Addiction happens when drugs or alcohol becomes the main focus of someone’s life, an obsession that persists regardless of the negative consequences. Because these affect the chemical functioning of the brain, they can cause a physical dependency. This means that the body actually comes to expect the presence of the substance and Chicago addicts will experience painful withdrawal symptoms if they avoid regular doses. In addition to this physical dependency, a person can also form a psychological dependence, meaning that she can believe that a substance is necessary to live.
How Addiction Develops in Chicago
There are many theories as to why some people develop addictions and others don’t. Some believe that a predisposition for addiction is genetic and hereditary. Others think that it is a result of childhood trauma or not learning how to soothe oneself as a toddler. With these theories, the idea is that Chicago residents turn to addiction as a coping mechanism. Another theory is that addicts have deficiencies in their brain’s pleasure and reward systems. A known cause of addiction is a co-occurring mental health issue. Those Chicago residents struggling with a mental disorder, such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder, will often turn to an addictive substance to self-medicate unpleasant symptoms. Unfortunately, these substances can worsen the disorder and in turn perpetuate the addiction.
How to Recognize Addiction in Chicago
here are some common actions and symptoms a Chicago resident will display if he is struggling with an addiction. The following are examples of addiction symptoms:
- An obsession with the substance or activity
- Continuance of the addictive behavior regardless of the harm it is causing
- An inability to stop the addictive behavior
- Presence of withdrawal symptoms if the addictive substance or activity is removed
- Denial of the addiction problem
- Unusual secluded behavior
- Sudden or extreme changes in mood
- Sudden change in sleeping patterns, activities, or social groups
- Lying or stealing in order to maintain the addiction
Addiction Help for Chicago Residents
The first step in recovering from an addiction is to get help. Chicago residents need to confide in people they trust: perhaps a family member, friend, or professional addiction counselor. If an addict is a loved one who is resistant to help, you may need to organize an intervention. It is crucial that an intervention be carefully and well planned, so seek out the help of an addiction professional before planning one. Once the addiction is recognized the addict will likely need to undergo professional rehab treatment. This treatment should be individualized and holistic, and integrate the treatment of any co-occurring mental health issues or other underlying issue. This sort of treatment makes it possible for Chicago addicts to heal fully and overcome addiction.
How Chicago Residents Can End Addictive Behaviors
Are you or someone you love in Chicago exhibiting behaviors that make you suspect an addiction? Please call us and let us answer your questions and get you the help you need. We are here 24 hours a day and the call is toll-free, so there’s no reason to wait. Call now.
