Addiction or substance use disorder is a treatable disease in which a person uses a substance or engages in a behavior repeatedly despite detrimental consequences. Addiction may involve the use of substances such as alcohol, cocaine, opioids, sedatives, cannabis, stimulates, nicotine, and others, or behaviors such as gambling.

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Symptoms of addiction:

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• The substance is used in larger amounts or for a longer period of time than intended.

• A desire to use less or stop and unsuccessful efforts to do so.

• Pursuit, use, and recover from the substance consumes a significant amount of time.

• A craving or strong desire to use the substance.

• Use of the substance causes issues at work, school, or home.

• Use of the substance continues despite the emotional, social or personal 

• Giving up important activities or previous interests as a result of the substance use.

• Use of the substance may cause physical injury

• Use continues despite knowing of any physical or psychological problems that it has caused.

• Tolerance occurs, indicated either by need for increased amounts of the substance to achieve the desired effect or diminished effect of the same amount of substance.

• Withdrawal symptoms, the presence of physiological symptoms, such as pain, nausea, and shaking when the substance is not consumed for a period of time.

• The severity of the condition is defined by the number of symptoms present. Two to three symptoms indicate a mild condition, four to five symptoms indicate a moderate disorder, and six or more symptoms indicate severe condition.

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Addiction treatment or drug and alcohol abuse treatment

The therapist will use different strategies and theories to help the person to be able to stop using the substance, deal with emotions in healthy ways, and have a sense of joy and peace.

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