What is Addiction?
Addiction covers a wide spectrum. Some people perceive addiction as a voluntary lack of discipline while others view it as an involuntary physical condition. So what is addiction? Well, according to the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), addiction is a primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory, and related circuitry. It’s important to understand what addiction is before addressing its nature.
Addiction as a Behavioral Manifestation
Everyone has certain behavioral tendencies when it comes to dealing with life. Some people are naturally serious or giddy. Others may be shy or anxious when around others. Finding that perfect crutch to make it easier to fit into society often seems a blessing. However, using drugs or drinking alcohol to change a certain behavior isn’t the answer. Other behaviors come into play after relying on this manifestation. The bouts of anger, the changes in behavior, and the sudden lack of good judgment can be perceived by everyone except the addicted individuals themselves.
Neurobiology of Addiction
Some neuroscientists now believe that the frontal cortex is the feel-good center that causes people to alter their state of mind, no matter the cost. Their reasoning for creating a euphoria far outweighs any negative ramifications that are likely to occur.
Genetic Factors
Many studies have indicated that genetics play a role in the susceptibility of addition. This may be a characteristic of a person’s biology, but it can be overcome with the right influences.
When the question, “What is addiction?” arises, it often brings a host of responses depending on individual perceptions. Nearly everyone has a certain degree of addiction tendencies whether it be cigarettes, coffee, sports or hobbies. The level of chemistry and control is different in everyone.
Stepping Stone Center For Recovery, a private accredited addiction treatment center in Jacksonville, Florida, looks at all of the variables of addiction and begins with a plan of action. Physicians and psychologists work together to determine a biological and mental source for each specific patient. Many treatment centers also introduce spirituality to offer further guidance.
Understanding the basics of addiction and how it can become problematic is the first step in seeking help. Through an in-house, all-inclusive, 24-hour medical detox program, you can start with a clean slate. Next, individual, group and family therapy, or dual diagnosis treatment is used to address that inner feeling of changing oneself. Aftercare is also provided to ensure drug-free or alcohol-free support in the days after you leave the center.
Now that you have an answer to the question, “what is addiction,” you may find yourself in a situation where you need help. It isn’t an easy choice to make an admission of addiction, but doing so helps set the course for a successful recovery. Call Stepping Stone Center For Recovery today at 904-530-5559 for more information on how to get started on a treatment program that will address the critical nature of addiction.
