With greater emphasis than ever before on addictions of all kinds today, many people tend to blame the substances involved, from sugar and caffeine to alcohol and drugs. Some activists go so far as to try and ban substances to keep people from using them and possibly getting hooked.
The problem, however, is not necessarily the substances themselves. In small quantities, sugar, alcohol, and other substances are not inherently harmful. In fact, when it comes to things like pain relief medication, the intent of the substance is to help, not harm. It?s only when a person starts consuming too much of something – whether it?s too much sugar, too much salt, or too much to drink – that it starts to become a health problem.
Medicines
Over-the-counter medicines can be freely purchased in drugstores and supermarkets, as well as discount shops and other places. However, industry-approved usage guidelines on the packaging explain how these products can be beneficial when used according to the specific directions. Some consumers become dependent on these widely available medications for their perceived health benefits or because of the desired side effects, such as drowsiness, calm, or excitability.
Prescription medications are misused by patients who feel they must have more than prescribed to get the expected results. They sometimes illegally obtain and use the medicines to experience side effects like feeling euphoric or becoming very relaxed. Problems arise when patients use OTC drugs or prescription drugs in ways they are not supposed to. This is usually a personal choice rather than a result of the substance’s effects, leading to addiction to painkillers in particular. Patients who feel they need more medication or a different dose should consult their doctors rather than try to adjust the meds themselves. If a patient believes they are already addicted to medication, it may be necessary to undergo a prescription drug rehab program to successfully beat the addiction.
Foods
We must eat to survive, but it is not possible for foods to cause an addiction. It is our own appetite for something that often causes us to crave it or use more of it than is recommended or healthy. For example, overconsumption of sugar is a problem for some people because they eat too much of it on a regular basis. Instead of eating a balanced, nutritional diet, some consumers eat far more sugar grams daily or weekly than they need because they enjoy the taste.
Alcohol may be considered a beverage in the food group, especially wine. In moderation, alcohol is not problematic for most people. But drinking excessively and making it a mandatory part of your lifestyle can lead to serious health problems.
Toxic Products
Certain products are perceived as toxic or dangerous, like nicotine. However, some experts believe that the limited use of tobacco products is not particularly harmful. It is when smokers begin using tobacco frequently throughout the day and make it part of many lifestyle activities that it can cause issues.
Other substances not intended for human consumption, like glue, have been misused by some people to create a high. Anything used for other than its intended purpose can have potentially dangerous consequences and possibly contribute to a person’s addictive dependence on it.
Behaviors
Many normal behaviors have been termed as addictive because of the way some people develop an obsessive reliance on them for their happiness or well being. Exercise, gambling, computer use, and social media involvement are representative activities that some people claim to be addicted to.
The key to avoiding all of these addictions rests with the individual. The first step is to use medication and food for their intended purposes. Any attempt to misuse or overuse these things is the person’s fault. The second step is to avoid using anything that is not designed for human consumption. Following these steps can help to prevent psychological dependence and unwanted consequences.
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