Category: Australia

Social Isolation From Gambling

Any type of addiction can lead to isolation. This is because addictions are typically something that addicts want to keep secret. Mostly because the addict does not want others to know the extent of the problem. The trouble is that addictions do not immediately start out as addictions. They may not be totally hidden at first. Consider an alcoholic. Having the occasional drink if you are of age is not illegal. Therefore, it’s not seen as a problem by most. However, drinking daily and in excess is a problem. An alcoholic may start out as a casual drinker. But as the alcohol becomes a necessity and habit, it may be hidden. This is true of social isolation from a gambling addiction as well.

What is Gambling Addiction

Gambling addiction is an addiction that can come in many forms. This is due to the fact that there are many types of gambling. Everything from cards, to the lottery, to horse racing and sports can be part of gambling addiction. This type addiction can occur when a person feels that they are in financial trouble, or ruin. It can make one believe gambling is the only way to get out of trouble. It may also be found in those who play games and make risky bets to get an emotional high. Many factors can contribute to a gambling addiction. Aside from the ‘high’ and desperation for money, some may like the social status attained when successful as a gambler. While others enjoy the socialization that comes with mainstream gambling. Unfortunately, gambling excessively over time can take a dark turn and lead to isolation over socialization.

Isolation and Gambling

There is a researched connection between gambling and social isolation. It has been documented that people who feel socially isolated are more likely to take risks with their money in gambling situations. This is thought to be because of the value they place on money to obtain what they want as far as socially. The irony is that a gambling addiction can actually cause more social isolation for the addict. Therefore, it can be especially problematic if the gambler is on a losing streak. Isolation may also occur because the gambler has lied about their whereabouts to family and friends. This is to hide the amount of gambling or to try to win back money that no one knows has been lost yet.

Furthermore, as gambling may cause or exacerbate symptoms of depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts due to excessive loss. The gambler may isolate more. Some people may even spend so much time gambling that they avoid eating with others. Eventually, showing signs of weight loss or gain, acne, and even dark circles. These changes will isolate the person further. Additionally, those who gamble long term may turn to drugs and alcohol to cope with both wins and losses which can lead to isolation over time.

Getting Help

If you or a loved one have a gambling addiction then help is available. It can be difficult to ask for help for a problem that is in part socially accepted. However, getting help is necessary for your physical, mental, and financial health. If you need help contact DARA or Paracelsus to receive quick and affordable help that will change your life.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Addiction Rehabilitation Assessment.

What is Addiction to Wealth and Power?

Though most people would consider it luck or talent, wealth and power can also lead to addiction. It is pretty common knowledge that wealth tends to lead to power and vice versa. However, an obsessive drive for power and wealth can be as harmful to a person and their loved ones as an addiction to drugs and alcohol. For some people who are self-made millionaires or just those who are highly successful in their field. Each new win or achievement is accompanied by a euphoric feeling or a rush. Like that you get when using drugs or drinking. While there are definitely other benefits like a large house, cars, vacations, etc., it is that feeling of taking one more step that offers the high.

Addicted to Dopamine

When using drugs, it is often the dopamine that the body produces that creates the ‘high’ feeling. This same chemical release also occurs when people ‘win’ or are successful. This is the ‘high’ when it comes to power and wealth. Dopamine is natural and necessary. Without it, people would have no interest in eating or even sex and the human population would rapidly dwindle. While it is necessary, it is also the struggle in stopping an addiction to power and wealth. This addiction goes far beyond willpower.

When is it Unhealthy

Wealth and power in and of themselves are not unhealthy, it is when an obsession with continually gaining more of one or both takes over that a problem exists. Everything else in a power and wealth addicts life begins to take a back seat to getting more. This can include family, friends, health, and even meeting basic needs. Over time the person may only identify themselves with the wealth and power, losing all other identity. The addict will judge others on their achievement, not on merits.

Those who struggle with addiction to wealth and power tend to feel the most powerful, or ‘high’ when dominating others. They will have little patience for anything or anyone that stands in the way of their rise. They may become restless and even paranoid that others are in their way. When in extremes, the person may result to illegal or, in the least, unethical actions such as destruction of property, bribery, and manipulation. If that source of power is suddenly taken or lessened, the person may experience withdraw symptoms, just like when someone comes off of drugs or alcohol.

Getting Help

Since wealth and power are not necessarily a bad thing on their own, getting help may seem odd or even impossible. It may seem implausible that someone needs help to not achieve better and greater things, but this is partially the case. The aspect that really needs help and redirection is the fear of loss of control or powerlessness. As this type of addiction is often found to exist with things such as depression, anxiety, and perfectionism, it can and must be treated as an aspect of mental illness. This will require time, work, and commitment to treatment as the person learns to enjoy a healthy, rewarding life. They must learn to find balance.

If seeking treatment, DARA can help. An inpatient facility with individualized treatment, can help find that balance and help the person avoid turning to other drugs that may produce the same dopamine high. If you or a loved one needs help then high-end facilities are available to offer all you need.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Addiction Rehabilitation Assessment.

Adrenaline Addiction and Risk-Taking Behavior.

Have you ever gone to an amusement park and ridden a roller coaster? Perhaps you have been driving and had a near accident and were filled with adrenaline in the moment after? That rush of emotion, excitement, and relief is caused by a release of adrenaline into the body. For some, this release is something they enjoy so much it becomes an adrenaline addiction. These people are sometimes called adrenaline junkies.

Adrenaline Junkie

An adrenaline junkie is defined as someone who has a compulsive desire for excitement and adventure. This does not mean that you occasional like to push the limits and enjoy a roller coaster ride. Or even try your hand at bungee jumping or horseback riding. It is a compulsive need to continually chase the adrenaline-fueled feeling that some activity once produced. The problem is, even adrenaline junkies plateau. At some point the first activity that produced the feeling no longer works. The more risks taken is when the problem truly takes hold.

Are you Addicted to Adrenaline

Just as with every addiction, adrenaline and risk taking addicts come in all shapes and forms. While most people think of an adrenaline junkie as one who takes part in extreme measures, there are also more subtle ways that people show this addiction. Think of it this way. Stress produces adrenaline so some people thrive on the stress created by an overbooked schedule. Such as the rush of shoplifting. Even something like waiting until the last minute to meet a deadline for example. The adrenaline level may not be as instant or extreme as jumping out of a plane, but the feeling for that person is the same. Some people even create the rush by creating drama and crises in their own lives. This may be intentional or unintentional. They are the people that not only survive under pressure, but work their best under those conditions.

Warning Signs

If you think you or someone you know may have an addiction to adrenaline then look for these signs. Someone who always has a crisis in their life, either real or overblown, or tend to surround themselves with troubled souls who always need help, may have a problem. Students or workers who wait until the last minute to get a project done or are always rushing, may have an issue. For those who are always rushing, if they do have a break in their schedule, they may take on more just to stay extremely busy. Finally, people who seem to create drama by exploding in anger or causing scenes, may also have an issue.

There are several others that could be added to this list. However it is likely you are already seeing yourself or someone else in the shared examples. This does not mean that this person just happens to fall into these situations, but that they continually happen over many years.

Dealing with an Adrenaline Addiction

If you have identified yourself as an adrenaline junkie or addict then there are ways to help yourself. While extreme cases may require psychotherapy to understand why this feeling is so important to you. There are also some home techniques that can be beneficial.

The first step is to take the ‘crisis’ edge off of your daily life. Pair down on stressful activities and learn the difference in a real crisis and something you are trying to create a crisis in. Some situations are slightly stressful. However, allowing them to become or appear overblown means you are searching for the feeling. Next, learn and practice relaxation techniques. This will not only help combat the effects on the body and mind of chronic stress, but help you function without the adrenaline. Some people find meditation or yoga helps. While others may find light exercise, nothing extreme, is better.

If you need help learning these skills then DARA can help. There are healthier options to create a fun and entertaining life than overly stressing activities. Get the help to find balance that you need. You are worth it.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Addiction Rehabilitation Assessment.

Ultra-High Net Worth: Addiction and Risk to Reputation

What Defines Addiction

Addiction is one of those terms that we hear almost on the daily basis. In current times addiction can be applied to everything. Anything from technology to drugs and alcohol. While this may seem almost too encompassing, it is true. However, not all addictions are recognized by the American Psychological Association (APA). But those that are and several that are not can still be treated.

Addiction is defined by the APA as a complex condition. A brain disease, that is manifested by compulsive use despite the harmful consequences. While APA focuses on substances, the definition is expanding to include compulsive behaviors and things. Though this is not yet official. There are many signs and symptoms of addiction. The most prevalent is knowing that there is an issue. A compulsion, or a need for something that is causing pain or problems, but being unable to stop. When an addiction is present, it affects all areas of life. All while using and often for a long time after the addiction has ceased. While this is not meant to be disheartening to the user. It is a reality check that many require.

Risking Your Reputation

Addiction is no respecter of person. No matter your health, social class, or how much money you have in the bank. Addiction can affect your life and reputation. This is not an often discussed area of addiction. But one that should be included when overcoming an addiction of any type. Below are a few of the possible ways that addiction can alter your reputation.

Health

Addiction hurts you physically. This is true of substance abuse, alcohol, and several other forms of addiction. Drug and alcohol abuse can lead to risky behaviors. Such behaviors lead to diseases. Some incurable, and even overdose or death. Imagine having to explain to friends, family members, and employers that your health issues are drug related. This may get worse. Some health problems could lead to loss of employment due to days missed in relation to the addiction.

Additionally, any addiction affects your mental health. It is common for addicts to suffer from depression, anxiety, delusions, insomnia, and many more side effects. While having mental health issues no longer carries the stigma that it once did. Such issues alone could affect your reputation. All due to how you change in interacting with others.

Home

Another area in which your reputation may be damaged is at home. Drug and substance abuse are costly. This can lead to financial issues. Also inability to pay basic bills. All because the addiction is winning. Your financial future could easily be ruined by an addiction. The addiction may also make it difficult to get or keep a job. This may lead to illegal acts to support the habit. This can easily lead to jail. This will certainly negatively affect reputation very quickly as arrests are made public.

Furthermore, the reputation you once held with family and friends can be negatively impacted by addiction. This is in part due to lying about the addiction. Spending time away to take part in the addiction, and in many cases stealing to support a habit.

Seeking Help

The list of possible damages to your reputation or the reputation of those around you due to addiction is endless. If you find yourself suffering from an addiction, do yourself and your loved ones a favor and get help. Your reputation can be repaired over time. But you cannot if you do not receive help. When you are ready, give DARA or another facility a call to get the help you richly deserve. A simple phone call can save your life.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Addiction Rehabilitation Assessment.

Alcoholism Among Older Adults: What is Alcoholism

Alcoholism is a severe form of alcohol abuse. Meaning the person is unable to control drinking behaviors. If left untreated, the alcoholic can spiral out of control. This includes all areas of life are negatively affected. While drinking when of legal age is often a part of people’s lives, when drinking begins affecting things such as family, friends, finances, and personal health than it is likely a problem exists. For some this may come on slowly over time. While for others it may happen quickly.

When you think of an alcoholic you may have a certain image in your head. But the truth is anyone at any age can be an alcoholic. This article will focus on those older adults who are suffering from alcoholism.

Harsh Reality

Alcoholism among older adults has increased in past years in America. Drinking problems for those entering into their golden years are often misdiagnosed. Even overlooked simply because of age. Misdiagnosis is common because the symptoms of an alcohol addiction in older adults can mimic other issues. Such as depression with insomnia, anxiety, and mood swings.

So why do older adults who have never drank much in the past, suddenly turn to alcohol? The reasons behind alcoholism are varied. One specific cause may not ever be found, but for older adults some of the following reasons may come into play. Empty nest syndrome, when children grow up and move away, may lead to drinking for the parent. At about the same time, many people retire and stop socializing as much which can lead to drinking from boredom.

As adults age, deteriorating health and traumatic events can be triggers. Such as losing a loved one or friends due to health and moves can lead to drinking excessively. Finally, simple sadness over the life changes that occur in the aging population could lead to drinking. While none of these reasons are good cause to become an alcoholic or drink in excess, they may be premeditating causes to a problem.

Risk Factors for the Elderly

Though alcoholism does not discriminate, there are some factors that can increase the risk of alcohol abuse in seniors. Things such as being a chronic drinker. This can lead to alcohol abuse as drinking behaviors increase with the addition of time after retirement. Surprisingly, gender can also play a role. Reason being older women are more likely to develop dangerous drinking habits later in life. Unfortunately, frequent drinking for women can worsen common health problems like liver disease, cardiovascular issues, and high blood pressure. For both genders, chronic health conditions that are often diagnosed in old age can increase the chances of alcohol dependence.

Signs of Alcohol Abuse in the Aging

If you suspect an aging loved one is suffering from alcohol abuse, look for the following signs: Drinking as a way to deal with depression, mixing alcohol with prescription medications, becoming agitated when sober, and exhibiting typical signs of drunkenness. Additional signs may include lying about how much they drink, hiding liquor bottles, or putting themselves in danger due to drinking. If these sound familiar then seek help for your loved one. No matter the age, addiction is worth defeating. DARA can help, pick up the phone and get the information you need today.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Addiction Rehabilitation Assessment.