Addictions
A harmful addiction can develop with any activity or substance that can give you pleasure at first. It’s important to identify the problem so that you can commit to getting rid of it. Support and help are available.
Dependence can be physical, psychological, social or all of these. You can become addicted to, for example, intoxicants, gambling, games, sex or eating.
In physical dependence, the body has become accustomed to the substance, which means that discontinuing use causes various withdrawal symptoms. Psychological dependence is manifested in reacting to difficult matters by seeking quick satisfaction or a means of escape from a substance or activity. Social dependence, on the other hand, means belonging to a group that uses a substance that causes addiction.
How are addictions treated?
Addiction often causes shame. It may be easier to deny the real situation. The first step to getting rid of addiction is to become aware of the addiction.
It’s possible to break the cycle, as dependencies can be managed efficiently. You don’t have to make the changes alone. From the perspective of treatment, it’s essential to consider the reasons behind the addiction and what kind of situations make you want to engage with the substance or activity.
What does substance dependence mean and how can it be eliminated?
Substance dependence may be related to alcohol, drugs or medicines. Substance abuse may have started because of the pleasure or intoxicating effect they bring. Many people numb bad feelings using substances. Substance use can be a way of trying to cope with a difficult life situation or other problems. It’s common for substance users to have challenges related to, for example, mental health or learning. Correspondingly, excessive substance use may trigger or maintain mental health problems.
In the case of a person addicted to a substance, the use is no longer a choice; instead, the substances dominate their users. Breaking free from substances requires systematic actions. Setting goals, identifying typical situations that lead to the use of substances and finding new meaningful things in life play a key role in recovery.
Participation in treatment or peer groups helps many people. In some cases, dependence can also be eliminated independently through various self-help programs. Organisations providing help with substance abuse problems:
Organisations providing help with substance abuse problems:
- A-klinikka
- Addiction Link
- Irti huumeista ry
- Finnish Association for Substance Abuse Prevention EHYT
- Substance abuse services in your municipality or city
What does gambling or game addiction mean and how can it be eliminated?
For the majority of players, gambling and games are entertainment, a pastime or a hobby. They can provide excitement or enable social interaction and be an escape from everyday concerns or anxiety.
If this starts to feel compulsive and takes up too much time or money, it’s good to examine the reasons for gambling or gaming in more detail.
Excessive gambling or gaming can cause social, health and economic harm and, at its extremes, addiction. Problematic gambling and gaming can be recognised by the fact that your thoughts only revolve around it.
Time spent on gaming or gambling does not directly indicate a problem, as long sessions can also be part of normal gaming. At the same time, however, it’s good to examine how your life is going otherwise, what your relationships with people close to you are and what else you can fit in your everyday life other than gaming or gambling.
Just the fact that you become aware of and start paying attention to what you are doing can already help with the gambling problem. You can set clear limits for yourself in advance, such as the amount and the time you can use on playing. It’s also good to look for other activities to replace gaming and gambling.
