Addiction and Behaviors

Substance use, abuse, and addiction are popular terms used in health but have different meanings. Substance use is the continuous use of illegal drugs, alcohol, and prescribed or over-counter drugs with negative consequences. However, substance abuse is the use of types and amounts of drugs that can harm the users` health. Addiction to a substance is a condition where an individual cannot stop using it due to a lack of control over using the drugs to the point where they become harmful.

Risks associated with addiction include peer pressure, where one is recruited and influenced by friends into substance use, especially among youths (Kramer & Sprague, 2016). The availability of drugs is a risk factor associated with drug problems. Home and family environment can contribute to addiction, especially if there is long-term chaos at home one might escape the situation by using drugs.

Signs that one would look to identify addiction is the urge of the substance user to use a drug. The urge is created by the inability to stay without the substance; hence they cannot control themselves. Preventive strategies to prevent addiction include early taming of substance abuse behavior. Substance users should be identified early enough and stopped from drug use to prevent them from developing an addiction. It is also essential to avoid stigmatizing substance users by labeling them addicts or alcoholics, thus will help to save them from addiction (Wolfram, 2018).

The treatment used to treat addiction successfully includes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The therapy helps recognize healthy behavioral patterns and identify triggers that cause the abuser to continue using the substance (Miller, 2013). CBT helps the addicted person to develop the coping skills necessary to avoid the drugs.

References

Kramer, L., & Sprague, N. (2016). Alcohol Abuse & Youth: An Overview. Points Of View: Alcohol Abuse & Youth, p. 1. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com.proxy.cityu.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=pwh&AN=23699115&site=pov-live

Miller, P. M. (2013). Principles of addiction: comprehensive addictive behaviors and disorders. Retrieved from https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/cityuseattle/detail.action?docID=1125289

Wolfram, J. (2018 August 13). Do not call people 'addicts,' Penn researchers say. WHYY. Retrieved from https://whyy.org/articles/dont-call-people-addicts-penn-researchers-say/