What Makes an Addiction?
Physically addictive substances used daily can bring these uncomfortable physical syptoms
WITHDRAWAL
The oldest known intoxicating substance used specifically for recreational purposes (even dating back to Biblical times)
ALCOHOL
(2000's) This artist was referred to as the King of Pop, died due to complications from prescription drugs in 2009
MICHEAL JACKSON
We experience these in our mind, hear and gut and it is important to learn how to manage our reaction to them
EMOTIONS/FEELINGS
A strong addictive urge that can pull you in a way you may not want to go if you are not careful
CRAVING
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
OPIATES
(1990s) Singer of one of the most popular grunge bands in the 1990's and shot himself in the head in 1994 at the age of 27
KURT COBAIN
It is important to learn to manage this uncomfortable mental experience that can occur when we worry or stress over things
ANXIETY
You may have went backwards a little but but you still didn't completely relapse
SETBACK/SLIP
Failure to recognize the truth about a problem, particularly an addiction, 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 in this legal, medicinal way
PRESCRIPTION
(1980's) John Belushi was a legendary actor and comedian who shocked the world when he overdosed and died from mixing cocaine and heroin in 1982. He was on the original lineup of what long standing comedy sketch show (it still airs today)
SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE
These changing, temporary states of mind can make us feel high, low, and everything in between so it is important to regulate them
MOODS
Some people may try to deal with substance use issues by attempting to use less, or change to a less harmful substance
HARM REDUCTION
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 people who use this legal plant use it as often as 10 to 20 times a day despite knowing that it is the number one killer of all addictive substances in the world
TOBACCO
(1970's) This iconic musician is one of the top earning dead celebrities today, still earning over $50 million/year for his music despite dying from complications from prescription drug addiction back in 1977 (It is said that he died on the tiolet)
ELVIS PRESLEY
It is essential to learn to eliminate this negative emotion which stems from holding on to anger and grudges
RESENTMEMT
With more severe addictions, particularly to opioids, if the withdrawal or cravings are overwhelming it may be wise to consider seeing a doctor for this
MAT
When you spend too much, use too much too often and life problems are steadily piling up, it is a good sign you have lost this
CONTROL
Stimulants such as cocaine, speed, and methamphetamine, when taken for long periods of time can induce a mental state of hallucinations and extreme paranoia called what?
PSYCHOSIS
(1960's) This world-famous movie star shocked the world in 1962 from a barbiturate overdose which some say was accidental, some say was suicide, and others say was murder
MARILYN MONROE
Sometimes addiction can be directly linked to deeply disturbing or distressing experiences that occurred earlier in life which is referred to as
TRAUMA/PTSD
They say relapse doesn't suddenly happen out of nowhere, it is not an event, it is often a more gradual
PROCESS