Addiction is a feeling of high need and neediness for a substance or situation. People who are addicted find it very difficult to control these feelings and their impulses towards these objects. They become unable to think about anything other than their addiction and this prevents them from living a quality life.

Addictions are considered a chronic brain disease. From this point of view, just like diabetes, heart diseases and schizophrenia, it is in the segment of diseases that can be stopped with medication but cannot be completely cured.

It is not possible to say with certainty that addiction is caused by a single condition or cause. It can occur in many situations such as social, biological, genetic and behavioural reasons, or it can be seen due to more than one reason.

Each individual’s addiction and reaction to addiction is different from each other. Therefore, it would not be correct to say that the symptoms are the same for everyone. However, there are some points that are common to most addicted people. Some of the symptoms of addiction are as follows;

Experiencing withdrawal symptoms against the addicted thing

Relief after obtaining the addiction

Using or experiencing the dependent object or situation more and more

Harm to oneself and one’s life due to the addiction

Continuously thinking about the object, situation, phenomenon on which one is dependent

So, what should you do to cope?

The best and surest way to deal with addiction is to seek treatment. Addicted individuals cannot be successful in self-healing even if they want to, and they cannot easily quit their addiction. For this reason, getting addiction support from a specialist will make this process easier and more comfortable.

How is Addiction Treatment?

After the psychiatric evaluation of the patient, neuropsychiatric and psychological tests are performed to confirm the diagnosis.

After the diagnosis is clarified in the treatment of addiction, the person is evaluated psychosocially and interviewed with his/her family. If there is no need for hospitalisation after the interviews, the person is admitted to an outpatient treatment programme.

The characteristics required for an effective addiction treatment are as follows;

To reveal the diagnosis or comorbidities

Determine suitability for treatment

Initial treatment

Planning for psychosocial treatment

To assess the risks and contraindications for the proposed treatments

If comorbidities are considered, ask for consultation from the relevant department.

A complete history

Physical examination

Mental status examination
Relevant laboratory tests
Psychiatric assessment

There is no precise information on how long it takes for addiction to develop. This depends on the physical and mental structure of the person.

As relatives, it is important to be patient and understanding during this period and to support the person in their wishes.