Most people think that they have a good, general understanding of addiction. However, many of them don’t actually know the addiction definition.This naivety is evident in how they use addiction and abuse interchangeably. There’s more to addiction than most people know.
Addiction Definition
The addiction definition states that addiction is a mental disease and not a choice. People who suffer from addiction no longer have control over their actions. They suffer from the inability to stop using drugs or doing a certain activity.
Addiction differs from substance abuse. With substance abuse, people still have the choice to take drugs or not. However, they usually continue abusing a substance because they like how it makes them feel.
Substance abuse is a problem that people can stop with willpower. Addiction, on the other hand, isn’t a condition that people can control. It’s important to note, however, that substance abuse unchecked usually turns into addiction.
It’s also essential for friends and family members to know the difference between addiction and substance abuse. Many relatives don’t understand that addiction is a disease rather than a choice. The top question that they ask is, “Why don’t they just stop using?” This misunderstanding is why addiction education is an important part of the detox and rehab processes.
Addiction Signs and Symptoms
Understanding the addiction definition is just half the battle of fighting the disease. The second part involves knowing the signs and symptoms. Spotting addiction symptoms early give people a better chance of overcoming the disease. Some of the physical symptoms include:
- Mood changes
- Talking erratically or quickly
- Changes in eating habits
- Isolating one’s self
Addiction is a disease that people can fight, but it never goes away. Once it develops, people are constantly in battle fighting the urge to use. Proper detox and drug rehab, and support, however, can make the fight easier.
Detox Is Your First Step to Taking Your Life Back
At Serenity House Detox & Recovery, we understand how important detoxing is. We also know that it’s vital for people to get detox help no matter their drug addiction. Our facility offers a number of detox programs, including:
- Prescription pill detox
- Alcohol detox
- Cocaine detox
- Opiate detox
We introduce all of our clients to the 12-step principles of recovery. Our goal is to lay the proper foundation for drug rehab once you get out of detox. Studies show that people who undergo professional detox are less likely to relapse. With this in mind, we help our clients identify their addiction triggers.
Start your addiction treatment right with a detox you can count on. Removing the poison that drugs leave in your body is the first step down your road to recovery. Don’t wait. Call us today at 866-294-5306 to speak to one of our friendly staff members. We’re ready to help. Make the call.
