Addiction

Addiction is a term widely used to indicate any type of excessive repetitive involvement with an activity or substance. Drug abuse and alcoholism are common forms of addiction. Addiction is said to exist when the body becomes so accustomed to the presence of foreign substance that it can no longer function properly if the substance is withdrawn.

Addiction, especially in the case of drug and alcohol abuse, can cause as much suffering and have as many negative health consequences. They are unable to stop or cut down despite serious negative health and behavioral effects consequences. The long-term abuse of drugs and alcohol can result in serious chronic diseases such as liver and kidney disease, nervous disorders, heart disease, lung disease, and even death.

Most people who develop problems with addictions are from unhappy to very unhappy family environments. Understanding how addictions develop gives the mental health professional additional tool to decide the best drug and alcohol treatment.