What Makes An Addiction
Physically addictive substances used daily can bring these uncomfortable physical symptoms
Withdrawal
The oldest known intoxicating substance used specifically for recreational purposes (even dating back to biblical times)
Alcohol
A strong addictive urge that can pull you in a way you may not want to go if you are not careful
Craving
We experience these in our mind, heart, and gut and it is important to learn how to manage our reaction to them
Feelings/Emotions
The essential inner drive, focus and desire that brings about a positive change and attainment of goals
Motivation
It takes more and more of a substance to get the same effect which often fuels the desire and need for using larger amounts
Tolerance
Class of drugs used medicinally for thousands of years to relieve physical pain but nowadays often abused to relieve emotional pain
Opioids/Opiates
You may have went backwards a little bit but still you didn't completely relapse
Setback
It is important to learn to manage this uncomfortable mental experience that can occur when we worry or stress over things
Anxiety
The ability to look inside of yourself honestly and truthfully: Self-awareness
Insight
Failure to recognize the truth about a problem, particularly an addition, is often referred to as this
Denial
Even though life may be spiraling out of control with dependency clearly increasing, some people may believe that they are not addicted just because they may be obtaining drugs this legal way
Prescriptions
Some people may try to deal with substance use issues by attempting to use less, or change to a less harmful substance. If that isn't working, you may need to consider this more basic old option
Abstinence/Sobriety
These changing temporary states of mind can be make us feel high, low and everything inbetween. It is important that we are able to regulate these.
Moods
Something just about everyone needs when overcoming a difficult challenge, because it is so difficult to do it alone.
Support
Every bad choice we make can mean we have to face these later. Addiction can cause people to foolishly ignore these repeatedly
Consequences
The vast majority of the people who use this legal plant use it as often as 10-20 times per day despite knowing it is the number one killer of all addictive substances in the world
Tobacco
With more severe addictions, if the withdrawals or cravings are overwhelming, it may be wise to consider seeing a doctor for this
Medication/Medication Assisted Treatment
It is essential to learn to eliminate this negative emotion which stems from holding on to anger and grudges
Resentment
Building insight and motivation leads to this powerful experience defined by a strong sense of positive mental stimulation to try to make things better
Inspiration
When you spend too much, use too much, or too often and life problems are steadily piling up, it is a good sign that you have lost this
Control
Stimulants, such as cocaine and methamphetamine, when takes for long periods of time can induce a mental state of hallucinations and extreme paranoid delusions called:
Psychosis
They say that relapse doesn't happen out of nowhere- It's not an event, it is often more of a gradual ___
Process
Sometimes addiction can be directly linked to deeply disturbing or distressing experiences that occur earlier in life. This is referred to as ___
Trauma/PTSD
If you find and discover this it can help you define your goals and add meaning and direction in your life
Purpose