Addiction is a very complex chronic condition that causes a person to be dependent on performing an activity or taking a chemical substance in order to get through the day. It is a chronic disorder with psychosocial, environmental, and biological influences that affect a person\u2019s behavior. Very often an addiction can have detrimental effects on a person\u2019s well-being and ability to function normally.
\nSome of the substances and activities frequently associated with addiction include:
\n\u2022\u00a0Alcohol
\n\u2022\u00a0Marijuana
\n\u2022\u00a0Hallucinogens (LSD, PCP)
\n\u2022\u00a0Inhaled substances ( glue and paint thinner)
\n\u2022\u00a0Opioid pain killers
\n\u2022\u00a0Tobacco
\n\u2022\u00a0Sedatives
\n\u2022\u00a0Gambling
\n\u2022\u00a0Sex
\nPeople who are addicts may build up a level of tolerance to whatever it is they are addicted to and may need more and more to satisfy their cravings. If a person who has an addiction is not able to meet the demands of their addiction, their behavior can change dramatically and cause them to act irrationally until the cravings are satisfied.
\nSome of the reasons people become addicted to a substance or an activity include:
\n\u2022\u00a0Feeling of pleasure
\n\u2022\u00a0Relief from stress
\n\u2022\u00a0Performance improvement
\n\u2022\u00a0Peer pressure curiosity
\nProfessional help for the different types of addiction disorders do exist. The first step is usually having the person with the addiction realize that they have a problem and be willing to try to treat it.\u00a0 It is helpful if the reasons that a person has become addicted to a drug or an activity can be identified when trying to determine the appropriate plan of action.\u00a0 Often treatment options may include prescribed medications along with individual or group counseling.\u00a0 Flushing Hospital offers a specialized unit for people who have addiction problems. To schedule an appointment with this department, please call 718-670-5078.<\/p>\n
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.<\/strong> <\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Addiction is a very complex chronic condition that causes a person to be dependent on performing an activity or taking a chemical substance in order to get through the day. It is a chronic disorder with psychosocial, environmental, and biological … Continue reading