Addiction

INTRODUCTION
• Addiction is a complex and pervasive issue that affects individuals,
families, and communities worldwide. It is a state of physical or
psychological dependence on a substance or behavior that can have
severe consequences on one’s health, relationships, and overall
quality of life. Understanding the nature of addiction, its causes, and
how to overcome it is crucial for addressing this challenging problem
and offering support to those in need. In this presentation, we will
explore the history, side effects, and strategies for overcoming
addiction, shedding light on a topic that continues to impact counless
lives”.
HISTORY OF ADDICTION
• Ancient Civilizations: The use of psychoactive substances, such as
alcohol and opium, dates back to ancient civilizations like the
Sumerians and Egyptians.
• Prohibition Era: In the United States, the Prohibition era from 1920 to
1933 resulted in the illegal production and consumption of alcohol,
leading to a rise in organized crime and alcohol addiction.
• Modern Drug Epidemics: The 20th century saw the emergence of new
drugs and substances, including cocaine, heroin, and eventually,
synthetic drugs like methamphetamine. These substances have
caused addiction epidemics in various parts of the world
HISTORY OF ADDICTION
• Technology and Behavioral Addictions: Modern society has witnessed
technology and behavioral addictions, such as internet and gambling
addiction.
• Ongoing Research: Scientific research continues to advance
prevention, treatment, and harm reduction strategies for various
forms of addiction
WHAT IS ADDICTION
• Addiction is a complex and chronic brain disorder characterized by the
compulsive seeking and use of a substance (such as drugs or alcohol)
or engaging in a behavior (like gambling or gaming) despite harmful
consequences. It often involves a cycle of craving, using, and seeking
relief, and it can have a profound impact on an individual’s physical
and mental health, as well as their relationships and daily life. Factors
contributing to addiction include genetic, environmental, and
psychological elements, making it a challenging condition to
overcome. Treatment may involve therapy, medication, and support
to help individuals regain control over their lives.
TYPES OF ADDICTION
Substance Addiction: This includes addiction to drugs, alcohol, and
other substances. People with substance addiction develop a physical
and psychological dependence on the substance, often leading to
harmful consequences.
• Behavioral or Process Addictions: These are addictions to certain
behaviors or activities. Common examples include gambling
addiction, sex addiction, internet or gaming addiction, and shopping
addiction. People with behavioral addictions become compulsively
engaged in these activities despite negative outcomes.
 TYPES OF ADDICTION
• Nicotine Addiction: This type of addiction specifically pertains to the
use of tobacco and products containing nicotine, such as cigarettes
and e-cigarettes.
• Work Addiction: Also known as “workaholism,” this is an addiction to
work and a compulsive need to stay engaged in work-related
activities, often to the detriment of personal life.
• Technology Addiction: This refers to excessive and compulsive use of
technology, including smartphones, social media, and video games.
TYPES OF ADDICTION
• Love or Relationship Addiction: This addiction involves being addicted
to the feeling of being in love or the pursuit of romantic relationships,
often leading to codependency and relationship problems
EFFECTS OF ADDICTION

Addictions can have a wide range of physical, psychological, and social side effects, depending on
the specific addiction. Some common side effects of addictions include:
Physical Health Issues: Addictions can lead to various physical health problems, such as heart
disease, liver damage (in the case of alcohol or drug addiction), respiratory issues (in the case of
smoking), and weight-related problems (in the case of food addiction).
• Mental Health Consequences: Many addictions are associated with mental health issues like
depression, anxiety, and mood disorders. Substance addictions can alter brain chemistry, leading
to these conditions.
• Relationship Problems: Addictions can strain relationships with family, friends, and romantic
partners. Addicted individuals may become isolated or engage in behaviors that harm their loved
ones.
• Financial Difficulties: Maintaining an addiction often requires a significant amount of money,
which can lead to financial problems, including debt and job loss.
EFFECTS OF ADDICTION
Legal Issues: Some addictions can result in legal problems, such as DUIs for alcohol or drug
addiction, or theft and fraud for gambling addiction.
Decline in Performance: Addictions can lead to a decline in academic or work performance. For
example, a student might start performing poorly in school due to a gaming addiction.
• Neglect of Responsibilities: Addicted individuals may neglect their responsibilities at home,
work, or school, leading to negative consequences.
• Physical Harm: In extreme cases, addictions can lead to accidents or injuries. For example,
individuals addicted to drugs may engage in risky behaviors that result in harm.
• Tolerance and Withdrawal: Many addictions involve developing a tolerance to the addictive
substance or behavior, which means that over time, more of the substance or behavior is
needed to achieve the same effect. Withdrawal symptoms can also be severe when the
addictive behavior or substance is not available.
• Health Risks: Some addictions, like smoking and substance abuse, are associated with a higher
risk of serious health conditions, including cancer, heart disease, and overdose.
 DRUG ADDICTION
• Addiction is a disease that affects your brain and behavior. When you’re
addicted to drugs, you can’t resist the urge to use them, no matter how much
harm the drugs may cause. The earlier you get treatment for drug addiction
(also called substance use disorder) the more likely you are to avoid some of
the more dire consequences of the disease.
• Drug addiction isn’t about just heroin, cocaine, or other illegal drugs. You can
get addicted to alcohol, nicotine, sleep and anti-anxiety medications, and other
legal substances.
• At first, you may choose to take a drug because you like the way it makes you
feel. You may think you can control how much and how often you use it. But
over time, drugs change how your brain works. These physical changes can last
a long time. They make you lose control and can lead to damaging behaviors
DRUG ADDICTION

Drugs come in many forms, including pills and those you inject.
 Signs of Addiction

• You may have one or more of these warning signs:

• An urge to use the drug every day, or many times a day
• Taking more drugs than you want to, and for longer than you thought you would
• Always having the drug with you, and buying it even if you can’t afford it
• Using drugs even if they cause you trouble at work or make you lash out at family
and friends
• Spending more time alone.
• Not taking care of yourself or caring how you look
• Spending most of your time getting, using, or recovering from the effects of the drug
• Feeling sick when you try to
 EFFECTS ON BRAIN

• Your brain is wired to make you want to repeat experiences that make you feel
good. So you’re motivated to do them again and again.
• The drugs that may be addictive target your brain’s reward system. They flood
your brain with a chemical called dopamine. This triggers a feeling of intense
pleasure. You keep taking the drug to chase that high.
• Over time, your brain gets used to the extra dopamine. So you might need to take
more of the drug to get the same good feeling. And other things you enjoyed, like
food and hanging out with family, may give you less pleasure.
EFFECTS ON BRAIN
• When you use drugs for a long time, it can cause changes in other
brain chemical systems and circuits as well. They can hurt your:
• Judgment
• Decision-making
• Memory
• Ability to learn
• Together, these brain changes can drive you to seek out and take
drugs in ways that are beyond your control.
 Who’s Most Likely to Become Addicted?
• Each person’s body and brain are different. People also react differently to drugs.
Some love the feeling the first time they try it and want more. Others hate it and
never try again.
• Not everyone who uses drugs becomes addicted. But it can happen to anyone and a
any age. Some things may raise your chances of addiction, including:
• Family history. Your genes are responsible for about half of your odds. If your parent
or siblings have problems with alcohol or drugs, you’re more likely as well. All
genders are equally likely to become addicted.
• Early drug use. Children’s brains are still growing, and drug use can change that. So
taking drugs at an early age may make you more likely to get addicted when you get
older.
Who's mst likely to become addicted?
• Mental disorders. If you’re depressed, have trouble paying attention,
or worry constantly, you have a higher chance of addiction. You may
turn to drugs as a way to try to feel better. A history of trauma in your
life also makes you more likely to have addiction.
• Troubled relationships. If you grew up with family troubles and aren’t
close to your parents or siblings, it may raise your chances of
addiction.
PREVENTION OF SMART PHONES
ADDICTION
Time Management: Limit your online time and set specific periods for internet use.
Use Apps and Tools: Utilize apps and tools that help you track and manage your screen
time.
Physical Activity: Engage in physical activities and hobbies offline to balance your time.
Socialize Offline: Spend quality time with friends and family in person.
Digital Detox: Take regular breaks from the internet, like a “digital detox” weekend.
Establish Priorities: Set clear goals for your online activities and prioritize real-life
responsibilities.
Seek Support: If addiction is severe, consider seeking professional help or support groups.
• Parental Controls: For children, use parental control software and educate them about
responsible internet use
Ways to prevent alcohol and smoking
Education: Understand the risks and consequences.
Avoid Peer Pressure: Resist pressure to drink or smoke.
Set Boundaries: Decide not to start or commit to quitting.
Healthy Coping: Develop alternative ways to handle stress.
Support System: Seek encouragement from family and friends.
Avoid Triggers: Stay away from situations that trigger cravings.
Find Alternatives: Replace the habit with healthier activities.
Professional Help: Consider counseling or rehab if addicted.
Medication: Consult a healthcare professional if needed.
• Self-Motivation: Stay committed to a healthier lif
HOW TO OVERCOME ADDICTION

Overcoming addiction can be challenging, but it’s possible with the right approach. Here are some steps to help:
Acknowledge the problem: Admit that you have an addiction and recognize its negative impact on your life.
Seek support: Reach out to friends, family, or support groups to share your struggle and gain emotional support.
Professional help: Consider therapy or counseling to address the underlying causes of addiction and develop
coping strategies.
Set goals: Establish clear, achievable goals for your recovery and track your progress.
Avoid triggers: Identify and avoid situations, people, or places that trigger your addictive behavior.
Replace with healthier habits: Find new, positive activities to replace the time and energy you used to spend on
your addiction.
Stay committed: Recovery is a journey with ups and downs. Stay committed and be patient with yourself.
Medication: In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Accountability: Share your progress with a trusted individual who can help keep you accountable
CONCLUSION
• Thank you for your attention, and let us continue to raise awareness
and work together to address this critical issue.