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Addiction is a condition that results when a person ingests a substance (alcohol, cocaine, nicotine) or engages in an activity (sex, gambling, eating) that can be pleasurable but the continued use becomes compulsive and interferes with life responsibilities. Anxiety and depression are common conditions among those with substance and behavioral addictions.

Symptoms of Addiction

• Craving or compulsion to use the substance or activity.
• Failing in your attempts to stop using the substance or activity.
• Feeling you need the substance or activity to cope with your problems.
• Recurrent use of the drug or activity escalates to achieve the desired effect, indicating tolerance.
• Spending money on the substance or activity even though you cannot afford it.
• Attempts to stop usage produce symptoms of withdrawal (irritability, anxiety, shakes, nausea).
• Recurrent use of the substance or activity impairs work, social, and family responsibilities.

Addiction Treatment

Addiction is a treatable condition. The first phase of treatment is withdrawal from the problem substance/activity. There are both physical and psychological effects that occur when substance-taking stops, including such physical signs as nausea and vomiting, chills and sweats, muscle cramps and aches, sleeplessness, shifts in heart rate, even fever. Emotional effects include depression, anxiety, irritability, and mood swings. Withdrawal symptoms typically last three to five days.