The Addictions We Treat
Addiction is defined as a disease of the mind, body and spirit. When we take or do something that makes us feel good, it’s normal to want to do it again. If you have an addictive personality, you will definitely do it again. Some describe addiction as having a ‘hole in the soul’, because of the constant search to find the missing piece – the thing that’s going to make you feel complete. But that feeling of completion is elusive – it only ever comes in short bursts, after which its absence is felt all the more keenly.
Addictive behavior is mood-altering, i.e. it changes the way we feel. Messengers are sent to stimulate the pleasure centre in the brain, which then produces dopamine, a chemical that makes us feel good. So we go back for more and more, and this creates dependence – thus begins the addictive circle.
Addiction often runs in families, and many experts believe that predisposition to addiction is a combination of biological, psychological and environmental factors.
Types of addiction
Here are some of the more common forms of addiction:
- prescription drugs, e.g. sleeping pills, painkillers
- alcohol
- food
- street drugs, e.g. cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy, amphetamine, heroin
- sex
- shopping
- gambling
- exercise (addiction and bulimia)
- relationships addiction (often called codependency)
Alcoholism
Alcoholism is the physical and mental dependence on the consumption of alcohol. When someone experiences strong uncontrollable cravings for alcohol and feel that they cannot function without it, that individual may suffer from what is now called “alcohol use disorder”.
To be diagnosed as an alcohol dependent person, three of the following (DSM 5) criterion need to be fulfilled:
- High level of tolerance, they need to drink more to obtain the same effect;
- Use and abuse of alcohol for longer and with larger quantities than planned;
- Withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit;
- Unsuccessful attempts at reducing use;
- Most of the time is spent drinking, procuring drink or recovering from heavy use;
- Relationship and human bonds are sacrificed in favor of drinking;
- Alcohol abuse continues, despite realising that it is harmful for the body.
Prescription Medicine Dependency
Addictive painkillers are often prescribed by doctors for a lot of conditions and, for those in pain, life without them can seem difficult. If taken long term then can be very damaging to the nervous system. Many of these drugs are available online, both legally and illegally, without a medical prescription. These pills are addictive and are easy to overdose. Stopping prescription pill addiction requires medical supervision (a detox) as the withdrawal symptoms can be devastating.
Opioid medicines such as Codeine, Demerol or Vicodin, and benzodiazepines such a Valium and Xanax are extremely addictive. They are often prescribed for car and other accidents or as muscle relaxants. Even Codeine-based cough syrups administered at a young age can lead to addiction.
In the USA, the Office of National Drug Control Policy stated that prescription drug addiction accounts for twice as many overdose deaths as heroin. This has prompted the US to push for a stricter control of the prescription process of opioids and benzodiazepines. The situation in the EU is similar but there is a lack of both data and awareness about the problem.
Drug dependency
The following section describes the effects of cannabis, cocaine and heroin — all of which we treat at Ibiza Calm.
Cannabis
Heavy cannabis consumption can lead to addiction. Among the side-effects are changes in sleeping patterns, lethargy, irritable behavior, paranoia and distortions in the brain’s emotional centre. In addition, studies have linked cannabis to increasing the susceptibility to psychotic behavior and depression.
Cocaine
Cocaine is a powerful and addictive stimulant that is obtained by from coca leaves from the Andean mountains of South America. Although it has medical uses as an anaesthetic, cocaine is mostly used illegally for the extreme form of euphoria that it induces.
Cocaine abuse can severely damage the blood vessels, kidneys and increases the risk of a heart attack or brain seizure. It can cause severe stomach pains and a loss of appetite. Psychologically, it can lead to anxiety, paranoia, irritability and insomnia.
Heroin
Heroin is a drug synthesised from morphine and is one of the most addictive illicit substances available.
While in some countries heroin is prescribed as an analgesic, it is generally sold illegally and often mixed with, or “cut”, with sugar, powdered milk or even poisons such as strychnine. Because heroin users do not know the actual strength of the drug, or its true contents, they constantly run the risk of an overdose. Heroin can also diminish the amount of oxygen that reaches the brain, a condition known as Hypoxia. An overdose can lead to heavy breathing, muscle spasms, convulsions and even death.
Behavioural addictions
Behavioural addictions are when someone becomes dependent on a specific action or activity, and it becomes the sole purpose of their life. We treat all behavioural addictions at Ibiza Calm.
Gambling Addiction
Gambling addiction is probably the most widespread behavioural addiction. Compulsive gamblers become addicted to sports betting, casino games such as roulette, slot machines or online poker.
Gambling addicts, or compulsive gamblers, have a constant craving that is similar to a cocaine addiction. They tend to get reckless with their finances, and with their relationships, are usually in denial and often lie to those around them.
The internet and smartphones has made gambling much more accessible and the result is that this type of addiction is increasing fast. Unfortunately there is a general lack of public awareness about this problem.
Eating Disorders
Many people with an addiction have eating disorders and the team at Ibiza Calm are trained to treat this condition in a sympathetic and effective way. Eating Disorders, or abnormal eating patterns, can take a heavy toll on both physical and mental health.
The most common eating disorders are bulimia, binge eating and anorexia. Bulimia is manifested by overeating followed by episodes of purging, or vomiting. Anorexia is caused by over-dieting and an excessive concern for weight and appearance. Anorexics lose weight rapidly, skip meals and still feel that they are overweight.
Sex Addiction
Sex Addiction is a compulsive sexual disorder which can manifests itself in many ways. Because of psychological triggers such as stress, anxiety or depression, people with sex addiction are driven to risky sexual behavior.
Sex addiction can have serious social consequences as well as on both mental and physical health. Risky and compulsive sexual behavior can result in venereal diseases, sexual dysfunction and the loss of normal relationships and a healthy family life.