A psychologist, Awura Abena Amponsah, has defined addiction as anything that one does, uses, or takes to the point where it causes harm, yet neglects it.
According to her, alcohol, cocaine, marijuana, and weed are the most commonly abused substances in Ghana, ranking first in all of Africa.
Speaking on the subject of “Dealing with Addiction”, Awura Abena stated that substance abuse and behavioural addiction are the two main types of addiction.
Substance abuse include a wide range of addictions, such as marijuana, tramadol, shisha, and paracetamol; behavioural addictions include things like watching porn, gambling, musturbation, sex, food addiction, and so on.
“I once overcame an addiction to Coca-Cola, and some people even struggle with eating chocolate and candies, said the Psychologist”
She continued by describing how someone might develop an addiction to the point where they are helpless to stop it. “It begins in the brain.” Our behaviour and diet have an impact on how our brains develop.
When one feels stimulated, dopamine is released by the body. Because of this, obtaining anything one needs is now simple. “While someone picks up a phone to browse the internet while they’re down, dopamine is released. This is how addiction begins because the behaviour gets ingrained in your thoughts and becomes a part of who you are” she said.
According to a study, 75% of the likelihood of addiction is inherited, but environmental factors also play a significant role in addiction. One is prone to emulate what they witness in their surroundings; social neglect and abuse of minors, who are not able to identify themselves, is another issue.
“A large number of street children and some living in the slums as a result of parental neglect can cause teenage substance abuse.” She stated.
Source: Ghana/MaxTV/MaxFM/max.com.gh/BelindaQuansah
