ADDICTION & DEADDICTION
Addiction in plain language is a state of physical or psychological dependency on a habit. In medical terms it is a state of dependency where one has a difficulty in resisting, ceasing or controlling the use of the substance or the entity. The substance could be legally valid (tobacco, alcohol) or illegal (cannabis, marihuana, opioid drugs, prescription drugs, ecstasy, LSDs, Psychedelic drugs and so on). Alternatively, habits such as porn watching, compulsive gambling, glue/petroleum products sniffing, excessive screen engagement (as with smart mobile phones, Internet surfing, video games etc) are some of the other habits that could cause damage to the physical, mental and social well-being.
A habit is a repetitive pattern of any events in a particular sequence. While habituation is normal, when it destroys the productivity and well-being in terms of physical, mental and social interaction, they turn toxic. With regular habituation, there would be observable changes in the complex brain neuranatomy. At this stage it becomes a chronic brain disorder, which is treatable by competent psychiatrist.
Initially the indulgence, by the stimulation of reward centers in brain becomes a highly pleasurable activity. With repetition and continuous usage, this turns in to a compulsive and destructive behavior. The initial changes would be changes in priorities where a recreational activity is prioritized over the ordinary life responsibilities such as work, relationships, hygiene maintenance and health. The subject-client-patient often is miss appointments, work deadlines in favor of his habit. Personal relationships, including intimate relationship may take a backseat. They neglect their personal hygiene and health. They may or may not be aware of this behavior. They often fail to understand that their indulgence in recreational activity is out of control and causing problems for themselves, family and society. Even if they have an insight, their inability to control their urge leads to poor self-esteem, anxiety, decreased stress tolerance, depression, remarkably altered efficiency, altered behavior such as becoming more self-centered, carelessness, ethical break downs, dishonesty, stealing, carelessness towards family and work.
At this phase, the chemical messengers inside the brain becomes deranged. The reward centers mechanism is altered. They have to treated and retrained to restore the original status. This is often a long path that can be easily travelled with the help of a qualified mental health professional. If untreated, the addiction becomes progressive and may require a long period of treatment.
The process of treatment of addiction is highly personalized. When confronted, it is usual for patients to indulge in denial, justification and blaming. Often self-realization and motivation are key factors that patient-clients and their caregivers to begin, continue, comply with and succeed in deaddiction treatment. This evolves from recognizing a problem, searching for a way to change, and then beginning and sticking with that change strategy, often under the supervision of a competent Psychiatrist.
Dr. Anusa treatment method would be to understand the type of addiction, the factors that promote addiction, vulnerability, extent of addiction, co-morbid illness, existing support system and a host of other factors. These are collected from extensive interviews conducted at a contusive, family and caregiver inclusive aspect. In most of the cases, the patient is encouraged to be a part of the treatment process.
Psychiatrist Dr. Anusa sternly believes in the psychiatrical philosophy of mutual concern and responsibility of the patient, doctor and caregivers. She encourage voluntary participation after sufficient education and retraining to patient-client. The treatment begins at this stage. Then the long process of detoxification (if required), intervention, prevention, management of cravings, prevention of relapse begins. The last but important phase is maintenance phase so that patient-client remains habit-addiction free for long periods, making him/her a productive member of the family and community.
To Know More
https://omrpsychiatrist.in/tobacco-cessation/
https://omrpsychiatrist.in/alcohol-deaddiction/
https://omrpsychiatrist.in/other-substances-of-abuse-management/
https://omrpsychiatrist.in/internet-video-smart-phones-gaming-addiction/
Dr. Anusa consults at Old Mahabalipuram Road, at Okkiyam Thuraipakkam, closer to Karapakkam, Shollinganaullur at Chennai. More details at https://omrpsychiatrist.in/psychiatrist-appointment-omr/