How will I live without alcohol? One of the biggest obstacles we face is a feeling that our life will be over without alcohol.
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COUGH SYRUP EPIDEMIC. Lean is the street name for cough syrup containing codeine mixed with soft drinks. The drug is becoming more common in everyday use. It is popular among adolescents and young adults in lower income areas. The drug is freely available at such a low price that it is exceedingly easy to obtain and use. Not only can anyone walk into any pharmacy and buy it, there are even dealers who carry these products so that the users may avoid possible scrutiny from the people who sell it.
Codeine is the active ingredient in lean and as it is an opiate, it is highly addictive and does cause physical dependence. This means that prolonged use of the drug may lead to withdrawal. In addition to this the symptoms of codeine use include, but are not limited to: drowsiness, memory loss, black out, nausea, vomiting, dysphoria, euphoria, dissociation, in extreme cases use may lead to seizures, and respiratory depression which can often lead to death.
The cough syrup which is being used is freely available over the counter at pharmacies. There are regulations in place to try and combat the abuse of these medications, pharmacies are legally bound to take a person’s details when they buy codeine products and are only allowed to sell one product per person at any time. In addition to that, Adcock Ingram, one of South Africa’s biggest pharmaceutical companies, have a dedicated team looking out for suspiciously large or frequent orders. These measures, however honorable, still fall short. Without a national database there is no way to ensure someone is not buying from multiple pharmacies. In addition to this, corrupt pharmacists and drug dealers find ways and means around the regulation that have been put in place.
Combating an epidemic of these proportions starts first with taking the problem seriously. The regulatory bodies within South Africa have seen the problem and are taking measures to keep the population safe, but ultimately the responsibility lies with the individual. Even over the counter substances need to be taken seriously and treated as dangerous and addictive. Most importantly, any addiction needs to be treated as such. Just because the substance a person is addicted to seems innocuous it does not mean that the addiction itself is harmless.
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A gambling addiction is a progressive addiction that can have many negative psychological, physical, and social repercussions. It is classed as an impulse-control disorder.
It is included in the American Psychiatric Association (APA’s) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, fifth edition (DSM-5).
Problem gambling is harmful to psychological and physical health. People who live with this addiction may experience depression, migraine, distress, intestinal disorders, and other anxiety-related problems.
As with other addictions, the consequences of gambling can lead to feelings of despondency and helplessness. In some cases, this can lead to attempts at suicide.
The rate of problem gambling has risen globally over the last few years. In the United States in 2012, around 5.77 million people had a gambling disorder that needed treatment.
Because of its harmful consequences, gambling addiction has become a significant public health concern in many countries.
Gambling addiction comes in many forms, the primary symptom being a craving for gaming.
Some of the signs and symptoms of problem gambling include:
Gambling is not a financial problem, but an emotional problem that has financial consequences.
It also impacts the way in which the person with the disorder relates to his or her family and friends. For instance, they may miss important events in the family, or they might miss work.
For a diagnosis of gambling addiction, The DSM-5 states that a person must show or experience at least four of the following during the past 12 months:
Gambling can lead to a range of problems, but the addiction can happen to anyone. No one can predict who will develop an addiction to gambling.
The activity can be described on a spectrum, ranging from abstinence through recreational gambling to problem gambling.
Gambling behaviour becomes a problem when it cannot be controlled and when it interferes with finances, relationships, and the workplace. The individual may not realize they have a problem for some time.
Many people who develop a gambling addiction are considered responsible and dependable people, but some factors can lead to a change in behaviour.
Studies have suggested that people with a tendency to one addiction may be more at risk of developing another. Genetic and neurological factors may play a role.
Some people who are affected by gambling may also have a problem with alcohol or drugs, possibly due to a predisposition for addiction.
The use of some medications has been linked to a higher risk of compulsive gambling.
Secondary addictions can also occur in an effort to reduce the negative feelings created by the gambling addiction. However, some people who gamble never experience any other addiction.
Gambling addiction is a debilitating condition, causing depression and distress.
For someone with a gambling addiction, the feeling of gambling is equivalent to taking a drug or having a drink.
Gambling behaviour alters the person’s mood and state of mind.
As the person becomes used to this feeling, they keep repeating the behaviour, attempting to achieve that same effect.
A person who has an addiction to gambling needs to gamble more to get the same “high.” In some instances, they “chase” their losses, thinking that if they continue to engage in gambling, they will win back lost money.
A vicious circle develops, and an increased craving for the activity. At the same time, the ability to resist drops. As the craving grows in intensity and frequency, the ability to control the urge to gamble is weakened.
This can have a psychological, personal, physical, social, or professional impact.
Neither the frequency of gambling nor the amount lost will determine whether gambling is a problem for an individual. .
Some people engage in periodic gambling binges rather than regularly, but the emotional and financial consequences will be the same.
Medical News Today. What’s to know about gambling addiction by Christian Nordqvist. 2018. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/15929.php
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