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What is addiction?

Addiction is a very personal and private matter. It affects individuals from all walks of life, age, background, race etc. Equally, it affects those around them, as well. The effects it has are particular to the individual even though, on the face of it, addictive and compulsive behaviours may seem very similar. Each case is unique and is often complex because addiction impacts so many aspects of a person and their life.

At Infinity Addiction Solutions, we completely understand this which is why we provide a team of qualified experts who can really get to grips with the sort of treatment services that will suit you best and, most importantly, who will understand what you are going through.

That said, there are some things that can be said about addiction which everyone who has been exposed to it will recognise. What is an addiction and what are the three types of addiction that try to explain it?

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Different Types Of Addiction

Scholars have long sought to explain addiction and compulsive behaviours in people according to numerous theories. Although these differ somewhat, they all help to explain how addiction comes about and what it is that keeps people addicted. No current theory predominates but this does not mean that they have no validity – far from it, in fact. What are the three types of addiction associated with addiction today?

That said, there are some things that can be said about addiction which everyone who has been exposed to it will recognise.

What is addiction and what are the various models that try to explain it?

This model of addiction states that a blend of environmental and biological behaviours associated with doing something addictive lead to changes in the brain as well as the body. Like certain conditions – for example, diabetes or heart disease – this can lead to downturns in physical and mental health if they are left unaddressed. This model is widely used in US medical institutions – and elsewhere – to explain many forms of addiction in a non-judgemental way.

The personality model of addiction looks at the entire issue from the point of view of human psychology. According to this theory, it is a psychological predisposition to compulsive behaviour that can lead to misuse and even dependency. Therefore, deep underlying reasons for addiction can be addressed. Examples of what might be looked into include certain types of personality disorder or something that caused a disturbance in personality development in younger life. As such, it is often the experience of the addictive behaviour that lies at its heart rather than any chemical reaction that might occur from abusing a substance, for example.

According to some academics, people with addictions choose them. Behaviours, under the choice model, are formed by repetition and – just like habits – can soon seem as though they are second nature after a short period of time. Treatments under the choice model of addition often try to find ways of breaking such habituated choices, such as avoiding environments where they might be easier to make. This might include, for example, avoiding going to the pub if you have a developing drinking problem or ensuring you only eat at mealtimes if you have a compulsion to overeat. One way to think about the choice model is that it tries to deal with addiction by getting people to think about the long-term outcomes of their behaviours rather than the short-term ‘gains’.

When To Seek Help For Addiction?

There are different types of addiction and some people will find that understanding the various theoretical models about addiction will mean they start to recognise their own addictive behaviour, or the compulsive behaviour of a family member.

There are also many cognitive blocks that prevent people from seeking help. Examples of this are not wanting to stop or not being ready to change. If that is the case for you or your loved one, then reach out to our professional consultants who are ideally placed to help with these blockages and to help put you on the first steps to recovery and an effective treatment pathway.

Want more information on what addiction is?

Speak to our addiction specialists in Essex who can help you today.

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