Addiction

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About Addiction

#Addiction

Addiction is a chronic disease in the brain causing the circuits that control reward, motivation and memory to dysfunction. This leads to manifestations of the mind or body that cause an individual to have a pathological need to pursue reward or relief by returning to the object or behavior of manifestation. Ultimately this creates the cycle of addiction. Some of the most prevalent addictions include alcohol, drugs or other substances including sex, work, food, gambling, shopping, video games and the Internet. Though these are the most common addictions, it is possible for a person to develop an addiction to almost anything. There is no cure for addiction, but various treatments (often depending on the object or behavior of addiction) can significantly help improve an individual’s quality of life and ability to manage the disease. Many people begin the recovery process with an inpatient or outpatient treatment program. Beyond that, treatment options may include various types of therapy (psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), holistic therapy, etc.), getting involved in a support group or finding an addiction counselor or mentor. Many people with addiction also find it very helpful to have the support of friends and family, to whom they can also be accountable. It can also be important to avoid potentially triggering situations and ask the people around you to help in this as well. The chronic nature of addiction can be difficult. Even if an individual is able to abstain from the object or behavior of their addiction for a period of time, exposure to triggering situations or environments may cause the person to relapse. Addiction can affect all aspects of a person’s life, not just their behavior. It can cause cognitive changes, emotional changes and interfere with a person’s ability to maintain healthy relationships with friends and family. If not treated and managed properly, addiction can lead to other health complications, disability or even premature death. There are a number of support groups and resources available to help people facing addiction. Many organizations and groups help with a specific type of addiction so it is important to find one that works best for you, your needs and your lifestyle. There are many treatment centers, crisis centers and crisis hotlines available if you or someone you know needs help immediately.

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Thomas Ousterhout PhD

Thomas Ousterhout PhD @thomas_ousterhout_phd

Mantra

16 people are talking about this

Community Voices

Thomas Ousterhout PhD

Thomas Ousterhout PhD @thomas_ousterhout_phd

Reflection

<p>Reflection</p>

24 people are talking about this

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Burton22 @burton22

Xanax Addiction #Anxiety

I was the biggest Xanax addict on God's green earth. I was taking 6 mg per day at one point, begging and manipulating my doctors to give me that much. I would go to doctors and pharmacies under phony names. I'm so glad I didn't get into trouble!! I would buy them online from who knows what country. I would even buy them off the streets. I'm off Xanax now, but they turned me into a more anxious person than I was at baseline.
Would anyone like to share similar experiences with the Xanax Trap?

2 people are talking about this

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Uncle Mike @fair_to_middlin

Words
a poem

<p>Words<br>a poem</p>

14 people are talking about this

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Moshe Adler @maxtempo

My Dad used to say he was “collecting smiles” Being an open hearted and kind person isn’t always as easy it sounds! But a smile goes such a long way!

<p>My Dad used to say he was “collecting smiles” Being an open hearted and kind person isn’t always as easy it sounds! But a smile goes such a long way!<br></p>

3 people are talking about this

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dauntra17 @dauntra17

Newbie

I'm here per my therapist's encouragement to try to forge healthy connections with people and be part of a support system with others that also struggle with mental health. #Anxiety #Depression #Addiction

18 people are talking about this

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Thomas Ousterhout PhD

Thomas Ousterhout PhD @thomas_ousterhout_phd

Relax

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Smith82 @candissmith

No Content Available

<p>No Content Available</p>

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Thomas Ousterhout PhD

Thomas Ousterhout PhD @thomas_ousterhout_phd

Filter your thoughts

<p>Filter your thoughts</p>

25 people are talking about this

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JohnnyBear53 @johnnybear1969

A picture can hide 1000 words

<p>A picture can hide 1000 words</p>