Substance addiction: Causes, effects, and support

Substance addiction is when someone continues to use a substance even though it's causing problems in their life or they know it's a problem. Substances are things that you put into your body to make it feel better, such as alcohol, caffeine, or drugs like cocaine, heroin, or prescription painkillers. When someone is addicted to a substance, it's hard for them to stop using it even if they want to. A counsellor can help you understand the reasons behind your addiction and learn healthy ways to cope with these feelings instead of turning to drugs or alcohol.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse:

"Addiction is a chronic brain disease that causes compulsive drug seeking and use despite harmful consequences to the individual who uses drugs and those around him or her."

This means that people with addictions will experience both mental (thinking) and physical symptoms when they stop using drugs or alcohol – and these symptoms may last for weeks, months or years after they've stopped using substances.

Cocaine addiction

Cocaine is a stimulant drug that can make you feel euphoric, energetic and confident. Taking cocaine has more to do with the social interaction than it has to do with the effects of the drug, with users enjoying the confidence it gives them to bond and interact with people.

Some research suggests that many users may have attachment issues from their childhood – maybe they didn’t form strong attachments with their primary caregivers in the first two years in their lives, or maybe their parents or caregivers were drug users themselves. 

There is often a culture of cocaine abuse in many companies and a feeling of “you belong” when you join the 'Cocaine club'. You might feel like you need to use more and more cocaine to get the same effect. This is called tolerance or dependence – when your body gets used to having the drug around so much that it needs it just to function normally.

If this happens, then stopping using cocaine completely could be very difficult for some people – people will undoubtedly experience withdrawal symptoms such as low mood, depression, anxiety and loneliness when they stop taking the drug.

Alcohol addiction

Alcohol addiction is a serious problem, and it can affect people of any age. It can lead to serious health problems like liver disease or heart failure. The good news is that alcohol addiction is treatable, with many people recovering from their dependence on alcohol and going on to live healthy lives free of alcohol.

It's important to remember that alcoholism isn't just about the person who drinks; it also affects their family members, friends, and co-workers. If you're struggling with an alcoholic loved one or friend who needs help getting sober but won't ask for it themselves, seek professional guidance from a therapist or other mental health professional who specialises in addiction treatment before making any decisions about how best to approach them regarding your concerns.

A counsellor can help you understand the reasons behind your addiction and learn healthy ways to cope with these feelings instead of turning to drugs or alcohol. 

If you think that you might be addicted to a substance, it's important to get help. If you don't think you can stop on your own, talk with a counsellor or other professional who can help guide you through this process.