Millions of people worldwide struggle with addiction. After all, life is challenging, and coping mechanisms are a common response to a world full of stressors. However, some of these behaviours are not in our best interest and can turn into damaging habits.
Some people are born with brain chemistry that predisposes them to addiction. Others develop addictions over time as a result of substance abuse. Addiction is an illness, and just like a physical illness, it requires treatment to get better.
While there are many misconceptions and stigmas surrounding addiction, there is nothing wrong with seeking help for it – in fact, recovery can actually be a very joyful and fulfilling aspect of your life!
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How do I Know if I am Addicted?
Addiction often begins with casual or occasional behaviour that increases in frequency and intensity over time. If you are concerned that you may have an addiction to alcohol, drugs, sex, eating or other substance or process, ask yourself the following questions:
- Do you use substances as a coping tool or reward?
- Do you have trouble controlling how much you use?
- Are you preoccupied with your next drink, high or addictive activity?
- Do you lead a compartmentalised life to hide your addiction and appear functional?
- Do you continue using despite the negative consequences?
- Are you have been neglecting your career, education, family or partner in favour of your addiction?
- Do you require increasing amounts of alcohol, drugs, sex, etc. to achieve the desired effects?
- Do you experience cravings or withdrawals such as anxiety, irritability or nausea?
- Do you want to cut back or quit, but cannot?
If you answered yes to two or more of the above questions, you are showing signs of addiction.
How Does Addiction Take Hold?
Addiction is a chronic, progressive disorder – it gets worse over time. Addicted people often have a genetically inherited lack of the brain chemical dopamine, which is responsible for feelings of pleasure and reward. Symptoms of dopamine deficiency are:
- extreme boredom
- lack of meaning
- lack of purpose
- restlessness
- irritability
- discontentedness
When you experience these symptoms, you may begin to use substances like drugs or alcohol, or processes like sex, gambling or eating to make yourself feel better. The resulting pleasurable feeling is short-lived and must be done over and over, in increasing amounts, to achieve the desired effects. Over time, the brain learns these patterns and begins to think that it needs them – and constantly sends you messages to that effect. This is why it is so hard for addicted people to quit on their own.
If you or someone you love is struggling With Addiction, we’re here for you
The Consequences of Addiction
Addiction is characterised by the impulse to continue using despite the negative consequences. People can act in ways they would never expect as a result of their addiction, which impacts every area of life:
Physical health
Substance abuse strains the nervous, cardiovascular and respiratory systems, and causes organ damage and premature death. Intravenous drug users run the risk of contracting infectious diseases such as Hepatitis C and HIV/AIDS.
Mental health
Drug use can cause brain damage, paranoia, depression and aggressive or unpredictable behaviour. It can also exacerbate other mental health conditions in people with co-occurring disorders.
Career and finances
Addiction often results in job loss, debt and frivolous spending habits that wreak havoc on finances. Legal trouble can mean exorbitant fines or even jail time which further impacts career prospects.
Loved ones
You may not think so while you are in its grasp, but addiction impacts everyone around you. Family, friends and partners suffer as a result; divorce is not an uncommon outcome.
Getting Help for Addiction: The Sooner, the Better
In much the same way your brain is able to adapt to unhealthy patterns based around addictive behaviour, it can reverse those and establish new, beneficial ones. With treatment, you will find that not only can you gain power over your addiction – recovery can be an enjoyable and affirming part of your life.
At The Cabin, we take an integrative approach to addiction treatment, combining cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness and a modern version of the 12 Steps for optimal results. Our Changing Pathways Addiction Treatment Method boasts a 96% completion rate, and our clients are able to leave with a sense of preparedness, knowing they have the tools and ongoing support they need to deal with challenges and prevent relapse.
The Cabin is an internationally accredited clinicians, board-certified psychiatrist, team of British, American and Australian-trained psychologists, and 24-hour nursing staff are all fully committed to protecting and enhancing our reputation as the leading addiction treatment centre in the region, and one of the best in the world.
Located on the lush banks of the Ping River in Thailand’s northern capital Chiang Mai, The Cabin is a world away from the trigger-filled environment in which addiction thrives. Our luxury facilities and attentive staff ensure you have a soothing environment in which you can focus completely on recovery.
We offer a no-obligation assessment for those who may be struggling with addiction.
“This place has lifted me up from a rock bottom (suicide) state. With the support and advice given to me from the staff at the facility, I am well on the way to a great future. One I was never going to have if I hadn’t come to The Cabin.“
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