Free Post: #10: The Psychology Behind Addictions

      In the previous prompted post, I touched on mental disorders and why it is so important to have psychiatrists to help people affected. Many people don't realize, but addictions are also a form of a mental disorder. Since addictions are both psychological and psychological, there has been much research done on it to learn more, and to hopefully prevent these mental impairments from happening in the future.

 Many of us know someone or has heard of someone who has an addiction. An addiction is a serious condition that results in the need to consume a substance (usually narcotics) or engage in a risky activity. It is a primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, and memory. When a person is addicted to something, they feel the constant urge or need to engage in this behavior, without any control. Addictions are serious and can be crippling. They are be life-altering by taking away from a person’s happiness, freedom, and daily functioning. They take over body and mind until the affected person has no choice but to give in.

 The consequences of addictions are serious and without treatment, It can lead to a disability or even death. Since addiction is all about mental and psychical processes, it is a big focus in the psychology world. Psychologists study the exact regions of the brain affected and do research to learn more about what causes addictions.

Neurobiology tells us that addiction takes over the frontal cortex of the brain, and takes over the connections between the cortex and the circuits of reward motivation and memory. The frontal cortex is also in charge of impulse control and judgment. These are key areas of the brain that give us control of our actions. Without these parts functioning properly, It is easy for an addiction to take over.

Certain people are more at a risk to obtain an addiction. Certain personality characteristics might be one underlying factor. This includes people who deny problems, have emotional trouble, and those who are impulsive. There are also genetic factors that can contribute, as well as culture.

Addiction is dysfunctional emotional state and should be taken seriously. It is important to know that it is a form of a mental illnesses, and anyone who is addicted should receive immediate treatment. Always keep your eyes out for friends and family who may have an addiction, If you or someone you know has an addiction and needs help, they can find a trained psychologist to help them on the path to recovery by Clicking this link. Mental awareness is important, and I think that addiction awareness is a key part of that.

  Sources:
"Addiction Alcoholism, Substance Abuse." Addiction. Sussex Publishers, LLC, 2014. Web. 25 Mar. 2014.
ASAM Board of Directors. "Definition of Addiction." Definition of Addiction. American Society of Addiction Medicine, 19 Apr. 2011. Web. 26 Mar. 2014.