The misunderstood meaning of addiction………

………………..is a dependence on a substance for normal functioning, either physically, psychologically or spiritually…… When the drug or substance on which someone is dependent is suddenly removed, it will cause withdrawal, a characteristic set of signs and symptoms which are life threatening in advanced stages. Hence the addict will go to just about any length to get his next fix. Addiction is generally associated with increased tolerance of the substance, as is the case of prescription medication and alcohol. (The need for more frequent and greater amounts) Physical dependence is different from psychological dependence. The latter is often noted as being associated by a compulsive, obsessive need for the drug for psychological reasons, while physical dependence commonly occurs with alcohol as well as illegal or therapeutic use of drugs and physical cravings occurs. Addiction can in theory be derived from any rewarding behavior and is believed to be strongly associated with our ‘happy hormones’ the dopamine in the ‘brains reward system’ as is the case of cocaine and amphetamines. A person who is physically dependent, but not psychologically dependent can have their doses slowly dropped until they are no longer dependent e.g a heavy drinker, pot smoker & in some cases I’ve known heroin users give up entirely without any help or rehabilitation. However if the person is psychologically dependent, that is a ‘real addict or alcoholic’ they are still at serious risk for relapse and will need help to maintain sobriety by learning a few simple tools and coping skills to help them through their life. So guys if you feel that you have any or all of these symptoms don't wait get help now. There is a saying amongst sober addicts which is " I know if I was still using or drinking I would either be dead, in jail or locked up in an institution. For myself what started off as a lot of good fun back in the 60's led me to a living hell of alcohol abuse for many years, where I almost reached the point of death. There is a solution....... www.drugfreeworld.org