[Mental health] Notable signs and symptoms of Addiction and obsession - 9jawellness

Notable signs and symptoms of  Addiction and obsession 

Written by: Nsikak Utuk; edited by: Nwele, David 

Addiction and obsession are compulsive disorders that can be grouped into behavioral disorders under mental health. People most times confuse both or use them interchangeably but there are two different medical conditions. 

Addiction is a chronic condition characterized by the inability to stop engaging in behaviors or use of substances despite its psychological and physical harm. Whenever addiction is mentioned people think it's only when a substance is involved but one can be addicted to compulsive behavior, action, or way of life as long as it is harmful to the individual. 

Substances are any drug when administered into the system that affects mental processes e.g perception, consciousness, cognition or mood, and emotion. An estimated world population of 270 million aged 15 - 65 years has used substances and 35 million have been affected psychologically and with addiction. 

Addiction is chronic because it involves complex interactions among brain circuits, genetics, environment individual life experiences, etc. In an attempt to get over issues or traumatic events, people turn to substances and gradually find it difficult to let go. 

An obsession is a ritualistic habit or behavior that becomes part of your normal life over time. For example, someone that continues washing hands even though the hands aren't dirty. Or repetitive counting. The core difference between addiction and obsession is the "urges" vs "need" or "anxiety " vs pleasure. In obsession, the individual may urge to perform a particular action that might not lead to pleasure like scratching the head, washing the hands, etc while addiction involves actions that derive satisfaction or euphoria example sex, and the use of a substance. 

Addiction can be; behavioral ( Gambling, exercise, sex), Depressants ( alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates ) these slow down the activities of the central nervous system which leads to slow heartbeat and respiration, confusion, coma, and death. Opioids (painkillers, heroin, morphine) these decrease pain sensitivity. Stimulants ( caffeine, nicotine, cocaine ) substance lead to increased energy. 

Symptoms of addiction 

Poor performance at work 

Lack of concentration

Inability to stop the use of substance irrespective of its harm 

Difficulty in attending to activities of daily living 

Weight loss and eating disorder 

Change in a social group 

Change in sleeping; inability to sleep or excessive sleeping