Types of Addictions

Addictions come in many different shapes and forms.There are different drugs, which in turn have different effects and there are different types of addictions, depending on the way these drugs affect the body and mind of the user. It is important to know these differences when approaching addiction treatment rehab centers and programs, not only for the abuser and his family and friends, but also from the point of view of the professionals within these facilities, in order for them to make an accurate diagnosis and successfully treat the addiction.

Drugs and Alcohol

Amongst the many addictions there are today, that of drugs and alcohol are the most common. Alcohol is probably the most common out of these, with an estimated 18 million Americans having an alcohol abuse problem. Drug abuse is a major problem due to the diversity of drugs being abused and the availability of certain drugs. Substances such as Cocaine, Ecstasy and Heroin are the most frequently abused drugs with addictions to LSD, Speed, PCP, Steroids and Inhalants also commonly found. Prescription drug abuse is on the rise with addictions to such medicines as Vicodin, Ritalin and Valium being especially common amongst school age groups, alongside household chemical abuse. 'Softer' drugs, such as Cannabis, continue to cause addiction problems amongst a large group of individuals.

Physical and Psychological Addictions

When talking about drug and alcohol addictions, it is important to realise that different drugs have different effects on the body of the abuser. There are two main effects an abused substance can have: physical and psychological. A physical addiction may be seen amongst individuals of social groups where it is the norm to abuse certain drugs in a particular situation, eg. night clubs. The physical addiction involves a response from the body when the drugs are taken, for example, a release of adrenalin. These responses cause the addiction and it is these physical responses that must be brought under control by addiction treatment rehab programs for a successful recovery. Psychological addictions are simply those where a response from the brain is invoked by taking drugs. Such psychologically stimulating drugs are PCP, LSD and Ketamine. Psychological addictions are a little more complicated to treat as targeting the specific area of the brain that is responsible for the effects of using the drug can often be difficult. Addiction treatment rehab under the correct guidance and medicinal recommendations can successfully treat these addictions. The factors determining drug abuse are as varied as the drugs themselves, making diagnoses as individual as the person and a major part of any addiction treatment rehab program. The type of addiction is a decisive factor that must be considered when trying to determine the most suitable treatment program for the individual in question.