What is Addiction?
Addiction is a complex condition resulting from various factors coming together. From the moment a person is born, they begin to learn and become receptive to the influences of the external world. Throughout this process, they must develop coping mechanisms to protect themselves when faced with different situations. The healthiness or unhealthiness of these coping mechanisms is greatly influenced by the environment they live in, parental attitudes, and their socio-cultural surroundings. Unhealthy parental behaviors towards their children, a history of addiction in any family member, choosing risky friends, experiencing a challenging educational journey, and the societal perception of addiction are among the risk factors.
Addiction, a psychiatric syndrome, is diagnosed when at least three of the following criteria are present simultaneously:
- Developing tolerance to the substance used.
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when the substance is discontinued or reduced.
- Making unsuccessful efforts to control or quit substance use.
- Spending significant time obtaining, using, or recovering from the substance.
- Substance use negatively impacting social, occupational, and personal activities.
- Using the substance in larger amounts or over a longer period than intended.
- Continuing substance use despite physical or psychological problems caused or exacerbated by it.
Addiction is not an individual’s struggle alone but a collective battle in which everyone must contribute. It should never be forgotten that even the smallest contribution can save a life.
AREAS OF FOCUS
- Alcohol addiction
- Tobacco addiction
- Substance addiction
- Gambling addiction
- Technology addiction