There is a saying that states that too much of a good thing is bad for you. Although this statement did not refer specifically to consuming addictive substances, it can be directly applied. With the holiday season upon us, most people who live in Gauteng will either pack their bags and travel to the coast or stay at home and host their family. This is the time of year when most people choose to overindulge, as they have no professional responsibilities and can “take it easy” until January creeps up once again. For people who live in this province, Beethoven Recovery Centre’s Gauteng rehabilitation centre is a feasible option when you want to find a way back to sober living wellness.
Some people live under the illusion that addiction is completely genetic, while other convinced themselves that they are not addicts and can stop consuming their drug of choice whenever they want to. In other scenarios, people are completely unaware of their addiction, as they are under the impression that their consumption of a specific drug – medical or recreational – is good for them. This includes people who are on chronic medication and at danger of developing an addiction to their specific prescribed meds. Today, we talk about how easy it truly is to develop an addiction and the red flags that you should be aware of when consuming addictive substances daily.
The Simple Process of Developing an Addiction
- It Starts with Consuming an Addictive Substance: There are several legal ways to consume something that contains an addictive substance in today’s world. With a plethora of misconceptions and most people not capable of thinking for themselves, the examples are endless of how consumerism and the medical industry drive profits from making people addicted to their products. When we look at consumable products that are consumed daily by the masses and contain addictive substances, the list includes caffeinated beverages (coffee, energy drinks, and a selection of soft drinks), tobacco-based products (cigarettes and cigars), beverages and food that contain alcohol (ethanol), and prescribed medication that have an S1 or higher assigned schedule. Although it seems harmless to consume these items, they all pose the threat of the development of a a full-blown bodily dependence.
- It Continues with Conviction: If someone regularly drinks alcoholic beverages, for example, and tends to overindulge when doing so, they will always find a reason to justify their actions. The more believable that reason, the more susceptible they become to developing an addiction. This scenario applies to any and all overindulging situations. It is just the most common with alcoholics. Another example is where a person would overindulge in something that they believe is good for them. This refers to the overconsumption of prescribed medication, caffeinated beverages, and products that contain nicotine.
- It Stems from Various Misconceptions: Most people are under the impression that drugs refer to marijuana and various psychedelics, which is wrong on both accounts. The stigmatised general opinion on these substances is driven to discourage their consumption at any cost, with clear and concise research proving that these substances do not contain any addictive substance. However, people would still hang on to the idea that they are considered drugs.
- Intentional Addiction: The consumer-driven world that we live in is hard at work when it comes to creating addicts, although most people fail to realise this simple truth. With the stigmatisation process, the other side of the proverbial coin reveals that daily consumable products are intentionally laced with an addictive substance that, if consumed in moderation, might not even lead to an addiction. However, energy drinks, caffeinated coffee, and various tobacco-based products are punted and promoted to the public. This also includes prescribed medication, especially when prescribed over extended periods. All professionals will outright deny this statement. Unfortunately, they cannot deny the fact that people are developing addictions without even realising it. They will also find other reasons to blame for the development of such an addiction.
If you want to cut through the noise and find a feasible way to overcome your addiction, Beethoven Recovery Centre is your answer. Our Gauteng rehabilitation centre is perfect for the individual who realises that they are dealing with addiction and wishes to overcome it for good. Finding a way to sober living wellness is a hard road, one that we will walk with you.