What makes an Addiction?
Physically addictive substances used daily can bring these uncomfortable physical symptoms.
Withdrawal
A strong addictive urge that can pull you in a way you may not want to go if you are not careful
Craving
We make dozens if not hundreds of these a day with our mind and one of the best ways to improve our lives is to practice making good ones:
Decisions/Choices
We experience these in our mind, heart, and gut and it is important to learn how to manage our reaction to them
Feelings/Emotions
(2000's) This artist was referred to as the King of Pop, died due to complications from prescription drugs in 2009
Michael Jackson
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
You may have went backwards a little bit but still you didn't completely relapse
Setback
This describes overall the way we present and express ourselves. If we have a negative one we should want to change it to grateful and positive
Attitude
It is important to learn to manage this uncomfortable mental experience that can occur when we worry or stress over things
Anxiety
(1990's) Singer of one of the most popular grunge bands in the 1990's shot himself in the head in 1994 at the age of 27, addicted to heroine
Kurt Cobain
Failure to recognize the truth about a problem particularly, an addiction, is often referred to as this
Denial
Some people may try to deal with substance use issues by attempting 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
This categorizes and includes all that is most important in your life and, what you care about the most, and what has the most worth to you
Values
These changing temporary states of mind can make us feel high, low and everything in between so it is important to be able to regulate these
Moods
(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 at the height of fame. He was on the original line up of what longstanding TV show (still airs today)
Saturday night live
Every bad choice we make can mean we have to face these later. Addiction can cause people to foolishly ignore these repeatedly
Consequences
With more severe addiction, particularly opioid, if the withdrawal or cravings are overwhelming it may be wise to consider seeing a doctor for this
Medication or Medicated Assisted Treatment
Building insight and motivation lead to this powerful experience defined by a strong sense of positive mental stimulation to try make things better
Inspiration
It is essential to learn to eliminate this negative emotion which stems from holding on to anger and grudges
Resentment
(1970's) This iconic musician is the top earning dead celebrities today, still earning over 50 million/year for his music despite dying from complications of prescription drug addiction back in 1977
Elvis Presley
When you spend too much, use too much or too often and life problems are steadily piling up, it is a good sign you have lost this
Control
They say relapse doesn't suddenly happen out of nowhere-it's an event, it is often much more
Gradual
If you find and discover this it can help you define your goals and add meaning and direction in you life
Purpose
Sometimes addiction can be directly linked to deeply disturbing or distressing experiences that occurred earlier in life all of which is referred to as
Trauma/PTSD
(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 other say was murder
Marilyn Monroe