‘Human life is getting ridden with addictions due to following of Western values. It is also reducing the human lifespan. Given further are excerpts from the Monthly ‘Vajradhari’ about symptoms and ill effects of addictions, for the benefit of our readers.
1. Along with oneself the family and
community also has to face the ill effects of ones addiction
Ill effects of any addiction are of two kinds.
1. Immediate and 2. Long term
Short term effects are visible immediately when the addiction starts but the long-term effects appear when the individual gets addicted fully. In fact, the body, mind, family, community and children of the addict are affected.
2. Psychological features of addicts
The mind of an addict is weak from the very beginning. Hence instead of finding a solution to a problem he has opted for the addiction. That is why after he becomes an addict the psychological features become more obvious.
A. Craving for the addicting substance
B. Unlimited use of the addicting substance
C. Remaining engrossed only in the addiction
D. Despite experiencing ill effects of the addiciting substance continuing addiction.
E. Denial that he is an addict.
All these negative emotions increase the intensity of the addiction and he no longer wishes to get out of it. This is followed by health problems.
3. Physical problems
The addiction affects organs in the physical body adversely leading to a number of diseases. It makes the body weak, reducing its immunity thus making it difficult to fight disease. Mostly diseases pertaining to the stomach, food pipe, mouth, liver and intestines occur.
4. Psychological problems
These include depression, worry, introversion, tendency to repeat an action, guilt feelings, loss of control over the brain and lack of co-ordination between the body and mind, lack of concentration, craving for the addictive substance, poor thinking capacity, loss of memory, lack of introspection, emotional hypersensitivity or insensitivity, sleep disturbances, inability to cope with stress, episodic abnormal behaviour, fear of the seen or unseen, unrealistic expectations from the self and other, incompetency, etc
5. Social problems
An addict and his family lose their position and respect in society. Lack of social contact, loneliness and isolation increase their stress further. The family of the addict becomes a victim of sympathy of the public.
6. Ill effects on the body
A. Increase in accidents
B. Symptoms of withdrawal such as tremors on reduction or stoppage of the addictive substance
C. Excessive perspiration
D. Palpitations
Due to experiencing of the above withdrawal symptoms the addict feels like consuming the addictive substance only to sustain himself.
7. Ill effects on the mind
A. The addict person distances himself from society, friends and family.
B. Loss of control over the mind leading to reactions beyond his control.
C. Loss of interest in seeking happiness from different instances.
D. Fed up of life.
E. Sleep disturbance, excessive worry, sudden outbursts of anger
F. Intense suicidal ideas
It is easier for an average individual to fight such symptoms than an addict because in the latter the overall ability of the brain to face stress is reduced.
8. Diseases affecting an addict
Weakness, diseases emerging due to vitamin deficiencies, cancers of all kinds – from the mouth to intestines, liver diseases, visual disturbances , malnutrition etc.’
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