| Addictions are a worldwide phenomenon | | | | abused substance. Physical dependence, abuse |
| adversely affecting the lives of millions | | | | of, and withdrawal from drugs and other |
| across all geographical boundaries and | | | | miscellaneous substances is outlined in the |
| cultures. Addictions cause enormous personal | | | | Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental |
| harm to not only the addict, but to their | | | | Disorders (DSM-IV TR). |
| families and friends as well. Psychological | | | | |
| dependence does not have to be limited only | | | | Groups |
| to substances; even activities and | | | | |
| behavioural patterns can be considered | | | | Your best bet for getting good information |
| addictions, if they become uncontrollable, e. | | | | about 12-step meeetings in your area is to |
| In many cases, addictions involve both | | | | contact the national groups; they all have |
| physiological and psychological aspects. | | | | information for this purpose. This might |
| | | | mean that you need to find a new group of |
| Problems | | | | friends who will be 100% supportive. Many |
| | | | people find that joining a support group can |
| Addiction is one of the toughest problems | | | | help them stay clean. There are support |
| facing our culture today. The growing | | | | groups specifically for teens and younger |
| problems within the family, as well as many | | | | people. Fortunately, there are many |
| other cultural stressors, make addiction a | | | | resources available to support the addictive |
| national and international problem that is | | | | personality in breaking free of various forms |
| growing by leaps and bounds. In some cases, | | | | of addictions, including books, workshops, |
| individuals are brought to the attention of | | | | support groups, therapy, and even inpatient |
| professionals because of legal problems | | | | care. |
| related to their addiction. The theory | | | | |
| behind counseling is that people become | | | | Conclusion |
| addicts because of serious problems in their | | | | |
| lives. If those problems can be resolved, | | | | Fortunately, there are many resources |
| they may be less inclined to depend on | | | | available to support the addictive |
| addictive substances or behavior. | | | | personality in breaking free of various forms |
| | | | of addictions, including books, workshops, |
| Withdrawl | | | | support groups, therapy, and even inpatient |
| | | | care. 12-step programs have been shown to be |
| Withdrawal means that an individual has a | | | | very helpful for most addictions. Also, in |
| very painful physical and/or emotional | | | | common with all addictions, help is available |
| reaction when the substance or behavior is | | | | and treatment is highly effective, restoring |
| stopped. Withdrawal happens in two phases: | | | | people to normal functioning and happiness. |
| acute withdrawal and post-acute withdrawal. | | | | It is never to late to let go of addictions |
| Withdrawal symptoms vary, depending on the | | | | and stand up for yourself to yourself. |