Inspire Change Wellness Addiction? When To Get Help And What To Expect | Page 4

What is addiction?
An addiction is a mental disease which creates an impulse to overuse a certain substance for a
particular effect. This effect is usually one of perceived pleasure, such as feeling high. There are many
substances which can be abused, ranging from over the counter painkillers and shop sold aerasol (these
can cause instant death) to illegal substances such as cocaine and heroin. The overuse of narcotic
substances of any kind, however, can have an adverse effect on a persons brain chemistry and bodily
functions and can result in dependency.
Over time addiction can lead to complications beyond those of personal health. These include such
issues as neglecting those around you, jeopardizing your personal well being, not going to work, not
paying bills, and doing anything and everything it takes to get your next fix.
People suffering from addiction have families and jobs that they care about just as much as someone
who has always been sober, abuse of a drug might propel their actions towards less desirable behavior.
Due to the biochemical dependency of an addicted brain, it can be very difficult to withdraw from
overuse of narcotics, and in some cases be more damaging to a person's health. For anyone suffering
from an addiction both physical or emotional, it takes time to heal.
A detox center or rehab is a safe environment, one where patients are not demeaned in any way for a
wayward life and instead are helped to make giant leaps forward with the application of techniques,
counseling, support, and coaching to ensure lasting change.