Taking a Closer Look at Addiction
Grand Canyon University’s Master of Science in Addiction Counseling degree can provide students with the academic foundation that they need to pursue licensure or certification in their state and a career as a professional addiction counselor. If you’re interested in working in this field, then read on to learn a bit more about addiction.
The Nature of Addiction
When someone has an addiction, this means that they do not have control over how they use a substance or perform a behavior. A person with a drug addiction has a dependency on a substance that causes him or her to rely on its use to cope with everyday life. In the case of addiction, there is a physical/psychological component involved that leaves the affected person unable to control aspects of the addiction. A habit, on the other hand, does not include a physical/psychological component.
The Signs of Addiction
The indications of a substance addiction can vary between individuals and be affected by their personal circumstances, genetics and the substance that they are abusing. A person with an addiction may be unable to stop even after a serious attempt to quit. Some common withdrawal symptoms include insomnia, increased appetite, diarrhea, constipation, bad temper, moodiness, frustration, feelings of depression and poor focus. Some substances can cause seizures, trembling, sweats and hallucinations when a person is in withdrawal.
The Risk Factors for Addiction
Anyone can develop a substance abuse problem, but there are factors that can increase one’s risk for addiction. Women who have more than four drinks in one sitting and men who have more than five drinks in one sitting are more likely to develop an addiction than non-alcoholics. People with a family history of addiction are also at a greater risk. Being male, having a mental illness or condition, experiencing loneliness and having few family attachments can also increase a person’s risk of addiction.
Grand Canyon University’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences offers the Master of Science in Addiction Counseling degree to help students pursue their goal of becoming a professional addiction counselor. If you’re interested in this program, then please visit our website or use the Request More Information button on this page.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date.
