Did you know that overdose deaths surged at the beginning of the pandemic? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 80,000 deaths occurred between May 2019 and May 2020, the highest number ever recorded in the U.S. Sadly, we may see this trend grow as individuals emerge with mental health issues and addictions stemming from the pandemic. Many people assume that addictions are limited to substances, but the reality is proving otherwise. Let’s journey into the world of addictions and uncover what they really are.

The Definition of Addiction

Addiction is best defined as a chronic, compulsive, physical, or psychological need for a specific activity, behavior, or substance. This need will have a profound effect on physical health, emotional health, relationships, employment, and financial status. Addiction is often divided into two categories: behavioral addictions and physical addictions. Most people are familiar with chemical dependency, whether through personal experience or exposure in media. While the definitions may sound simple, addiction is far more complicated. Let’s first look at what kind of person becomes an addict.

What Does an Addict Look Like?

Addicts come from a wide range of socio-economic backgrounds, ethnicities, races, and genders. Movies and television often depict a specific image of an addict, but this is not the full picture. The stay-at-home mom might not be excessively drinking wine at night; she could be the online gambler seeking relief from her daily stresses. Someone struggling financially might not be spending money on substances but could be spending it on compulsive shopping or hoarding items. We often picture addicts as those struggling with severe physical deterioration, but many functional addicts look just like the friendly neighbors across the street.

How All Types of Addiction Affect the Brain

Addiction manipulates the brain’s reward system, tricking neurotransmitters into releasing dopamine and serotonin, the “happy” hormones. The brain is trained to view a substance or behavior as a reward, making it incredibly difficult for the individual to stop, especially when the addiction has taken over their life. Withdrawal symptoms for physical dependency can be highly unpleasant. These include:

• Slowed brain function or “brain fog”
• Anxiety
• Intense cravings
• Physical pain throughout the body
• Headaches
• Shivers, tremors, and shakes
• Fever and vomiting
• Panic attacks
• Suicidal thoughts
• Hallucinations

Some symptoms are so severe that detox centers are necessary to manage them. There are medications to help ease the symptoms of withdrawal, and many addicts are encouraged to seek treatment in a safe environment, such as rehab centers.

The Different Types of Addiction

Physical Addiction is in the Forefront

Physical addiction often comes to mind when we think of addiction. Substance abuse, whether it be drugs or alcohol, remains a tragic and common occurrence. It’s estimated that one in eight adults struggled with drug or alcohol addiction in 2017. Yet, the saddest part is that only about 10% of people with physical dependencies are in addiction treatment. This could be due to their desire to avoid withdrawal symptoms or address emotional health issues. Around 20% of all addicts suffer from mental disorders that are often undiagnosed.

Food addiction is another form of physical addiction, which may be overlooked. People who are addicted to caffeine may find themselves unable to get through the day without it, suffering withdrawal symptoms like headaches if they quit cold turkey. Similarly, an addiction to high-carb and high-sugar foods can lead to food addiction, with many individuals using food as a coping mechanism, often leading to eating disorders.

Behavioral Addiction is on the Rise

Behavioral addictions are relatively new to treatment centers and outpatient facilities, with some still treating them as if they’re not as serious as physical addictions. However, just like physical addiction, people with behavioral addictions experience withdrawal symptoms and negative consequences in their lives. Behavioral addictions can include:

• Internet addiction
• Sex addiction
• Gambling addiction
• Shopping addiction
• Social media addiction
• Video game addiction
• Exercise addiction

Some of these may surprise you, but internet and social media addiction have become increasingly common, especially among younger generations who relied heavily on digital connection during the pandemic.

Exercise addiction, on the other hand, is growing as individuals pursue a certain body image or performance goal, never feeling satisfied even after breaking personal limits in the gym. This can overlap with food addictions or eating disorders.

Mental Health and Addiction

Mental health is strongly linked with addiction. Sometimes, a person may develop a mental health issue as a result of their addiction, such as depression or schizophrenia caused by drug use. Conversely, many who have underlying mental health issues, such as depression or bipolar disorder, may engage in addictive behaviors as a coping mechanism. These individuals are often referred to as “dual diagnosis” patients, and it’s important to treat both the addiction and the underlying mental health issue simultaneously for successful recovery.

Treatment Options

There are a variety of treatment options available for those suffering from addiction, each tailored to the individual’s specific needs. Treatment options include:

• Detox
• Hospitalization
• Inpatient treatment
• Outpatient treatment
• One-on-one therapy
• Family therapy
• Group therapy
• Support groups

Detox is designed for people with severe drug or alcohol addiction, allowing professionals to monitor their withdrawal symptoms and provide necessary care. Hospitalization and inpatient treatment are often used for more severe cases requiring medical care and close monitoring. Outpatient treatment is for those who need therapy and support while still managing their daily lives.

Therapy plays a vital role in addiction recovery, including one-on-one therapy for addressing past traumas and family therapy to repair relationships damaged by addiction. Group therapy allows individuals to share experiences and support each other in their recovery journeys.

Types of Therapies

There are various therapies designed to help individuals overcome addiction and prevent relapse. The most popular counseling methods include:

• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Focuses on addressing unhealthy thinking patterns and behaviors.
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): Helps individuals manage emotions and reduce self-destructive behaviors.
• Contingency Management: Uses a reward system to reinforce positive behavior changes.
• Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT): Focuses on changing irrational beliefs and thought patterns.
• Motivational Interviewing: Encourages individuals to explore and resolve ambivalence toward change.
• EMDR: Targets past traumas to alleviate anxiety and distress.
• Person-Centered Therapy: Focuses on the individual rather than the addiction itself.

Final Thoughts

Addiction can be a complex and challenging issue, but recovery is always possible. Whether it’s substance use or behavioral addiction, help is available. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, Luxury Rehabs Los Angeles is here to support you. We can help you navigate treatment options, therapies, and recovery plans to create a personalized journey toward healing.

If you’re ready to take the first step toward recovery, contact us today at (844) 897-3268. Our experts are here to help you every step of the way.