Addiction Symptoms

Addiction in the broadest sense of the term includes substance abuse, misusing drugs such as heroin, cocaine and alcohol (alcoholism) as well as the more socially acceptable but potentially damaging addictions to video games, caffeine, gambling or sex.

An addiction is anything for which the person affected has a psychological and/or physical dependence to the extent that it requires fulfillment on a regular basis.

Addiction is a major problem and can lead to crime and social breakdown for the sufferer and their family and friends.

What Helps Addiction

Addiction Medication

Certain addictions can be treated by medications, for instance, alcoholism may be treated by disufiram (antabuse) which alters the metabolism of alcohol and makes drinking very unpleasant and if excessive dangerous. Heroin addiction may be treated with methadone as a substitute. These all need the willingness of the patient to adhere to a strict regime.