They do this to satisfy their cravings, whether for drugs, alcohol or gambling, even at the risk of losing jobs or hurting others. But what is it about addiction that makes people behave in such reckless ways? And why do they find it hard to quit?
Scientists working on learning about the psychology of addictions define it as a disease that affects how the body and brain work. Though its causes vary, they are generally caused by a combination of biological, behavioral, and environmental factors. Many types of addictions damage most people, but two of the most prevalent are gambling and drug and alcohol abuse.
Gambling Addiction
Gambling disorder, also called compulsive gambling, is the strong urge to keep wagering despite its adverse effects on your life. It involves continually chasing bets, whether on sports or some online casino games, to the point where you use all your savings and even start taking debt. Sometimes, it can even push people to commit theft or fraud to support the addiction.
Treating a gambling addiction can be hard, but some people have found help through professional treatment. Usually, online casinos provide links to some recognized bodies like GamCare and Gambler’s Anonymous that will help you beat this habit. Besides that, trustworthy sites offer tools like reality checks, time limits, and self-exclusion for responsible gambling.
Alcohol and Drug Addiction
Like any other addiction, becoming addicted to a substance can alter your helpful brain processes such that they begin to work against you. Drugs or alcohol take control of the pleasure area in your brain and tempt you into wanting more and more. As you continue to consume the substances, they affect your emotions and danger-sensing abilities, making you feel anxious and stressed when they’re not in your system.
At this stage, you’ll notice that you start using drugs or alcohol to keep you from feeling bad rather than for its enjoyable effects. That’s where the downward spiral begins, and you start channeling all your money and time towards satisfying your addiction. If you feel like you’re struggling with the effects of drug abuse, seeking therapy and rehabilitation might be the best way to start your healing journey.
Factors That Can Lead to an Addiction
Some people can get addicted to certain things while others can’t. The best way scientists can explain this is that addiction runs in some families, with specific genes linked to different forms of addiction. Apart from this, factors like growing up around an alcoholic guardian or in an abusive environment can contribute to the risk of alcohol addiction. Teens also have a high probability of addiction as their brains aren’t fully developed for risk assessment and impulse control.
Identifying Addictions and Treating Them
You can identify an addiction when you start risking crucial aspects of your life, like jobs and relations with family and friends, to satisfy an urge. To treat it, scientists have identified medications and behavioral therapies to help you overcome it and prevent relapse. But ultimately, it all depends on your drive and motivation to heal entirely and stop any damaging behaviors caused by addiction.
