by Trish Austin

Created on: March 08, 2009

Addiction, when does one become an addict ? Addiction is a complex problem. It is often misunderstood. It illustrates the mind body connection in heart wrenching perfection.

People can become addicted to many things. Most people think of drugs, alcohol or smoking when they hear the word addiction. But, there are people who are addicted to exercise. Some are addicted to sex. The list is endless. People can become addicted to any thing that makes the brain secrete endorphins. The brains natural "feel good" chemicals.

One measurement of addiction is if that thing or activity (sex, drinking alcohol, watching porn, prescription drugs, illegal drugs etc.) is interfering with your life. For example, have you lost a job because of this activity or thing? Do you miss out on activities because of this thing or activity? Do you have relationship problems because of this activity or thing? Do your friends complain about this activity or thing to you? Have you gone to jail because of this thing or activity? If a person answers yes to any of these questions, they need help. They are an addict or they are well on their way to becoming one.

What about pharmaceutical drug addiction? This is often misunderstood. Sure, there are the pharma drug seeking group. But, there is another group that tends to hide, be hidden or just don't know they are addicts. These are the people who take as directed drugs prescribed to them by their doctors and become addicted.

If a prescription drug is addictive and a person takes that drug for a certain period of time, it does not matter who the person is or what they do, they will be addicted to that drug. They will be physically addicted. They never took more than was prescribed. They always followed their doctor's instructions. For example, the drug Adderall. Mainly prescribed to people diagnosed with ADD. This drug is what was called "speed" in the 1980's. It is D-Amphetamine Salt Combination. Any one who takes this drug on a daily basis will become addicted. It is biology. The brain is amazing. Over time the brain and the body of the person taking Adderall becomes accustomed to it. Not only accustomed, but the brain shuts down making certain chemicals because of the drug. Then, if the person suddenly stops taking it, they will begin to feel withdrawal symptoms.

Drugs like Valium, Clonazepam and Xanax are equally addictive. These drugs are prescribed for the prevention of panic attacks and or the relief of extreme anxiety. A person does not have to use more than is prescribed. Nor do they have to want to get high. All a person has to do is take the drug as prescribed by their doctor for a period of time. After three months of taking any of these drugs, an addict is born. A person who can not miss a dose because he or she will begin feeling withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms are as bad as the original symptom they were prescribed the drug. So, a circular pattern arises. A person, for example, who was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder and prescribed these pills becomes an addict. They not only have the original disease to deal with, but have withdrawal issues now. That is if they know they are addicted.

It is very sad that most people know how to tell if some one is an addicted to alcohol or to smoking. But, when a drug is prescribed by a doctor, addiction becomes blurry. There is no clear way to tell. Even though the person has withdrawal symptoms when they accidentally miss a dose. It is terrible to think that some major pharmaceutical companies want people ignorant. Plus, there are so many doctor's that are willing to back the companies.

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