An addiction is an obsession, compulsion, or excessive physical or psychological dependence on a substance or behavior. Addictions can impair normal functioning, negatively affect families and relationships, and lead to harmful consequences to an individual’s overall health. Some of the more common addictions involve drugs, alcohol, compulsive overeating, gambling, pornography, caffeine, nicotine, overspending, computer use, and video games. Overdependence on these types of substances or activities creates a cycle that is very difficult to break. Physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms can occur when the behavior is discontinued, sometimes characterized by agitation, stress, anxiety, depression, and anger. Addictions affect both adults and children equally.

The misuse of alcohol, cigarettes, and legal and illegal drugs is by far the most predominant cause of premature and preventable illness, disability, and death in our society. It can interfere with family life, social relationships, and work performance and can cause or aggravate underlying psychological problems. It is important to note that there is a distinction between substance abuse and substance dependency, though both are considered serious problems. Substance dependency victims suffer all the symptoms of abuse but also develop a tolerance for the drug so that increased amounts of it are necessary for the desired effects. Opiates, alcohol, and amphetamines, for example, lead to physical dependence in which the user develops severe withdrawal symptoms when trying to discontinue use of the drug. The following are some common types of addictions:

Alcoholism

• Alcoholism is a progressive disease.
• Drinking patterns vary by age and sex.
• Alcohol dependence tends to cluster in families.
• Alcohol dependence is often associated with depression.
• Physical complications of alcohol dependence include liver damage, hepatitis, altered brain-cell function, nerve damage, gastritis, premature aging, impotence, and infertility.
• Psychotherapy helps patients understand their abusive behaviors, develop higher self-esteem, and cope with stress in ways other than substance use.

Drug Use

Some examples of drugs that can be physically or psychologically addictive include marijuana, cocaine, opiates, hallucinogens, inhalants, sedative-hypnotics, and nicotine. Marijuana is often used in combination with other substances, particularly alcohol and cocaine. Cigarette smoking may lead to marijuana smoking among very young children—young people between the ages of 14-17 who are current cigarette users are five times more likely to be marijuana users. There is also some research that suggests that marijuana is a “gateway drug,” meaning that a substantial number of users will go on to try other illicit drugs.

Cocaine is a white powder known by a variety of names. It is a stimulant that can give people a temporary feeling of limitless power and energy. Users typically snort cocaine through the nose, though some dissolve it and inject or smoke it to experience the drug's fleeting highs. Cocaine is one of the most potent and addictive drugs of abuse, and its use continues to rise dramatically. It causes chemical changes in the brain that lead to an intense craving for further use. Dependency on this drug comes to rule all aspects of a user's life, as addiction can erode physical and mental health, tap resources, ruin careers, and drive away family and friends.

Inhalants are breathable vaporous chemicals that produce mind-altering effects. This group of substances includes solvents, aerosols, some anesthetics, and other chemicals. Examples of inhalants are gasoline, glue, paint thinners, nail polish removers, lighter and cleaning fluids, spray paints, hair sprays, and cookware coating agents. Anesthetics such as halothane and nitrous oxide, otherwise known as “laughing gas,” may also be abused.

Sedative-hypnotics, commonly called sleeping pills, are part of a group of drugs referred to as tranquilizers. These drugs are used medically to relieve anxiety and promote sleep, but when they are abused or taken in high doses, many of these drugs can lead to unconsciousness and death.

Spendaholics

One way that addictive behavior can manifest itself is in the area of overspending, sometimes leading to the accumulation of enormous debt due to addictive spending habits. The Internet makes spending beyond one's means even easier and more problematic. The average individual debt burden is between $10,000 and $15,000. The root cause of overspending is often related to unhappiness, as spending is an immediate high for some people when they are feeling down. Treatment for overspending involves working on the anxiety and depression that most often trigger the addiction.



At Bloomingdale Psychological Services, we can help with the treatment of a child, adolescent, adult, or family experiencing difficulties with any of the above addictions. Our psychotherapists conduct individual counseling, evaluations, and assessments for those suffering with drug and alcohol abuse problems, and are experienced in coaching individuals to drug and alcohol sobriety. A person may seek an evaluation to gain insight into the dynamics of their substance use and learn about various treatment recommendations. The assessment may be initiated by the client or recommended by employers, families, or the courts. If requested, letters of recommendation and summaries of the conclusions of the psychotherapist can be provided upon completion of the assessment. Educational workshops about addiction are also offered for school programs and other community groups.