Addiction Types
In the past, addiction was often viewed as a mere “personality flaw” that individuals could simply overcome if they desired. However, research has revolutionized this perception by introducing the biopsychosocial model of addiction, along with innovative treatment approaches that tackle the psychological, biological, and social roots of addiction.
Substance abuse, much like chronic diseases such as high blood pressure or cancer, is not a choice but a disease in itself. Therefore, all forms of addiction necessitate professional treatment from addiction specialists, prescription medications to alleviate cravings and withdrawal symptoms, and proactive measures to address challenges before they escalate.
Substance Abuse
Heroin
- Heroin, an opioid substance, stands as one of the most notorious illicit drugs globally due to its extreme addictiveness and elevated risks of overdose and physical dependence. Persistent heroin consumption can significantly disrupt brain function, resulting in lasting impairments in impulse control and behavioral regulation. Additional consequences include depression, heightened vulnerability to infections, vein collapse, disrupted sleep cycles, and diminished fertility.
Cocaine
- Cocaine, a powerful and immensely addictive stimulant, induces euphoria and often leads to risky behaviors and impaired impulse control. Prolonged use results in tolerance buildup, hampering the brain's reward system and leading to heightened feelings of depression and hopelessness during periods of abstinence. Chronic usage may trigger anxiety attacks, hallucinations, and paranoia.
Alcoholism
- Alcohol use disorder, often referred to as alcoholism, ranks among the top contributors to premature mortality. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that excessive alcohol consumption results in over 380 deaths daily in the United States. Symptoms of alcohol use disorder encompass challenges with concentration, memory loss, slurred speech, impulsive behaviors, diminished cognitive function, and impaired motor abilities.
Xanax
- Xanax, the trade name for alprazolam, belongs to the benzodiazepine class of drugs commonly prescribed for panic disorders and depression-induced anxiety. Known for its significant addiction risk, Xanax presents more severe withdrawal symptoms, including rebound anxiety, compared to other benzodiazepines, as reported in the Journal of Addiction Medicine. Withdrawal from Xanax can entail life-threatening physical symptoms.
Benzodiazepines
- Benzodiazepines, also known as tranquilizers or "benzos," are sedative medications commonly prescribed for anxiety relief. Despite their intended medical use, benzodiazepines can lead to physical dependence in a matter of months and elicit severe withdrawal symptoms, such as seizures, impaired concentration, hallucinations, depression, and insomnia.
Opioids
- Opioids comprise a drug class that interacts with the brain's opioid receptors, triggering pleasure sensations while blocking pain signals, resulting in pain relief and euphoria. While some opioids like morphine and codeine originate from the poppy plant, potent synthetic variants such as fentanyl are growing in prevalence.
Marijuana
- Marijuana is a commonly used substance in the United States due to its affordability and accessibility. Though it is largely viewed as a less harmful substance than opioids (heroin, morphine, fentanyl) or stimulants (cocaine, methamphetamine), increasingly powerful cannabis strains can lead to addiction and dependency.
Meth
- Another form of addiction is methamphetamine, commonly known as crystal meth, which is an extremely addictive stimulant inducing a euphoric sensation. Methamphetamine boosts dopamine and adrenaline levels, resulting in elevated mood, increased energy, and enhanced confidence. Its potent stimulation can reshape neurological pathways and suppress dopamine production, leading to profound depression during periods of abstinence. Prolonged methamphetamine use may also induce psychotic episodes that persist for months or even years after quitting.
Prescription Drugs
- Addiction to prescription medications occurs when people become physically and psychologically dependent on the drugs, even when the drugs are taken to treat legitimate medical symptoms. While the euphoric sensation of some categories of prescription drugs can lead to addiction, people who suffer from chronic, severe pain often become physically dependent upon prescription painkillers.