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1.Addiction A: The first addiction that I decided to discuss was sex addiction. When people hear this, they think of only being addicted to having intercourse, but there are many symptoms of sexual addictions. Some of the symptoms are compulsive masturbation, multiple affairs, exhibitionism, sexual harassment. Although not all sex addicts are sex offenders, some eventually end up becoming offenders. There are many ways to know if someone is an addict to sex or sexual behaviors. Sometimes addicts feel lack of control over their sexual behaviors although they know it is affecting them negatively. For example, although a man may be married, if he is a sex addict, he will continue to seek intercourse from other people besides his wife even though he knows he is hurting her.
2.Addiction B: Alcohol addiction has been something that has been around long enough. There are several steps to becoming an addict and many symptoms that one should look for. An alcohol addiction first begins with experimentation which then leads to social use and then to habitual use and then alcohol abuse and ending with alcohol addiction. Some symptoms of an alcoholic are that they consume drinks throughout the day just to keep functioning. Also they tend to make excuses as to why they drink and may even change their preference of drinks just to get “drunk faster.” Also alcoholics, take a long time to admit their problems and finally do something about it.
3.Differences Alcohol and sex addiction are two completely different addictions. Sex is part of a person’s everyday life so there is no way around it. This type of addiction is more complex because sex is part of everyday lives and we need it to survive. The question is; how can a person stop that kind of addiction if they need to do it in order to survive? In the other hand alcohol isn’t. A person can live their whole life without ever tasting a drop of alcohol and they will be just fine.
4.Similarities Both of these addictions are very harmful physically and mentally to the addict. Physically an alcohol addiction can cause the liver to shut down and stop functioning altogether and out your health in danger. As a sex addict, extramarital affairs, or having multiple sex partners can lead to sexually transmitted diseases or even HIV/AIDS. Without a doubt any kind of addiction is very hurtful to both the addict and their families because the addictions take over their lives, sometimes even destroying marriages and relationships. Also another similarity between these addictions is that a lot of addicts don’t admit they have a problem. Sometimes they need intervention or something negative to happen to them for them to realize they have a problem.
5.What did this research teach me about these addictions or addiction in general? Doing this research was very interesting because I chose two addictions that I am very interested in. At first, I thought that sexual addiction was just an addiction to having intercourse but as I read the article, I learned that there are many behaviors that can cause a sexual addiction. Alcohol addiction is something that I was interested in learning about because it is something that is very close to my family and I learned a lot of new things about. Before, I had a general idea about it, but now I know that there are many symptoms of alcoholism. Also, there are many ways to treat these addictions.
1.) Addiction A -The first addiction that I picked is marijuana addiction. The side effects of marijuana use include bloodshot red blurry eyes, rapid heartbeat, hunger, dry mouth, anxiety, paranoia and fear, poor memory, poor coordination, slow reaction time, loss of control, and addiction. Chronic use of marijuana can contribute to respiratory problems, chest pains and a constant mucus filled cough. Marijuana withdraw symptoms include, irritability, anger, depressed mood, headaches, restlessness, lack of appetite, and cravings for marijuana.
2.) Addiction B -The second addiction that I picked was addiction to painkillers. Signs and symptoms of pain killer addiction are un controllable craving for pain killers, obsessive thoughts about pain killers, loss of appetite, weight loss, nausea, headache, paranoia, hallucinations, confusion, runny nose, glazed eyes, red eyes, persistent cough, forgetfulness, increased sensitivity to emotions and sound, rapid speech, anxiety, mood swings, social isolation, neglect of family responsibilities, poor school performance, insomnia, neglect of personal hygiene, and excessive amount of money spent on obtaining pain killers.
3.) Differences -Theses two addiction are different from one another because people who smoke weed are psychologically dependent on weed. They continue to smoke weed to get high while those who take painkillers are physically dependent. So if the pain killer addict goes through withdrawal he or she may experience some physical problems such as shaking or painful headaches. While the other person addicted to weed may experience depression or anxiety.
4.) Similarities -Both of these addictions are very bad for your health. They both can lead to cancer in the long run. They hurt important organs in your body if they continue to be abused. Whether it is a psychological or physical dependency they are just as hard to stop.
5.) What did you learn about addictions? -Doing this research taught me about the different types of addiction there are such as psychological and physical addiction. They are basically the same but with different withdrawal symptoms. I learned that addictions could hurt your lifestyle and things you care about the most.
In analyzing both drug addiction and online addiction, many similarities are found, but the level of dependency an individual feels to use differs between the two.
1. Drug addiction amounts to more severe symptoms and qualities. The major effects include an uncontrollable compulsion to seek substances, intense cravings between uses, usage of the drug as a counter for sadness or depression, and changes in emotion when cravings are not achieved or satisfied. 2. Users who are considered to be addicted to the Internet tend to spend a significant amount of time online, stay longer than they originally planned, neglect their social duties and responsibilities, and become emotional before and during use. 3. The addictions differ in the severity in which the user experiences dependency and emotional changes. With drug addiction, users experience a substantial need to satisfy their addiction. If their addiction does not become gratified, they can experience physical, social, and mental repercussions. Also drug users tend to spend a higher amount of income on substances to satisfy their needs. Internet addicts have the Internet as a free medium. They are able to satisfy their needs without money, unless their online addiction requires payment. Users also spend a greater amount of time online to achieve satisfaction, whereas drug users can be content off one “hit.” 4. Drug and Internet addictions are similar in many ways. Both present an emotion strain on the individual. If satisfaction is not achieved, the individual experiences some sense of sadness, depression, anger, or aggression. They also lead to a lack of social well-being. Users become taken away from reality, and are forced to focus their energy on the addiction. Their relationships deteriorate. Friends and family become second-hand to their addiction. 5. This analysis of the research illustrates addiction as a negative entity in an individual’s behavioral construct. Addictions only supply instant-gratification and do not tend to benefit the user in the long-run. Addiction is harmful to a persons income, as well as their physical, social, and mental state.
Addiction A 1. The first addiction that caught my attention was the addiction to painkillers because I recently heard about it but wanted to learn more about the effects and causes. Although most of the pills that become addictive are those that are prescribed by doctors, they still seem to be at easy access for many people. Teenagers can easily retrieve these medications in their cabinets at home from family members who have had to use them due to surgery. Through this addiction many people gain the pleasure of relieving physical and emotional pain. These painkillers allow people to obtain quick relaxation and still be cautious of there surroundings unlike other types of drugs and alcohol. The causes of this addiction is that people can become easily addicted and the tolerance to these medications build up quickly making the body need more to feel the same sensation. When trying to withdrawal from this addiction it will cause problems in the digestive system but after a few months off the medications they will be able to recuperate and function normally.
Addiction B 2. The addiction to shopping had been considered a physiological problem up until the 20th century when it was finally considered an addiction. The term that is used today to describe this addiction is Oniomania. Although this addiction is not physically endangering the body like other substances, it is still effective and causes many personal problems. This addiction is has helped people cope with depression, anxiety, boredom and anger. Besides their personal satisfaction this addiction can cause financial problems and ruin relationships. The reason for many people becoming addicted to shopping can be due to the fact that through new and improved objects people can gain a sense of self worth in comparison with others who they are trying to be like or compete.
Differences 3. These two addictions are very different. One of the differences is that the addiction to painkillers actually requires the body to undergo change and can effect a person mentality and physically. The addiction to shopping doesn’t put the body in any harm or physical pain during withdrawal. Through the addiction of painkillers people can become hospitalized due to overdose and with shopping you wont need the hospital emergency.
Similarities 4. Although both of the addictions are different in many aspects they can both be similar in the fact that they both seem to require money to be attained. Many times people will try to buy their medications from those who are prescribed users and a shopping addiction is only effective when the person buys objects and not just window shops. Both of these addictions are used so people can become relaxed and relieved from stress or depression.
5. Through this research assignment I was able to gain a view of the different types of addiction, from the most extreme and harmful to the least. This research taught me the difference between a habit and addiction. For example the reason why something as simple as shopping is now being considered an addiction is because there is a psychoactive substance, which produces symptoms such as physical tolerance and withdrawal.
The two different addictions I decided to compare were Food addiction and Exercise addiction: 1)Those who are considered to be addicted to food tend to eat uncontrollably, taking large amounts of food in very short time, they feel guilty after excessive eating, but the most significant symptom of food addiction, is when people take food and eat it secretly away from others. The reason to food addiction can vary from social, or to many it has an emotional tie. 2)While exercising may be healthy, many have become addicts to working out. Just like any addiction those who become addicted are willing to skip activities such as work, class, or family time just to put in hours in the gymnasium. Many addicts will go as far as to work out while they have an injury, often leading to more serious injuries. 3)One of the obvious similarities between these two addictions is that the addict feels a sense of pleasure while eating or working out. Both activities release endorphins, which help to relief stress, pain, and boost our immune systems. Just like any other addiction they begin to take over the life of the addict, addicts begin to skip certain social events, and duties just to be able to work out or eat. 4)Before this unit I had a different view of addictions, I always felt addicts had the ability to stop their addiction whenever they wished. However, after having read a series of articles I found out that many addictions are tied to the addict’s brain. In other words they have become chemically dependent to the substance, or action.
Sex Addiction vs. Alcoholism 1. The major symptoms and qualities of sex addiction are compulsive masturbation, multiple affairs, and one night stands, consistent use of pornography, unsafe sex, phone/computer sex, prostitution, exhibitionism, sexual harassment, and molestation. 2. The major symptoms and qualities of alcoholism is when a person is repeatedly drunk to the point that they are not able to meet their responsibilities, they don’t perform well at work, or in their everyday life, also if the person is having personal and social problems such as verbal and physical aggression. 3. Both addictions are different because n the sex addiction the qualities and symptoms are more toward physical satisfaction. However, alcoholism is symptoms and qualities that satisfy more toward mental issues. To be drunk will tend to alleviate mind issues and concerns. Each addiction is different because the symptoms are different and treatments are also different as well. 4. Both addictions are similar because like any addiction causes harm. Sex addiction can lead into having infections, and may lead to death, as well as alcoholism, it can destroy someone’s life. All addictions can destroy people’s life and cause them to loose family, friends and loved ones. 5. I learned that every addiction can vary from treatments to symptoms. Simple things that can be considered addictions can destroy your life in some way.
1. The major symptoms or qualities of addiction A are: irresistible urges, impulsiveness, debt, overwhelming sense of emptiness and abandonment.
2. The major symptoms or qualities of addiction B are: induced drug craving, altered brain pleasure circuit, withdrawal with feelings of irritability, anxiety, depression.
3. Addiction A is different than B because is can be temporarily treated with medication such as antidepressants and mood stabilizers. Addicts of this addiction have a biochemical imbalance in the brain, meaning this addition is a biologically based mental disorder treatable with drugs. Addiction B effects the brain's neurochemical processes, pleasure circuits, and how genes function. Chronic use of this addiction brings along enduring changes and can not usually be treated because of a person's tolerance. Since genes are affected, the addictive genes can be inherited, increasing a person's risk of addition.
4. Both addictions are similar because the human body becomes dependent on the particular activity to feel pleasure. If an addict is denied that activity, both addictions show the same withdrawal symptoms. Both addictions are also chemically attached to their victims. Relapse is very common for both addictions as well.
5. The readings helped me understand why people cannot just "stop" their addiction. Its because their body has become dependent on the certain substance or activity to be able to feel happy or content. Their brain has been chemically altered due to their addiction.
1. What are the major symptoms/ qualities of addiction to marijuana? People addicted to marijuana have a frequent obsession with the drug. They are always thinking about marijuana and frequently asking questions such as where to get it, when to take it, or if there is enough. In addition, addicts develop a tolerance; they must smoke more than they used to feel the same intensity and effect as before. Long-term users, who suddenly stop using marijuana, have withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, tremor, sweating, weight loss, and irritability. 2. What are the major symptoms/ qualities of addiction to shopping? Compulsive shoppers are constantly buying items, but they don't care about materials after they buying them. The thrill for the shopper rests on the process more than the purchase itself. Many have a need to spend excessive amount of money on items. They neglect relationships, social activities, and duties in order to shop. If the addicts doesn’t shop, they are anxious, irritable, or depressed 3. In what ways are these two different? Addiction to marijuana is more dangerous to your health than addiction to shopping. Shopping excessively can be a psychological problem but the body of the shopper is not physically getting hurt. Someone who is addicted to marijuana has a high risk of getting a heart attack, palpitations and arrhythmias. Marijuana smokers can have daily coughs and phlegm production, and a heightened risk of lung infections. On the other hand, a person addicted to shopping can have anxiety, irritability, and be in debt. This does not have the same intensity and being physically ill. 4. In what ways are they similar? Shopping addicts and marijuana addicts become preoccupied with spending, and devote significant time and money to their activity. They both have addictive pattern of thoughts about shopping and marijuana. In addition, the activities of consuming drugs and purchasing items provide a relief from negative feelings. Compulsive shoppers and drug addicts use shopping and marijuana as a way of escaping negative feelings, such as depression, anxiety, boredom, self-critical thoughts, and anger. But a great similarity is that both addictions lead to people neglecting their duties and relationships. 5. What did this research/writing teach you about the addictions, and/or addiction in general? There many people with addictions. Some addictions are more dangerous than the other but they still take away significant time and money from addict. It is an intense habit that cannot longer be controlled and must be treated with medicine or therapy. I think this demonstrates that people can be easy manipulated because they feel the need to do the activity at all times.
1) Shopping addicts are psychologically inclined to do so. Research suggests that there may be a chemical imbalance that triggers the pattern of buying. People who are shopaholics engage in overspending because they may have anxiety, depression or anger issues. These individuals incessantly talk about money, and cannot live without credit cards. When shopping individuals feel happy, but after the event they feel guilty and ashamed. Some return their purchases; however, when doing so they recur to buy more items. This pattern is consistent. 2) Gambling addictions stem from the feelings of deprivation (that they deserve more than they have). These individuals gamble for entertainment, but the main reason is the hope of winning. People with lower incomes are more prone to gamble away their money. Individuals gamble for the euphoria of the moment in order to forget problems, and feel like different people. 3) Gambling is classified as an action fed by deprivation, or the sentiment that the individual deserves more than what he or she has. On the other hand, shopaholics engage in overspending because they feel depressed, angry, and anxious. Another significant difference is that gamblers can quit more easily because gambling environments are not as common as shops. For shoppers, they will have to keep shopping for their living essentials so they will constantly be exposed to the environment that feeds their addiction. 4) Gamblers and shopping addicts are both economically and psychologically related. Both resort to credit cards, and even spending what they don’t have which results in massive debt. Gamblers as addicts work in patterns in order to feed their need for a euphoric excitement. Therefore, even though they notice the negative consequences; they repeat their actions to feel better. This repetition keeps them in a vicious circle. 5) It is interesting how people resort to overspending as a way to satisfy the problems haunting them mentally. I also read that researchers are working to find a cure, but for now it is a matter of therapy. I think that communication plays an important role in healthy minds. People who feel burdened need to communicate their feelings before resorting to actions that can become destructive.
The first addiction is caffeine addiction. Caffeine is an underestimated drug that is used daily by millions of people without the knowledge of its effects on the human body. In large amounts, and especially over extended periods of time, caffeine can lead to a condition known as caffeinism. Caffeinism usually combines caffeine dependency with a wide range of unpleasant physical and mental conditions including nervousness, irritability, anxiety, tremulousness, muscle twitching, insomnia, headaches, respiratory alkalosis, and heart palpitations. Caffeine also increases the production of stomach acid. The high usage over time can lead to peptic ulcers, erosive esophagitis, and gastro esophageal reflux disease. Because caffeine is primarily an antagonist of the central nervous system's receptors for the neurotransmitter adenosine, the bodies of individuals that regularly consume caffeine adapt to the continuous presence of the drug by substantially increasing the number of adenosine receptors in the central nervous system. First, the stimulatory effects of caffeine are substantially reduced, a phenomenon known as a tolerance adaptation. Second, because these adaptive responses to caffeine make individuals much more sensitive to adenosine, a reduction in caffeine intake will effectively increase the normal physiological effects of adenosine, resulting in unwelcome withdrawal symptoms in tolerant users. The second addiction is Internet addiction. It is an internet overuse, problematic computer use or pathological computer use, is excessive computer use that interferes with daily life. Internet addicts suffer from emotional problems such as depression and anxiety-related disorders and often use the fantasy world of the Internet to psychologically escape unpleasant feelings or stressful situations. Other symptoms include: Increasing amounts of time spent on computer and internet activities Failed attempts to control behaviour Heightened sense of euphoria while involved in computer and internet activities Craving more time on the computer and internet Neglecting friends and family Feeling restless when not engaged in the activity Being dishonest with others Computer use interfering with job/school performance Feeling guilty, ashamed, anxious, or depressed as a result of behaviour Changes in sleep patterns Physical changes such as weight gain or loss, backaches, headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome Withdrawing from other pleasurable activities These two addictions are similar in the withdrawal effects on the person. The person experiences anxiety related disorders and attitude changes. A person addicted to either substance desires the feeling that they get when they get a fix. The internet allows its users to be who they want to be and change any part of their life that they dislike to something they do whether it is a slight variation of their personas or a dramatic change for the better. Caffeine allows a person to feel more alert and feel as if their abilities are increased to complete their schedules perfectly. In either case a person enjoys the feeling of a fix and experience hardships and withdrawal symptoms when they decrease usage. The research taught me that addictions can be experienced in multiple ways rather than just at the chemical level. They can experience the symptoms of addiction in both psychological ways and chemical ways. The effects can overpower any persons will and cause major decreases in the persons regular day to day activities.
1. Shopping addiction has the characteristics like any other addiction when individuals take part in shopping they believe it will make themselves feel better reliving anxiety and other life’s stresses. The process of shopping gives the individual a “high” or “rush” like that of a drug addict. Shopping addiction is more common in women then males, because women tend to buy items that they do not need. Shopping becomes an addiction when people begin to turn away from their lives in order to take part in that addiction. Being addicted to shopping is called Omniomania and 6% of the US population is though to have a shopping addiction, but many people believe it is just an OCD disorder rather then an addiction. 2. Food addiction has many categories. There can be dieting obsessed food addictions, or the common over eating addiction leading to obesity. Any obsessive behavior that has to do with food can be considered a food addiction. Some of the symptoms of food addiction can be eating to relieve worry or stress, hiding food or going on binge eating sprees in order avoid the feeling of being hungry. Becoming introverted in order to eat is the most common sign of food addiction. 3. Shopping addiction and Food addiction are different in the way that shopping is dealing with material items that do not effect your personal health, whereas food addiction if taken to the extreme can cause obesity that could lead to fatal health consequences. 4. Food and Shopping are similar in the way they both give the person a “high” when they are partaking in the addiction. Both of this addiction can cause the individual to turn away from other things in their lives, and ultimately destroy the quality of their living. 5. This research taught that addiction comes in many forms, not just the obvious of drugs and alcohol. It also made me think about how many people are in America that has addictions that are not being dealt with.
Addiction A: Sex addiction 1. It is a psychological condition in which an individual has a severe struggle in managing his or her sexual behavior. Addiction B: Ecsatcy addiction 1. When an individual cannot control themselves to purchase this substance. Majority of regular users try to ignore the increases in tolerance, the harder come-downs, the mood swings, the short-term memory loss and the inability to concentrate. How are they different? The two are very different simply because one is a substance abuse type of addiction and the other is a psychological one. One type of addiction can lead to death while the other would be considered a form of exercise. One is a natural and the other is substance, sex addiction has no side effects to it. Also one becomes addicted by Ecstasy in a manner that your body will become dependent on it, while the other will not. How are they Similar? When neither is able to satisfy addiction, their body will grow through withdrawal. They do these addictions because they feel good and cause that they want to achieve happiness. Also both would cause the human body to become dependent on the particular activity to feel pleasure. Both involve a certain extent to more of a mental type of addiction because they release the chemical components that cause them to feel pleasure. What did you learn? Well I learned that both of these “pleasurable” acts are caused through chemical releases for the effect of feeling pleasure. I also learned that these two addictions are far more different than similar in many ways. Also how addiction works, that it does not always have to be a psychological type of addiction. -Frank Machado
Addiction : Drugs and Facebook 1. Craving foods, eating constantly, (late night eating), snacking every hour. 2. Constantly checking statuses, carrying a laptop around, posting every hour, spending more than two hours on the social networks, avoiding family. 3. Food addiction involves a person eating excessively and social network addiction involves someone spending countless hours on the internet. 4. They can both have negative effects on individual’s lives. 5. This researched enlightened my knowledge on the origin of such addictions.
Addiction A: Cocaine addiction is a very dangerous but interesting subject. The coca plant was originally used as a light stimulant in Peru to battle fatigue, hunger, and the cold until it was brought to Europe. In Europe, the alkaloid cocaine was isolated thus creating cocaine. When cocaine is snorted, injected, or smoked, there is a "rush" of pleasure that invades the user that can last for up to three hours. This rush is so pleasurable for the user that they often feel a need to re dose, creating a downward slope of addiction. If an addict uses up all of their cocaine, many will go through incredible lengths to come up with money to buy more. This often is done by stealing, selling personal items, or mugging. Addiction B: Although not necessarily a drug addiction, stealing definitely gives thieves a rush like a drug. People who are compelled to steal things are called kleptomaniacs and gain satisfaction when they steal. A lot of kleptomaniacs can not help themselves when in a store, and often steal random things just for the rush of stealing. Differences: The main difference from a cocaine addiction to a thieving addiction is the form in which the user gets their pleasurable feelings. From cocaine, a drug is used to induce these feelings in the brain. The pleasurable feelings from shoplifting are not necessarily made by taking a substance, but rather from taking someTHING. When shoplifting, adrenaline is given to the thief from inside their own chemical reactions in their brain. Cocaine would be much more of a physical addiction and harder to break due to the user being in charge of however much they want to use at once. Similarities: The two feelings gained from doing either of these actions are pleasurable. The rushes are both feelings that people can not experience in daily life often and lets the users feel happy. The chemical reactions in the brain are both "drug" reactions that give people a buzz. The only difference is that some people get high off of their own supply while others user a product to achieve their bliss. What I have learned: Through doing this research, addictions seem to be spawned through short bursts of feeling good. Obviously one can not stay "high" all day and all the time. When people enjoy the feelings so much when they snort cocaine or shoplift, they feel so good that they want more. This downward spiral is very hard to break, and the only true way to never become an addict is to never have tried the substance or activity.
Addiction A 1. Exercising may be suggested for everyone in society; however, only to a certain extent. Too much exercising may be considered as an unhealthy addiction. Men who are addicted usually want to become bigger in muscle (not fat.) Bulimic women who are addicted to exercising face the social pressures to become skinnier. Symptoms of exercising addiction include always working out alone, isolated from others, exercising for more than two hours daily, constantly checking weight and nutrition labels, exercising when sick or injured, exercising while in pain and skipping work, class, or social plans for workouts.
Addiction B 2. Drug addiction has been considered a brain disease. The chemicals that drugs activate in an addicts brain produces a "high" within their bodies that is difficult to ignore. Symptoms of drug addiction cause addicts to rely on the substance in order to feel happy and joyous. Just as we experience joy when we ace a test, that same neuron in our brain is activated when an addict abuses their drugs. Without the drug, it is impossible for an addict to receive that same high by anything else. Drug addicts become dependent for their drugs and will do anything for it, even if it means stealing money or disregarding their family.
Differences 3. Exercising addiction and drug addiction have very different effects. Exercising addiction is more of a choice where as drug addiction is like a manipulation force in the brain. Those who choose to exercise can stop working out; however, those who choose to take drugs get reeled into the substance. Their brains turn on neurons that allow them to experience a certain high that the body will continuously depend on. Exercising is a physical movement while drugs are more of a solitary movement. While drug addiction is harmful for the body and lead to a destructive lifestyle, exercising is more of an obsession.
Similarities 4. Although, exercising and drugs are two completely different addictions, they are similar because they both have the same emotional effect on addicts. People depend on either exercising or drugs in order to feel better about themselves. When they are angry or unhappy, they turn to their addictions for comfort and support. Addicts become in denial when they are asked about their addictions.
What I Learned 5. I never really had any sympathy for drug addicts because I believed that they could easily quit. If drugs are messing up their lifestyle, then why is it so hard to stop? I could not understand why I should feel sorry for someone who is putting something upon themselves. After reading this article, I learned that drugs fix the way a brain functions in order produce a dependent high. It's more than just an addiction, but a severe brain disorder that causes a strong dependency on the substance. After reading this article, I felt sorry for drug addicts who cannot even control their own feelings.
1. Gambling addiction is also known as pathological gambling and can strain many relationships. Those addicted to gambling can not control themselves despite knowing the harm gambling will do to themself and those around the gambler. Problem gamblers often have trouble walking away from the table despite risking serious consequences. The symptoms of gambling addiction are often undetectable as there are no physical signs of addiction. Gambling addicts often deny their impulse to gamble and go to great measures to keep their gambling behind the scenes.
2. Alcohol addiction or alcoholism is defined as a compulsive need for alcohol intoxication. Symptoms of alcoholism include being unable to limit one's drinking, experiencing withdrawal (nausea, sweating, shakiness, or anxiety) when the person has stopped consuming alcohol. Most alcoholics will require assistance to stop drinking because their willingness to stop drinking has been suppressed by an urge to drink more. Alcohol disturbs many body structures such as the liver and central nervous system.
3. These two addictions are different because gambling addiction is less obvious than alcohol addiction. Alcoholism consists of being addicted to a substance while gambling addiction is the addiction to an act. Those addicted to alcohol are hooked to the feeling of being drunk and the satisfaction that alcohol gives them while those who gamble enjoy the rush of winning.
4. These two addictions are pretty similar as they may result from stress going on in one's life. People often turn to gambling when they are having problems in life because it is an isolated variable in their lives that they can choose to do, this goes for alcohol also and many try to forget about their problems when using alcohol or gambling. Both addictions can cause serious mental health problems for addicts and problems for those around the addict. 5. People often turn to habits and allow them to become addictions during times when they are not feeling too happy. People turn to activities such as drinking and gambling to stray their minds away from their lives for a moment and in many cases this side activity develops into an addiction that the person no longer has control over. Once one has become used to an activity enough they start to feel less enjoyment from it but still have the same craving.
1.Addiction A:
ReplyDeleteThe first addiction that I decided to discuss was sex addiction. When people hear this, they think of only being addicted to having intercourse, but there are many symptoms of sexual addictions. Some of the symptoms are compulsive masturbation, multiple affairs, exhibitionism, sexual harassment. Although not all sex addicts are sex offenders, some eventually end up becoming offenders. There are many ways to know if someone is an addict to sex or sexual behaviors. Sometimes addicts feel lack of control over their sexual behaviors although they know it is affecting them negatively. For example, although a man may be married, if he is a sex addict, he will continue to seek intercourse from other people besides his wife even though he knows he is hurting her.
2.Addiction B:
Alcohol addiction has been something that has been around long enough. There are several steps to becoming an addict and many symptoms that one should look for. An alcohol addiction first begins with experimentation which then leads to social use and then to habitual use and then alcohol abuse and ending with alcohol addiction. Some symptoms of an alcoholic are that they consume drinks throughout the day just to keep functioning. Also they tend to make excuses as to why they drink and may even change their preference of drinks just to get “drunk faster.” Also alcoholics, take a long time to admit their problems and finally do something about it.
3.Differences
Alcohol and sex addiction are two completely different addictions. Sex is part of a person’s everyday life so there is no way around it. This type of addiction is more complex because sex is part of everyday lives and we need it to survive. The question is; how can a person stop that kind of addiction if they need to do it in order to survive? In the other hand alcohol isn’t. A person can live their whole life without ever tasting a drop of alcohol and they will be just fine.
4.Similarities
Both of these addictions are very harmful physically and mentally to the addict. Physically an alcohol addiction can cause the liver to shut down and stop functioning altogether and out your health in danger. As a sex addict, extramarital affairs, or having multiple sex partners can lead to sexually transmitted diseases or even HIV/AIDS. Without a doubt any kind of addiction is very hurtful to both the addict and their families because the addictions take over their lives, sometimes even destroying marriages and relationships. Also another similarity between these addictions is that a lot of addicts don’t admit they have a problem. Sometimes they need intervention or something negative to happen to them for them to realize they have a problem.
5.What did this research teach me about these addictions or addiction in general?
Doing this research was very interesting because I chose two addictions that I am very interested in. At first, I thought that sexual addiction was just an addiction to having intercourse but as I read the article, I learned that there are many behaviors that can cause a sexual addiction. Alcohol addiction is something that I was interested in learning about because it is something that is very close to my family and I learned a lot of new things about. Before, I had a general idea about it, but now I know that there are many symptoms of alcoholism. Also, there are many ways to treat these addictions.
-Liliana Diaz
1.) Addiction A
ReplyDelete-The first addiction that I picked is marijuana addiction. The side effects of marijuana use include bloodshot red blurry eyes, rapid heartbeat, hunger, dry mouth, anxiety, paranoia and fear, poor memory, poor coordination, slow reaction time, loss of control, and addiction. Chronic use of marijuana can contribute to respiratory problems, chest pains and a constant mucus filled cough. Marijuana withdraw symptoms include, irritability, anger, depressed mood, headaches, restlessness, lack of appetite, and cravings for marijuana.
2.) Addiction B
-The second addiction that I picked was addiction to painkillers. Signs and symptoms of pain killer addiction are un controllable craving for pain killers, obsessive thoughts about pain killers, loss of appetite, weight loss, nausea, headache, paranoia, hallucinations, confusion, runny nose, glazed eyes, red eyes, persistent cough, forgetfulness, increased sensitivity to emotions and sound, rapid speech, anxiety, mood swings, social isolation, neglect of family responsibilities, poor school performance, insomnia, neglect of personal hygiene, and excessive amount of money spent on obtaining pain killers.
3.) Differences
-Theses two addiction are different from one another because people who smoke weed are psychologically dependent on weed. They continue to smoke weed to get high while those who take painkillers are physically dependent. So if the pain killer addict goes through withdrawal he or she may experience some physical problems such as shaking or painful headaches. While the other person addicted to weed may experience depression or anxiety.
4.) Similarities
-Both of these addictions are very bad for your health. They both can lead to cancer in the long run. They hurt important organs in your body if they continue to be abused. Whether it is a psychological or physical dependency they are just as hard to stop.
5.) What did you learn about addictions?
-Doing this research taught me about the different types of addiction there are such as psychological and physical addiction. They are basically the same but with different withdrawal symptoms. I learned that addictions could hurt your lifestyle and things you care about the most.
In analyzing both drug addiction and online addiction, many similarities are found, but the level of dependency an individual feels to use differs between the two.
ReplyDelete1. Drug addiction amounts to more severe symptoms and qualities. The major effects include an uncontrollable compulsion to seek substances, intense cravings between uses, usage of the drug as a counter for sadness or depression, and changes in emotion when cravings are not achieved or satisfied.
2. Users who are considered to be addicted to the Internet tend to spend a significant amount of time online, stay longer than they originally planned, neglect their social duties and responsibilities, and become emotional before and during use.
3. The addictions differ in the severity in which the user experiences dependency and emotional changes. With drug addiction, users experience a substantial need to satisfy their addiction. If their addiction does not become gratified, they can experience physical, social, and mental repercussions. Also drug users tend to spend a higher amount of income on substances to satisfy their needs. Internet addicts have the Internet as a free medium. They are able to satisfy their needs without money, unless their online addiction requires payment. Users also spend a greater amount of time online to achieve satisfaction, whereas drug users can be content off one “hit.”
4. Drug and Internet addictions are similar in many ways. Both present an emotion strain on the individual. If satisfaction is not achieved, the individual experiences some sense of sadness, depression, anger, or aggression. They also lead to a lack of social well-being. Users become taken away from reality, and are forced to focus their energy on the addiction. Their relationships deteriorate. Friends and family become second-hand to their addiction.
5. This analysis of the research illustrates addiction as a negative entity in an individual’s behavioral construct. Addictions only supply instant-gratification and do not tend to benefit the user in the long-run. Addiction is harmful to a persons income, as well as their physical, social, and mental state.
-Andrew Williams
Crystal Arellano
ReplyDeleteAddiction A
1. The first addiction that caught my attention was the addiction to painkillers because I recently heard about it but wanted to learn more about the effects and causes. Although most of the pills that become addictive are those that are prescribed by doctors, they still seem to be at easy access for many people. Teenagers can easily retrieve these medications in their cabinets at home from family members who have had to use them due to surgery. Through this addiction many people gain the pleasure of relieving physical and emotional pain. These painkillers allow people to obtain quick relaxation and still be cautious of there surroundings unlike other types of drugs and alcohol. The causes of this addiction is that people can become easily addicted and the tolerance to these medications build up quickly making the body need more to feel the same sensation. When trying to withdrawal from this addiction it will cause problems in the digestive system but after a few months off the medications they will be able to recuperate and function normally.
Addiction B
2. The addiction to shopping had been considered a physiological problem up until the 20th century when it was finally considered an addiction. The term that is used today to describe this addiction is Oniomania. Although this addiction is not physically endangering the body like other substances, it is still effective and causes many personal problems. This addiction is has helped people cope with depression, anxiety, boredom and anger. Besides their personal satisfaction this addiction can cause financial problems and ruin relationships. The reason for many people becoming addicted to shopping can be due to the fact that through new and improved objects people can gain a sense of self worth in comparison with others who they are trying to be like or compete.
Differences
3. These two addictions are very different. One of the differences is that the addiction to painkillers actually requires the body to undergo change and can effect a person mentality and physically. The addiction to shopping doesn’t put the body in any harm or physical pain during withdrawal. Through the addiction of painkillers people can become hospitalized due to overdose and with shopping you wont need the hospital emergency.
Similarities
4. Although both of the addictions are different in many aspects they can both be similar in the fact that they both seem to require money to be attained. Many times people will try to buy their medications from those who are prescribed users and a shopping addiction is only effective when the person buys objects and not just window shops. Both of these addictions are used so people can become relaxed and relieved from stress or depression.
5. Through this research assignment I was able to gain a view of the different types of addiction, from the most extreme and harmful to the least. This research taught me the difference between a habit and addiction. For example the reason why something as simple as shopping is now being considered an addiction is because there is a psychoactive substance, which produces symptoms such as physical tolerance and withdrawal.
The two different addictions I decided to compare were Food addiction and Exercise addiction:
ReplyDelete1)Those who are considered to be addicted to food tend to eat uncontrollably, taking large amounts of food in very short time, they feel guilty after excessive eating, but the most significant symptom of food addiction, is when people take food and eat it secretly away from others. The reason to food addiction can vary from social, or to many it has an emotional tie.
2)While exercising may be healthy, many have become addicts to working out. Just like any addiction those who become addicted are willing to skip activities such as work, class, or family time just to put in hours in the gymnasium. Many addicts will go as far as to work out while they have an injury, often leading to more serious injuries.
3)One of the obvious similarities between these two addictions is that the addict feels a sense of pleasure while eating or working out. Both activities release endorphins, which help to relief stress, pain, and boost our immune systems. Just like any other addiction they begin to take over the life of the addict, addicts begin to skip certain social events, and duties just to be able to work out or eat.
4)Before this unit I had a different view of addictions, I always felt addicts had the ability to stop their addiction whenever they wished. However, after having read a series of articles I found out that many addictions are tied to the addict’s brain. In other words they have become chemically dependent to the substance, or action.
Isidoro Medrano
Sex Addiction vs. Alcoholism
ReplyDelete1. The major symptoms and qualities of sex addiction are compulsive masturbation, multiple affairs, and one night stands, consistent use of pornography, unsafe sex, phone/computer sex, prostitution, exhibitionism, sexual harassment, and molestation.
2. The major symptoms and qualities of alcoholism is when a person is repeatedly drunk to the point that they are not able to meet their responsibilities, they don’t perform well at work, or in their everyday life, also if the person is having personal and social problems such as verbal and physical aggression.
3. Both addictions are different because n the sex addiction the qualities and symptoms are more toward physical satisfaction. However, alcoholism is symptoms and qualities that satisfy more toward mental issues. To be drunk will tend to alleviate mind issues and concerns. Each addiction is different because the symptoms are different and treatments are also different as well.
4. Both addictions are similar because like any addiction causes harm. Sex addiction can lead into having infections, and may lead to death, as well as alcoholism, it can destroy someone’s life. All addictions can destroy people’s life and cause them to loose family, friends and loved ones.
5. I learned that every addiction can vary from treatments to symptoms. Simple things that can be considered addictions can destroy your life in some way.
1. The major symptoms or qualities of addiction A are: irresistible urges, impulsiveness, debt, overwhelming sense of emptiness and abandonment.
ReplyDelete2. The major symptoms or qualities of addiction
B are: induced drug craving, altered brain pleasure circuit, withdrawal with feelings of irritability, anxiety, depression.
3. Addiction A is different than B because is can be temporarily treated with medication such as antidepressants and mood stabilizers. Addicts of this addiction have a biochemical imbalance in the brain, meaning this addition is a biologically based mental disorder treatable with drugs. Addiction B effects the brain's neurochemical processes, pleasure circuits, and how genes function. Chronic use of this addiction brings along enduring changes and can not usually be treated because of a person's tolerance. Since genes are affected, the addictive genes can be inherited, increasing a person's risk of addition.
4. Both addictions are similar because the human body becomes dependent on the particular activity to feel pleasure. If an addict is denied that activity, both addictions show the same withdrawal symptoms. Both addictions are also chemically attached to their victims. Relapse is very common for both addictions as well.
5. The readings helped me understand why people cannot just "stop" their addiction. Its because their body has become dependent on the certain substance or activity to be able to feel happy or content. Their brain has been chemically altered due to their addiction.
1. What are the major symptoms/ qualities of addiction to marijuana?
ReplyDeletePeople addicted to marijuana have a frequent obsession with the drug. They are always thinking about marijuana and frequently asking questions such as where to get it, when to take it, or if there is enough. In addition, addicts develop a tolerance; they must smoke more than they used to feel the same intensity and effect as before. Long-term users, who suddenly stop using marijuana, have withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, tremor, sweating, weight loss, and irritability.
2. What are the major symptoms/ qualities of addiction to shopping?
Compulsive shoppers are constantly buying items, but they don't care about materials after they buying them. The thrill for the shopper rests on the process more than the purchase itself. Many have a need to spend excessive amount of money on items. They neglect relationships, social activities, and duties in order to shop. If the addicts doesn’t shop, they are anxious, irritable, or depressed
3. In what ways are these two different?
Addiction to marijuana is more dangerous to your health than addiction to shopping. Shopping excessively can be a psychological problem but the body of the shopper is not physically getting hurt. Someone who is addicted to marijuana has a high risk of getting a heart attack, palpitations and arrhythmias. Marijuana smokers can have daily coughs and phlegm production, and a heightened risk of lung infections. On the other hand, a person addicted to shopping can have anxiety, irritability, and be in debt. This does not have the same intensity and being physically ill.
4. In what ways are they similar?
Shopping addicts and marijuana addicts become preoccupied with spending, and devote significant time and money to their activity. They both have addictive pattern of thoughts about shopping and marijuana. In addition, the activities of consuming drugs and purchasing items provide a relief from negative feelings. Compulsive shoppers and drug addicts use shopping and marijuana as a way of escaping negative feelings, such as depression, anxiety, boredom, self-critical thoughts, and anger. But a great similarity is that both addictions lead to people neglecting their duties and relationships.
5. What did this research/writing teach you about the addictions, and/or addiction in general?
There many people with addictions. Some addictions are more dangerous than the other but they still take away significant time and money from addict. It is an intense habit that cannot longer be controlled and must be treated with medicine or therapy. I think this demonstrates that people can be easy manipulated because they feel the need to do the activity at all times.
1) Shopping addicts are psychologically inclined to do so. Research suggests that there may be a chemical imbalance that triggers the pattern of buying. People who are shopaholics engage in overspending because they may have anxiety, depression or anger issues. These individuals incessantly talk about money, and cannot live without credit cards. When shopping individuals feel happy, but after the event they feel guilty and ashamed. Some return their purchases; however, when doing so they recur to buy more items. This pattern is consistent.
ReplyDelete2) Gambling addictions stem from the feelings of deprivation (that they deserve more than they have). These individuals gamble for entertainment, but the main reason is the hope of winning. People with lower incomes are more prone to gamble away their money. Individuals gamble for the euphoria of the moment in order to forget problems, and feel like different people.
3) Gambling is classified as an action fed by deprivation, or the sentiment that the individual deserves more than what he or she has. On the other hand, shopaholics engage in overspending because they feel depressed, angry, and anxious. Another significant difference is that gamblers can quit more easily because gambling environments are not as common as shops. For shoppers, they will have to keep shopping for their living essentials so they will constantly be exposed to the environment that feeds their addiction.
4) Gamblers and shopping addicts are both economically and psychologically related. Both resort to credit cards, and even spending what they don’t have which results in massive debt. Gamblers as addicts work in patterns in order to feed their need for a euphoric excitement. Therefore, even though they notice the negative consequences; they repeat their actions to feel better. This repetition keeps them in a vicious circle.
5) It is interesting how people resort to overspending as a way to satisfy the problems haunting them mentally. I also read that researchers are working to find a cure, but for now it is a matter of therapy. I think that communication plays an important role in healthy minds. People who feel burdened need to communicate their feelings before resorting to actions that can become destructive.
Cody Bills
ReplyDeleteThe first addiction is caffeine addiction. Caffeine is an underestimated drug that is used daily by millions of people without the knowledge of its effects on the human body. In large amounts, and especially over extended periods of time, caffeine can lead to a condition known as caffeinism. Caffeinism usually combines caffeine dependency with a wide range of unpleasant physical and mental conditions including nervousness, irritability, anxiety, tremulousness, muscle twitching, insomnia, headaches, respiratory alkalosis, and heart palpitations. Caffeine also increases the production of stomach acid. The high usage over time can lead to peptic ulcers, erosive esophagitis, and gastro esophageal reflux disease. Because caffeine is primarily an antagonist of the central nervous system's receptors for the neurotransmitter adenosine, the bodies of individuals that regularly consume caffeine adapt to the continuous presence of the drug by substantially increasing the number of adenosine receptors in the central nervous system. First, the stimulatory effects of caffeine are substantially reduced, a phenomenon known as a tolerance adaptation. Second, because these adaptive responses to caffeine make individuals much more sensitive to adenosine, a reduction in caffeine intake will effectively increase the normal physiological effects of adenosine, resulting in unwelcome withdrawal symptoms in tolerant users.
The second addiction is Internet addiction. It is an internet overuse, problematic computer use or pathological computer use, is excessive computer use that interferes with daily life. Internet addicts suffer from emotional problems such as depression and anxiety-related disorders and often use the fantasy world of the Internet to psychologically escape unpleasant feelings or stressful situations. Other symptoms include:
Increasing amounts of time spent on computer and internet activities
Failed attempts to control behaviour
Heightened sense of euphoria while involved in computer and internet activities
Craving more time on the computer and internet
Neglecting friends and family
Feeling restless when not engaged in the activity
Being dishonest with others
Computer use interfering with job/school performance
Feeling guilty, ashamed, anxious, or depressed as a result of behaviour
Changes in sleep patterns
Physical changes such as weight gain or loss, backaches, headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome
Withdrawing from other pleasurable activities
These two addictions are similar in the withdrawal effects on the person. The person experiences anxiety related disorders and attitude changes. A person addicted to either substance desires the feeling that they get when they get a fix. The internet allows its users to be who they want to be and change any part of their life that they dislike to something they do whether it is a slight variation of their personas or a dramatic change for the better. Caffeine allows a person to feel more alert and feel as if their abilities are increased to complete their schedules perfectly. In either case a person enjoys the feeling of a fix and experience hardships and withdrawal symptoms when they decrease usage. The research taught me that addictions can be experienced in multiple ways rather than just at the chemical level. They can experience the symptoms of addiction in both psychological ways and chemical ways. The effects can overpower any persons will and cause major decreases in the persons regular day to day activities.
1. Shopping addiction has the characteristics like any other addiction when individuals take part in shopping they believe it will make themselves feel better reliving anxiety and other life’s stresses. The process of shopping gives the individual a “high” or “rush” like that of a drug addict. Shopping addiction is more common in women then males, because women tend to buy items that they do not need. Shopping becomes an addiction when people begin to turn away from their lives in order to take part in that addiction. Being addicted to shopping is called Omniomania and 6% of the US population is though to have a shopping addiction, but many people believe it is just an OCD disorder rather then an addiction.
ReplyDelete2. Food addiction has many categories. There can be dieting obsessed food addictions, or the common over eating addiction leading to obesity. Any obsessive behavior that has to do with food can be considered a food addiction. Some of the symptoms of food addiction can be eating to relieve worry or stress, hiding food or going on binge eating sprees in order avoid the feeling of being hungry. Becoming introverted in order to eat is the most common sign of food addiction.
3. Shopping addiction and Food addiction are different in the way that shopping is dealing with material items that do not effect your personal health, whereas food addiction if taken to the extreme can cause obesity that could lead to fatal health consequences.
4. Food and Shopping are similar in the way they both give the person a “high” when they are partaking in the addiction. Both of this addiction can cause the individual to turn away from other things in their lives, and ultimately destroy the quality of their living.
5. This research taught that addiction comes in many forms, not just the obvious of drugs and alcohol. It also made me think about how many people are in America that has addictions that are not being dealt with.
Addiction A: Sex addiction
ReplyDelete1. It is a psychological condition in which an individual has a severe struggle in managing his or her sexual behavior.
Addiction B: Ecsatcy addiction
1. When an individual cannot control themselves to purchase this substance. Majority of regular users try to ignore the increases in tolerance, the harder come-downs, the mood swings, the short-term memory loss and the inability to concentrate.
How are they different?
The two are very different simply because one is a substance abuse type of addiction and the other is a psychological one. One type of addiction can lead to death while the other would be considered a form of exercise. One is a natural and the other is substance, sex addiction has no side effects to it. Also one becomes addicted by Ecstasy in a manner that your body will become dependent on it, while the other will not.
How are they Similar?
When neither is able to satisfy addiction, their body will grow through withdrawal. They do these addictions because they feel good and cause that they want to achieve happiness. Also both would cause the human body to become dependent on the particular activity to feel pleasure. Both involve a certain extent to more of a mental type of addiction because they release the chemical components that cause them to feel pleasure.
What did you learn?
Well I learned that both of these “pleasurable” acts are caused through chemical releases for the effect of feeling pleasure. I also learned that these two addictions are far more different than similar in many ways. Also how addiction works, that it does not always have to be a psychological type of addiction.
-Frank Machado
Addiction : Drugs and Facebook
ReplyDelete1. Craving foods, eating constantly, (late night eating), snacking every hour.
2. Constantly checking statuses, carrying a laptop around, posting every hour, spending more than two hours on the social networks, avoiding family.
3. Food addiction involves a person eating excessively and social network addiction involves someone spending countless hours on the internet.
4. They can both have negative effects on individual’s lives.
5. This researched enlightened my knowledge on the origin of such addictions.
-jorge perez
ReplyDeleteAddiction A:
ReplyDeleteCocaine addiction is a very dangerous but interesting subject. The coca plant was originally used as a light stimulant in Peru to battle fatigue, hunger, and the cold until it was brought to Europe. In Europe, the alkaloid cocaine was isolated thus creating cocaine. When cocaine is snorted, injected, or smoked, there is a "rush" of pleasure that invades the user that can last for up to three hours. This rush is so pleasurable for the user that they often feel a need to re dose, creating a downward slope of addiction. If an addict uses up all of their cocaine, many will go through incredible lengths to come up with money to buy more. This often is done by stealing, selling personal items, or mugging.
Addiction B:
Although not necessarily a drug addiction, stealing definitely gives thieves a rush like a drug. People who are compelled to steal things are called kleptomaniacs and gain satisfaction when they steal. A lot of kleptomaniacs can not help themselves when in a store, and often steal random things just for the rush of stealing.
Differences:
The main difference from a cocaine addiction to a thieving addiction is the form in which the user gets their pleasurable feelings. From cocaine, a drug is used to induce these feelings in the brain. The pleasurable feelings from shoplifting are not necessarily made by taking a substance, but rather from taking someTHING. When shoplifting, adrenaline is given to the thief from inside their own chemical reactions in their brain. Cocaine would be much more of a physical addiction and harder to break due to the user being in charge of however much they want to use at once.
Similarities:
The two feelings gained from doing either of these actions are pleasurable. The rushes are both feelings that people can not experience in daily life often and lets the users feel happy. The chemical reactions in the brain are both "drug" reactions that give people a buzz. The only difference is that some people get high off of their own supply while others user a product to achieve their bliss.
What I have learned:
Through doing this research, addictions seem to be spawned through short bursts of feeling good. Obviously one can not stay "high" all day and all the time. When people enjoy the feelings so much when they snort cocaine or shoplift, they feel so good that they want more. This downward spiral is very hard to break, and the only true way to never become an addict is to never have tried the substance or activity.
Addiction A
ReplyDelete1. Exercising may be suggested for everyone in society; however, only to a certain extent. Too much exercising may be considered as an unhealthy addiction. Men who are addicted usually want to become bigger in muscle (not fat.) Bulimic women who are addicted to exercising face the social pressures to become skinnier. Symptoms of exercising addiction include always working out alone, isolated from others, exercising for more than two hours daily, constantly checking weight and nutrition labels, exercising when sick or injured, exercising while in pain and skipping work, class, or social plans for workouts.
Addiction B
2. Drug addiction has been considered a brain disease. The chemicals that drugs activate in an addicts brain produces a "high" within their bodies that is difficult to ignore. Symptoms of drug addiction cause addicts to rely on the substance in order to feel happy and joyous. Just as we experience joy when we ace a test, that same neuron in our brain is activated when an addict abuses their drugs. Without the drug, it is impossible for an addict to receive that same high by anything else. Drug addicts become dependent for their drugs and will do anything for it, even if it means stealing money or disregarding their family.
Differences
3. Exercising addiction and drug addiction have very different effects. Exercising addiction is more of a choice where as drug addiction is like a manipulation force in the brain. Those who choose to exercise can stop working out; however, those who choose to take drugs get reeled into the substance. Their brains turn on neurons that allow them to experience a certain high that the body will continuously depend on. Exercising is a physical movement while drugs are more of a solitary movement. While drug addiction is harmful for the body and lead to a destructive lifestyle, exercising is more of an obsession.
Similarities
4. Although, exercising and drugs are two completely different addictions, they are similar because they both have the same emotional effect on addicts. People depend on either exercising or drugs in order to feel better about themselves. When they are angry or unhappy, they turn to their addictions for comfort and support. Addicts become in denial when they are asked about their addictions.
What I Learned
5. I never really had any sympathy for drug addicts because I believed that they could easily quit. If drugs are messing up their lifestyle, then why is it so hard to stop? I could not understand why I should feel sorry for someone who is putting something upon themselves. After reading this article, I learned that drugs fix the way a brain functions in order produce a dependent high. It's more than just an addiction, but a severe brain disorder that causes a strong dependency on the substance. After reading this article, I felt sorry for drug addicts who cannot even control their own feelings.
1. Gambling addiction is also known as pathological gambling and can strain many relationships. Those addicted to gambling can not control themselves despite knowing the harm gambling will do to themself and those around the gambler. Problem gamblers often have trouble walking away from the table despite risking serious consequences. The symptoms of gambling addiction are often undetectable as there are no physical signs of addiction. Gambling addicts often deny their impulse to gamble and go to great measures to keep their gambling behind the scenes.
ReplyDelete2. Alcohol addiction or alcoholism is defined as a compulsive need for alcohol intoxication. Symptoms of alcoholism include being unable to limit one's drinking, experiencing withdrawal (nausea, sweating, shakiness, or anxiety) when the person has stopped consuming alcohol. Most alcoholics will require assistance to stop drinking because their willingness to stop drinking has been suppressed by an urge to drink more. Alcohol disturbs many body structures such as the liver and central nervous system.
3. These two addictions are different because gambling addiction is less obvious than alcohol addiction. Alcoholism consists of being addicted to a substance while gambling addiction is the addiction to an act. Those addicted to alcohol are hooked to the feeling of being drunk and the satisfaction that alcohol gives them while those who gamble enjoy the rush of winning.
4. These two addictions are pretty similar as they may result from stress going on in one's life. People often turn to gambling when they are having problems in life because it is an isolated variable in their lives that they can choose to do, this goes for alcohol also and many try to forget about their problems when using alcohol or gambling. Both addictions can cause serious mental health problems for addicts and problems for those around the addict.
5. People often turn to habits and allow them to become addictions during times when they are not feeling too happy. People turn to activities such as drinking and gambling to stray their minds away from their lives for a moment and in many cases this side activity develops into an addiction that the person no longer has control over. Once one has become used to an activity enough they start to feel less enjoyment from it but still have the same craving.
-Randy Ou