What Makes an
Addiction?
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
The essential Inner drive, focus and desire, that brings about positive change and attainment of goals
Motivation
We experience these in our mind, heart and gut and it is important to learn how to manage our reaction to them
Feelings/ Emotions
Talking, Listening, Sharing, Expressing
Communication
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
Opiates/Opioids
The ability to look inside yourself honestly and truthfully: SelfAwareness
Insight
It is important to learn to manage this uncomfortable mental experience that can occur when we worry or stress over things
Anxiety
Counting to 10, breathing, positive self-talk, consequential thinking, grounding, stress management
Coping Strategies/Skills
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 this legal medical way
Prescription
Something just about everyone needs when overcoming a difficult challenge, because it is so difficult to do it alone
Support
These changing temporary states of mind can be make us feel high, low and everything in between so it is important to be able to regulate these
Moods
Identify the problem, gather information, brainstorm solutions, weigh your choices, take action
Decision Making
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 or 20 times a day despite knowing it is the number one killer of all addictive substances in the world
Tobacco
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
Relaxation, walking, healthy eating, proper sleep, setting aside “me” time, taking breaks, rewarding yourself
Self care
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
Stimulants such as cocaine, speed and methamphetamine, when taken for long periods can induce a mental state of hallucinations and extreme paranoid
Psychosis (Or stimulant-induced psychosis)
If you find and discover this it can help you define your goals and add meaning and direction in your 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
Maintain limits with self and others, protecting your personal and emotional space, avoid negativity
Setting *or Maintaining Boundaries