reaction to the substance or activity before it is used or
begun.
- They have problems with self-regulation, impulse control, and self-monitoring.
- They don’t search for an "escape" as much as they seek ways to manage their lives.
- When dealing with stress, anxiety, and with their everyday lives, they have a tendency to engage in certain activities or to use various
substances as substitutes for more appropriate and healthy coping strategies.
- They have particular vulnerabilities or susceptibilities.
- They search for opportunities that result in involvement with a substance or activity to which they will become addicted.
- They tend to have higher-than-normal capability for certain activities or substances. For example, alcoholics have been observed to
drink their friends "under the table" and still look as if they are relatively “normal” after drinking enough alcohol that probably would
severely impair the functioning and the health of other people.
| A number of researchers currently believe that the predisposition to addiction is more accurately a combination of
biological, environmental, and psychological factors. |
Addicts Can Be Dependent Physically and/or Psychologically
Addicts can be physically and/ore psychologically “hooked” on various activities or substances. Physical dependence is typified by the
appearance of distinctive withdrawal symptoms when the substance or the activity is suddenly discontinued. Examples include sweating,
vomiting, and “the shakes.”
Psychological addiction is a dependency of the mind that leads to emotional withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, cravings, irritability,
depression, and insomnia if the activity or substance is suddenly discontinued.
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Rapid detox is an addiction detoxification approach that is essentially intended for detoxification efforts associated
with addiction to opiates such as heroin, methadone, and morphine as well as addiction to prescription drugs such
as codeine, darvocet, vicodin, percocet, and oxycontin.
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Addicts: Conclusion
An addict is someone who has a strong compulsion or dependency to a substance or activity. This compulsion can be psychological and/or
physical and can lead to a number of damaging, dangerous, and unhealthy consequences if the addict is not treated. Addicts manifest
identifiable and predictable "characteristics" that can serve as addiction "warning signs."
| If you are an addict, or live with one, you are in great pain. Most addicts die of their addiction and they take
their family members down with them. The first step in recovery is to get honest with yourself. Don't just sit there and think
things are going to get better. Addiction doesn't get better. It gets worse until somebody dies. You need to take action and you
need to take action now. |
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