BENGALURU: I am addicted to an app. I was someone who never got addicted to things but then I was introduced to a game app and I cannot think of anything else. Even at school I keep thinking about the game and when I get home I play the game till night time. My parents see me on the phone and I get regular scoldings but I cannot dismiss the game. I tried uninstalling and it made me even worse. I freaked out when there was a hitch in network and I could not download it. Please help. I even dream about it.
Addiction can be for a variety of stimuli where brain reward systems are activated. Wherever instant gratification is present, addiction is a possibility. Addiction to mobile and games are a real entity. You have all the symptoms of addiction like seeking the app that you neglect other spheres of your life; loss of control on self imposed time; withdrawal symptoms on abstinence and continued willingness to continue with the act despite its negative effects. You will have to consider a formal detoxification program with a therapist to help you deal with initial withdrawal effects. You need to be highly motivated to abstain and maintain it.
My elder brother is an alcoholic. Every night he gets home drunk. When he is not drunk he is an absolutely different person. I have tried to help my brother by talking to him about important stuff like his career. He says he understands and pretends to acknowledge what I had to say for few days then before I know it he is in the drunken state again. I want to know why is this a common among families who deal with alcoholics?
As you said this is a common feature in persons with addiction problem.
It appears your brother has ambivalent motivation to give up. Also there are several internal and external factors maintaining addictions. People with addiction issues have associated guilt and shame, which makes it difficult to acknowledge and seek help. From what you are describing your brother needs professional help. Encourage him and if possible accompany him to see a Doctor. He might need Hospital admission to address his alcohol addiction. He needs further review to assess if there are underlying medical and psychological issues, which needs treatment.
I have been addicted to the smell of correction pen since school. Every now and then, when at home, I still like to inhale, relax and listen to music. I feel elated but I know it’s wrong. Will this affect my health and am I really addicted to it? It has been five years since school and I inhale the pen once in two months or whenever I see one.
Occasional use is not addiction. But occasional/recreational use also can harm your health. The quantity you inhale also matters and can be dangerous.Inhalant abuse damages brain by killing brain cells. Frequent use of Volatile substance can also affect all parts of your body. Try exercise everyday which stimulates reward pathways in brain and might help you overcome your problem of inhalant abuse.
Dr Anitha Chandra is a Consultant Psychiatris at, Aster CMI Hospital For health queries write to health.cityexpress@gmail.com