Addiction Prevalence Symptoms and Course 2024
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Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes presents a comprehensive overview of addiction, discussing its prevalence, symptoms, and the course it takes. The National Survey on Drug Use and Mental Health indicates a rise in illicit drug use to 14.3% by 2021, with a slight decrease in heavy drinking. Addiction is characterized as a chronic disease that affects the brain's reward system and can be caused by substance use or behaviors like sex, gaming, or pornography. Recovery involves the brain remodeling itself, and without proper treatment, addiction can lead to disability or premature death. Substance use disorder (SUD) is diagnosed by the presence of at least two symptoms from a set list within a 12-month period, and cravings are a significant aspect of addiction. The National Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC) defines different levels of SUD, from recreational use to severe daily use with tolerance and withdrawal. Treatment must address the underlying reasons for substance use, and recovery requires ongoing management. The brain's attempt to maintain homeostasis is disrupted by addiction, leading to tolerance and dependence. Various neurochemicals like dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin, endorphins, and cortisol play roles in addiction and recovery. Treatment should consider individual factors such as age, cognitive functioning, and concurrent physical and mental illnesses. Underlying issues like trauma, depression, anxiety, and emotional intelligence are crucial for effective recovery. The rise of online gambling, pornography, and gaming, as well as the anticipated increase in internet addiction with the advent of the METAVERSE, present new challenges in recognizing and treating addictive behaviors. The relationship between OCD and addiction is also discussed, with both involving obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. PubMed is recommended as a resource for further understanding the complexities of addiction and its treatment, including the use of deep brain stimulation for refractory depression, OCD, and addiction.
Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes presents a comprehensive overview of addiction, discussing its prevalence, sym