Addiction is a disease that affects millions worldwide. It is characterized by compulsive drug-seeking and use, which drives an individual to take in more and more of the substance in order to achieve a continued high. Addiction happens when someone wants to get rid of a painful feeling or when they want to feel good and the drugs or alcohol help them do this. While some people may start using drugs or alcohol from a young age, addiction can also happen later on in life. Here are some ways you can tell if you might be addicted to something.

How addiction affects your brain

There are a few ways that addiction affects your brain. One way it does this is by over-stimulating the reward system of your brain. This causes a person to feel euphoria after using drugs or alcohol and then feel depressed when they cannot use them. Another way that addiction affects your brain is by disrupting the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for decision making and controlling impulses. This means that addicts have difficulty sustaining abstinence and rationalizing their behavior. Finally, many addicts have changes in chemicals in the brain like dopamine and serotonin; these chemicals are released when someone uses drugs or alcohol. The increase in dopamine makes you feel good while the reduction of serotonin makes you want to use drugs or alcohol as soon as possible.

How to know if you’re addicted

Addiction is much more than having a few drinks or smoking marijuana. If you are addicted to something, it will be hard for you to quit. It may even affect your health and social life.

Let’s say you are addicted to coffee. You will want to drink coffee because it makes you feel good, especially when you need a pick-me-up in the morning or when you find yourself stressed out at work. People who are addicted to caffeine also might not sleep well at night if they don’t have their morning cup of coffee.

The effects of addiction on your body

The symptoms of addiction on your body are that it interferes with your sleep, mood, and eating. This is because the drug or alcohol you’re addicted to makes you feel elated but also tired or sick. It also affects your memory. You may not know what’s going on around you because everything seems like a haze.

Another way to tell if someone is addicted to something is if they become defensive when someone questions their behaviour. They might say that they’ve been clear minded or that they never had any problems before, which isn’t true. The best way to know if someone is addicted to something is by checking in with them and asking how they’re doing without judgement. If they refuse to answer questions about their behavior, it might be time for a conversation.

Other countries have a better understanding of addiction?

The United States has one of the highest rates of addiction in the world. Some countries have a better understanding and fewer people who struggle with addiction. This is because they have a better understanding of it and how to help those with addiction.

If you notice any of these signs, be sure to consult your doctor:

* Problems with relationships and social activities

* Losing interest in normal things that were once enjoyable

* Sleeping too much or too little

* Having a hard time concentrating on work or necessary tasks

* Wearing clothes that are too tight or too loose

* Weight changes

* Unusual mood swings

Conclusion

Addiction is a problem that has a huge impact on our society, our culture, and our psyche. But what exactly is addiction? And how does it affect our brain and body?

We have all heard the phrase “addiction is a disease”, but what does that mean, exactly? How do you know if you are addicted?

The effects of addiction are often felt in your brain, your body, and your social life. If you’re struggling with addiction, or know someone who is, it’s important to understand the effects of addiction on your brain and body. It’s also important to explore the treatment options available to you.

If you are interested in learning more about addiction, please read the full article here: https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-intelligent-person/201705/what-are-the-biological-and-psychological-effects-of-addiction-on-your-brain