Addiction can be a confusing subject. For some people, addiction means not being able to give up smoking or function without caffeine. For others, it can mean anything from out-of-control gambling to illegal drug use. Some of the underlying causes of common addictions are very similar, but there are also key differences that mean some are considered more urgent than others, heroin rehabilitation for example can be a tough experience on dependent users.
This article will look at the impacts of different addictions and discuss why some addictions require rehab when others don’t.
1. Impact on everyday life
Certain addictions tend to have a more significant impact than others on a person’s everyday life. For example, no company frowns at their employees drinking coffee throughout the day, but the vast majority have a zero-tolerance policy regarding drug use. This is because drugs contain mind-altering chemicals, which alter brain functions and can cause danger in the workplace. While some people genuinely cannot function efficiently without caffeine, they will simply miss a lack of energy if they don’t drink it. Drugs and alcohol, on the other hand, cause severe mood swings, health issues and potentially life-threatening withdrawal symptoms if there is a dramatic drop in a person’s bloodstream. This is dangerous to people’s health and to others in a professional or home setting, which is why rehab is recommended for these substances.
Studies have also shown that divorce rates increase dramatically in couples where one spouse has an alcohol dependency. Rehab helps people overcome their substance addiction. It also teaches them new coping mechanisms and important life skills that can enable them to find a job, maintain relationships, and build a brighter future.
2. Legal considerations
When many of us hear the word “addiction”, we immediately think of illegal drug use. Cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines and ecstasy are all commonly taken drugs, but they are illegal in the vast majority of countries worldwide. This means that they are only available to buy in nefarious ways, putting the person taking them at constant risk of harm or arrest.
The illegality of drugs also means that they are expensive – particularly cocaine and heroin – so many people with a drug addiction resort to criminal activity to feed their habit. This can be a challenging lifestyle to get out of, so cocaine and heroin rehab are essential in helping people break the cycle.
3. Financial difficulties
Where an addiction to food or smoking can be expensive and require emotional support to stop, they usually take a regular monthly income. Jason Shiers Certified Psychotherapist says “With an addiction such as gambling, however, there is practically no limit to the amount a person can bet.” This makes it is possible to lose everything on just one spin of the wheel or one hand of cards. People with a gambling addiction can keep playing and playing until they are out of their own money and often are heavily indebted to the house or friends and family.
This, in turn, can lead to relationship problems, depression and other mental health conditions. Gambling rehab is important for helping people overcome their addiction and help them build a happier and more financially stable future. Whereas some other addictions can be dealt with gradually, without the risk that money will run out overnight.
4. Effect on health
Various addictions can pose a health risk, yet not all of them require detox. We all know about the diseases linked to smoking, many of them potentially fatal, while a food addiction can lead to obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes and other health conditions. In fact, smoking and obesity-related diseases are two of the most common causes of premature death worldwide. Yet rehab for smoking or overeating is not a widely acknowledged necessity, whereas it is usually seen as the best solution for a drug and alcohol addiction.
A major factor in this distinction is the detox process. This is a vital stage of rehab as it is needed to clear the system of alcohol and drugs before addiction treatment can begin. Detoxing without professional support can lead to severe and dangerous withdrawal symptoms, so it is always recommended that detox is done under medical supervision. If you compare this with quitting smoking or weight loss measures, there is no risk to the person that would require any medical assistance or support if they decide to quit unhealthy practices in one go.
Rehab is a productive way to overcome an addiction and start fresh. While all addictions can cause complications, certain compulsions require a comprehensive rehab programme to overcome. If you have an unhealthy relationship with drugs, alcohol, gambling, or any other addiction seriously affecting your life, look into your local rehab options to see what treatment they provide.
