Addiction

Addictions 

Addiction is a brain disorder in which persistent, compulsive dependence on a behavior or substance is present and interfering with functioning. People struggling with addiction are unable to stop using or engaging in a behavior even with significant physical, emotional, and financial consequences. Addiction involves both physical and psychological dependence.  

The term addiction refers to dependence on legal substances such as nicotine, caffeine, alcohol, and controlled substances (e.g., opiates and benzodiazepines) and illegal substances (e.g., cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines, and illegally obtained or diverted medications). It also refers to marijuana which is legal in some states and illegal in others. When a person cannot stop taking a drug, they are considered to have a dependence on that substance.  

Addictions can also be behavioral and involve an inability to stop or moderate participation in certain behaviors, such as gambling, internet gaming, sex, shopping, eating, and exercising.  

Addiction disrupts normal, healthy functioning of the brain. The disease process is the same regardless of the type of substance a person abuses. Like many other diseases, addictions are preventable and treatable, but left untreated, their damaging effects can disrupt lives, families, and health.  

Genetics account for 40 to 60 percent of a person’s vulnerability to addiction. Biology (for example, age, and presence of other diseases) and environmental influences (stress, diet) also play a significant role. Not surprisingly, adolescents and those with mental health disorders are at greatest risk for substance abuse and addiction. 

Addiction is a progressive disease and worsens over time without proper intervention. Addiction is one of the costliest public health problems in the United States. Alcohol and drug abuse cost the American economy an estimated $276 billion per year in lost productivity, health care expenditures, crime, motor vehicle crashes and other conditions. 

Drugs and Alcohol Abuse 

A drug is a substance that alters the chemistry of the brain. Drugs and alcohol initially activate pleasure pathways in the brain. With prolonged use, these substances blunt the pathways and no longer produce a pleasurable high or experience. This essentially sets a new normal level of brain functioning, which requires increased drugs or alcohol use over time just to maintain.  

Alcohol is one of the most widely used substances in the world. Alcohol and drug abuse cost the American economy an estimated $276 billion per year in lost productivity, health care expenditures, crime, motor vehicle crashes and other conditions. 

If you (or someone close to you at home or at work) are worried about the effects of alcohol or drugs, ask yourself: 

  • Have you ever tried to cut down your use of alcohol/drugs? 
  • Have you ever been angry with someone who has criticized your use? 
  • Have you ever felt guilty about your use? 
  • Have you ever had an “eye-opener” (a morning use of substance to reduce the effects of hangover/shakes, headaches, thirst, or craving)? 
  • Have you had blackouts? 
  • Have you missed work, been late, or left early because of your substance use? 
  • Have you ever been arrested for driving under the influence (DWI or DUI)? 

If you (or the person you are thinking about) can answer yes to any of these questions, you may want to speak with a professional about options for treatment. Please contact us at 617-353-5381 to arrange an appointment or to speak with someone about your concerns. 

Gambling  

Like people suffering from alcohol or drug addiction, compulsive gamblers are at high risk for serious social, work-related, financial, emotional and legal problems. Compulsive gambling has been linked to a range of mental health issues (depression, anxiety/panic disorder and personality disorders, for example); poor general health; drug, alcohol, and nicotine dependence; and in extreme cases, suicide. 

In addition to the growth of legal gambling venues, casinos, and race tracks we also having the increased prevalence of online gambling and sports betting sites and applications. Internet gambling often proves to be more disruptive than in person gambling as online betting sites are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week.  

So how can you tell whether you or someone you care about has a gambling problem? Common signs include: 

  • Time spent online or in person gambling is out of proportion with other activities. 
  • Schedules are rearranged to permit more time for gambling activities. 
  • Size and/or frequency of bets increases. 
  • You see someone “chasing” losses. Meaning trying to win back money they have already lost by gambling more. Unfortunately, chasing usually results in more losses – which can then lead to more chasing.  
  • Boasting about winning and minimizing losses.  
  • Flaunting large amounts of money. 
  • Going online to gamble to manage mood or cope with emotions.  
  • One’s mood is contingent on winning or losing. 
  • Hiding money, unusual and/or unexplained withdrawals from family bank accounts, secret loans and questionable financial deals.  
  • Lying and/or minimizing losses. 

If you have concerns about these or any other issues, please contact us at 617-353-5381 to arrange an appointment. Remember, the FSAO is a free, confidential benefit for Boston University employees and their families.