!Trigger warning: Talk of addiction and mention of substance abuse!
Before reading this article I’d like to remind everyone that I am a high school student, I am no professional doctor. I have done a lot of research on this topic, I looked at psychological papers and health websites on this topic to get accurate information, however, I do not have the same amount of knowledge or experience as a professional. If you have any worries or questions please contact a trusted adult or doctor, don’t forget Roosevelt provides free in-school therapy and we have a free clinic as well.
For those who don’t fully know what addiction is, it’s the inability to stop using a substance or engaging in a behavior even though it may cause you harm, whether it’s physical or psychological. The term addiction does not only mean dependence on substances such as heroin, cocaine, or any other drug. There are also non-substance addictions such as gambling, food, cell phones/ electronic devices, and sexual activities/ intercourse. Someone with an addiction will continue to misuse the substance or activity despite the harmful effects it has, they rely on those things to make them feel better.
The primary indications of addiction are declining grades or difficulty at school, poor performance at work, and relationship difficulties which often involve lashing out at people who identify with the addiction. An inability to stop using a substance even though it may be causing health problems or personal problems. A noticeable lack of energy in daily activities, and profound changes in appearance including weight loss and a noticeable abandonment of hygiene.
When a person has an addiction and decides to stop taking the substance or engaging in the behavior, they may experience certain symptoms. Such as irritability, frequent mood swings, cravings, aches and pains, and sleep deprivation. For those who have become physically dependent on a substance, abrupt discontinuation may provoke many unpleasant symptoms, and in some cases, it may become fatal. However, Anyone using substances, even socially, should discuss them with a doctor to ensure safe use and monitor for signs or symptoms of addiction.
There’s a difference between addiction and misuse, we mustn’t mix the two different terms. Misuse refers to the misuse of a substance at high doses or in inappropriate situations that could lead to physical and/ or mental health along with social problems. However, not everybody who misuses a substance has an addiction. Addiction is a condition exhibiting a compulsive or psychological need for a habit-forming substance or activity. To be as thorough as possible with my explanation, I did some digging to find what qualifies as an addiction and when it starts to become one. Something does not qualify as an addiction until the person experiences a “chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking, continued use despite harmful consequences, and long-lasting changes in the brain” (National Library of Medicine).
I’d like to remind everyone once again that I am not a professional doctor, I’m a high school student like some of you reading this, however, I have done more than enough research to confidently write an article like this about such an important and sensitive topic. With that said please take my words with a grain of salt. For a deeper explanation and proper professional standpoint on such a topic, visit our in-school therapist, Caitlin Clark. Remember to be safe and seek help when it’s needed, don’t be ashamed!
