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Addictions

SNOMED Terms
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  • Intermittent explosive disorder

  • Personality change due to medical disorder

  • Posttraumatic stress disorder


Goals
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  • Decrease overall intensity and frequency of angry feelings, and increase ability to recognize and appropriately express angry feelings as they occur.

  • Develop an awareness of current angry behaviors, clarifying origins of and alternatives to aggressive anger.

  • Come to an awareness and acceptance of angry feelings while developing better control and more serenity.

  • Become capable of handling angry feelings in constructive ways that enhance daily functioning.

  • Demonstrate respect for others and their feelings.


Behavioral Definitions
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  • History of explosive, aggressive outbursts out of proportion with any precipitating stressors, leading to assaultive acts or destruction of property.

  • Overreactive hostility to insignificant irritants.

  • Swift and harsh judgmental statements made to or about others.

  • Body language suggesting anger, including tense muscles (e.g., clenched fist or jaw), glaring looks, or refusal to make eye contact.

  • Use of passive-aggressive patterns (e.g., social withdrawal, lack of complete or timely compliance in following directions or rules, complaining about authority figures behind their backs, uncooperative in meeting expected behavioral norms) due to anger.

  • Consistent pattern of challenging or disrespectful attitudes toward authority figures.

  • Use of abusive language meant to intimidate others.


Diagnoses
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  • Intermittent Explosive Disorder

  • Bipolar I Disorder

  • Bipolar II Disorder

  • Conduct Disorder

  • Personality Change Due to Axis III Disorder

  • Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

  • Physical Abuse of Adult (by Partner)

  • Physical Abuse of Adult (by non-Partner)

  • Borderline Personality Disorder

  • Antisocial Personality Disorder

  • Paranoid Personality Disorder

  • Narcissistic Personality Disorder

  • Personality Disorder NOS

Effects of Addictions

Here are some common effects associated with various types of addiction:
 

Physical Health: Substance addictions such as drugs and alcohol can lead to numerous physical health problems including liver disease, cardiovascular issues, respiratory problems, infectious diseases (such as HIV/AIDS or hepatitis), and neurological damage.


Mental Health: Addictions often co-occur with mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and personality disorders.

Social and Relationship: Addictions can strain relationships with family, friends, and colleagues due to behaviors associated with obtaining and using substances or engaging in addictive behaviors.

Legal and Financial: Addictions can lead to legal issues such as arrests for possession of illegal substances, driving under the influence, or engaging in criminal behavior to support the addiction.

Physical Safety and Well-being: Engaging in risky behaviors while under the influence of substances or consumed by addictive behaviors can lead to accidents, injuries, or even death.

 

Impact on Productivity and Functioning: Addictions can impair cognitive function, memory, and decision-making abilities, leading to decreased productivity at work or school.

Health Disparities: Certain populations may be disproportionately affected by addiction, leading to health disparities based on factors such as socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, gender identity, and sexual orientation.


Addressing addiction typically requires a comprehensive approach involving medical intervention, therapy, social support, and lifestyle changes. Treatment may vary depending on the type and severity of addiction but often includes a combination of counseling, medication, support groups, and lifestyle modifications aimed at promoting recovery and preventing relapse.

How does Addictions affect your life?

Here's how addiction can affect various aspects of life:

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Physical Health: Behavioral addictions, such as gambling or gaming addiction, can also lead to physical health issues due to neglect of self-care and increased stress levels.

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Mental Health: The constant cycle of craving, using, and withdrawal can also lead to heightened stress, low self-esteem, and feelings of guilt and shame.

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Relationships: Addiction can strain relationships with family, friends, and colleagues. Individuals may prioritize obtaining substances or engaging in addictive behaviors over maintaining healthy relationships.

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Social Life: They may also fear judgment or stigma from others, leading to further withdrawal and loneliness. 

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Financial Stability: Funding an addiction can lead to financial strain, as individuals may spend excessive amounts of money on substances or activities related to their addiction. 

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Legal Issues: Engaging in addictive behaviors, especially those involving illegal substances, can lead to legal problems such as arrests, fines, and incarceration.

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Occupational Functioning: Addiction can impair cognitive function, memory, and decision-making abilities, impacting one's ability to perform effectively at work or school.

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Physical Safety: Engaging in risky behaviors while under the influence of substances or consumed by addictive behaviors can jeopardize physical safety and well-being. 

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Overall, addiction can have a pervasive and detrimental impact on nearly every aspect of a person's life. It is essential for individuals struggling with addiction to seek help and support from healthcare professionals, counselors, support groups, and loved ones to address their addiction and work towards recovery.

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