When food becomes a craving that’s close to addiction, we should be able to set our minds to take a break from it.
Legal addictions are mainly related to Alcohol, Smoking, Coffee, Sugared food and Salted food.
Illegal addictions are common drugs like Cannabis, Cocaine, Eroine and MDMA.
Legal Addictions
Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to a wide range of health problems, including liver disease, heart disease, stroke, and various types of cancer. It can also weaken the immune system and impair mental and physical functioning.
The problem with Alcohol is the fact that when you drink wine, beer or whatever alcoholic drink, it’s super easy to crave it daily and get used to it.
If you are genuinely aware of the dangers and of its addiction power, you should set your mind to prevent the situation where you become addicted to it.
Some people are less prone to becoming addicted, and others are more prone to it. If you know yourself, it’s easy to understand if you need to avoid it entirely or if it’s OK to take a drink from time to time.
Smoking is considered an addiction due to the presence of nicotine in cigarettes. Nicotine is a highly addictive substance that stimulates the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward, in the brain. When nicotine is ingested through smoking, it quickly reaches the brain and increases dopamine levels, creating a sense of pleasure and relaxation.
Over time, the brain becomes accustomed to this increased level of dopamine and adjusts its functioning accordingly. This leads to a tolerance build-up, where smokers need to smoke more frequently or inhale deeply to achieve the same desired effect.
The brain also becomes dependent on nicotine, resulting in withdrawal symptoms when the smoker tries to quit.
The dangers of cigarette smoking are numerous and well-documented. Here are some key risks:
1. Health issues: Smoking is a leading cause of preventable diseases and premature death. It is linked to various health problems, including lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease, stroke, respiratory infections, and multiple types of cancers (throat, mouth, bladder, etc.). It can also worsen existing conditions such as asthma.
2. Respiratory damage: Smoking damages the lungs and airways, leading to reduced lung function, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. The harmful chemicals in cigarettes irritate and inflame the lining of the respiratory system, causing coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
3. Cardiovascular complications: Smoking significantly increases the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, including coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and strokes. The chemicals in tobacco smoke contribute to the narrowing and hardening of blood vessels, which restricts blood flow and oxygen delivery to vital organs.
4. Pregnancy complications: Pregnant women who smoke expose their unborn babies to harmful toxins. Smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage, premature birth, low birth weight, and developmental issues for the child.
5. Secondhand smoke: Not only does smoking harm the smoker, but it also endangers those around them. Secondhand smoke contains many of the same harmful chemicals as directly inhaled smoke, putting nonsmokers at risk for various health problems, including lung cancer and heart disease.
6. Addiction and dependence: Smoking is highly addictive, making it difficult for smokers to quit even when they are aware of the risks. The physical and psychological dependence on nicotine can lead to continued smoking despite adverse consequences.
It is important to note that quitting smoking can greatly reduce these risks. Seeking support from healthcare professionals, using nicotine replacement therapies, and joining support groups can all contribute to successful smoking cessation.
Vaping is a new form of nicotine ingestion and therefore not subject to the same amount of study and research. While it is considered a less harmful and cleaner way to ingest nicotine compared to cigarettes there are concerns around the levels of nicotine contained in vapes as well as the number of potentially harmful chemicals.
Coffee can be considered an addiction for several reasons:
1. Physical dependence: Regular consumption of coffee leads to the development of physical dependence on caffeine. When a person stops consuming coffee or reduces their intake, they may experience withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.
2. Tolerance: With regular coffee consumption, the body becomes tolerant to the effects of caffeine. This means that over time, people need to consume more coffee to achieve the same level of alertness or energy boost they initially experienced. This cycle of increasing consumption can lead to addiction.
3. Psychological dependence: Coffee is often associated with certain rituals or habits, such as starting the day with a cup of coffee or using it to stay focused during work. These psychological associations can create a dependency on coffee to feel a sense of normalcy or comfort, making it difficult to quit or cut back.
4. Reward mechanism: Consuming coffee triggers the release of dopamine in the brain, which produces feelings of pleasure and reward. This reinforces the behavior of drinking coffee, making it more likely for individuals to continue consuming it and potentially leading to addiction.
5. Negative consequences: Despite its popularity and widespread consumption, excessive coffee consumption can have negative health effects such as increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, digestive issues, insomnia, and restlessness. Despite these potential risks, individuals addicted to coffee may continue to consume it despite the negative consequences.
It is important to note that not everyone who drinks coffee will become addicted, as individual susceptibility varies.
Coffee
Sugared food can be considered an addiction due to several reasons:
1. Sugar activates the brain’s reward system: Consuming sugar stimulates the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. This activation of the brain’s reward system can lead to cravings and an increased desire for sugary foods.
2. Tolerance and withdrawal symptoms: Over time, repeated consumption of sugary foods can lead to a tolerance effect, where more sugar is needed to achieve the same pleasurable response. Additionally, sudden reduction or elimination of sugar intake can result in withdrawal symptoms such as cravings, irritability, mood swings, and fatigue.
3. Neurological changes: Studies have shown that excessive sugar consumption can cause changes in brain chemistry and function. These changes can lead to a dysregulation of the brain’s reward system, making individuals more susceptible to developing an addiction-like response to sugar.
4. Behavioral patterns: People may develop certain behavioral patterns around sugary foods, such as using them as a coping mechanism for stress or emotional issues. This reliance on sugar to regulate emotions or provide comfort resembles addictive behaviors.
5. Similarities with drug addiction: Research has found that sugar can activate similar brain regions and pathways as drugs of abuse. In animal studies, sugar has been shown to produce addictive-like behaviors and cravings comparable to those seen in drug addiction.
It is important to note that while sugar can exhibit addictive qualities, not everyone who consumes sugary foods will develop an addiction. The susceptibility to sugar addiction can vary between individuals based on factors like genetics, environment, and personal habits.
Sugared food
Salted food can be considered an addiction too. Just like any other addictive substance or behavior, consuming salted food can create a strong craving and a compulsive desire to continue eating it.
Excessive consumption of salty foods can lead to health issues such as high blood pressure and cardiovascular problems, further reinforcing the addictive nature of this behavior. The susceptibility to salt addiction can vary between individuals based on factors like genetics, environment, and personal habits.
Salted food
Illegal Addictions
Cannabis addiction, also known as cannabis use disorder or marijuana addiction, is a condition characterized by the compulsive and problematic use of cannabis. Despite popular belief that cannabis is not addictive, research has shown that some individuals can develop a dependence on it.
Regular cannabis use can lead to tolerance, where larger doses become necessary to achieve the desired effects. When an individual tries to quit or reduce their cannabis use, they may experience withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, insomnia, loss of appetite, anxiety, and cravings. These symptoms can make it difficult for someone to quit or cut back on their cannabis consumption.
Natural cannabis refers to the plant itself, also known as marijuana or weed, which contains a variety of chemical compounds called cannabinoids. The two primary cannabinoids found in cannabis are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is responsible for the psychoactive effects or “high” that people associate with cannabis, while CBD has non-intoxicating properties and is linked to potential therapeutic benefits.
Chemical cannabis, on the other hand, typically refers to synthetic cannabinoids or designer drugs. These are laboratory-produced compounds that mimic the effects of natural cannabinoids but are manufactured with slight chemical variations to avoid legal regulations. Synthetic cannabinoids are often sprayed onto plant material and marketed as herbal incense or “fake weed.” Examples of synthetic cannabinoids include Spice and K2.
The key difference between natural and chemical cannabis lies in their composition and effects. Natural cannabis contains a complex mixture of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system. Chemical cannabis, being synthetic, is designed to mimic certain effects of natural cannabinoids but may have unpredictable and potentially dangerous consequences.
While natural cannabis has been used for medicinal and recreational purposes for centuries, chemical cannabis carries higher risks due to its unknown potency, potential toxic effects, and limited understanding of long-term health consequences.
Additionally, synthetic cannabinoids are more likely to cause severe adverse reactions, including hallucinations, paranoia, seizures, and even death, compared to natural cannabis.
It is crucial to exercise caution when consuming any form of cannabis and to obtain it from legal and regulated sources to ensure quality, safety, and reliability.
Cannabis
Cocaine addiction is a serious and dangerous condition that can have severe consequences for both physical and mental health. Here are some of the dangers associated with cocaine addiction:
1. Health risks: Cocaine abuse can have detrimental effects on various organ systems in the body. It can lead to heart problems, including irregular heart rhythms, heart attacks, and even sudden cardiac death. Cocaine use can also lead to respiratory issues, brain damage, seizures, and strokes.
2. Psychological effects: Cocaine addiction can cause numerous psychological issues such as anxiety, depression, paranoia, hallucinations, mood swings, and aggression. Prolonged use can also lead to cognitive impairments, memory loss, and difficulty with decision-making.
3. Social and relationship problems: Addiction to cocaine often damages personal relationships, leading to conflicts, isolation, and strained interactions with friends, family, and loved ones. The need to obtain and use drugs can overshadow other aspects of life, resulting in neglect of responsibilities at work or school.
4. Financial struggles: Cocaine addiction can be an expensive habit to maintain, leading individuals to spend significant amounts of money to acquire the drug. This can result in financial instability, debt, and potential involvement in illegal activities to support the addiction.
When it comes to how cocaine is cut, illicit drug dealers often adulterate or “cut” the drug to increase their profits by diluting it with cheaper substances.
Commonly used cutting agents include:
1. Local anesthetics: Substances like lidocaine or benzocaine may be added as they produce a numbing effect similar to cocaine, giving users the impression of higher purity.
2. Stimulants: Mixing cocaine with other stimulant drugs like amphetamines or caffeine can enhance the overall stimulant effect, potentially leading to a more intense high.
3. Inert substances: Dealers may mix cocaine with inert substances like powdered sugars, talc, or baking soda to bulk up the product without adding any significant psychoactive effects.
4. Harmful additives: Some cutting agents can be hazardous to health. For instance, levamisole, a veterinary deworming agent, has been found in cocaine samples and can cause severe adverse reactions including infections, blood disorders, and damage to the immune system.
It is important to note that the exact composition of adulterants may vary depending on different geographical regions and individual drug dealers. These added substances can further increase the risks associated with cocaine use and contribute to various health complications.
Cocaine
Heroin addiction is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. The dangers associated with heroin addiction include:
1. Overdose: The risk of overdose is high with heroin use. It can depress the central nervous system, leading to respiratory depression, which can be fatal.
2. Infectious diseases: Sharing needles or other injection equipment increases the risk of acquiring blood-borne infections such as HIV and hepatitis B and C.
3. Physical health issues: Long-term heroin use can cause various health problems like collapsed veins, heart infections, liver or kidney disease, and lung complications.
4. Mental health disorders: Chronic heroin use is often linked to mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and personality disorders.
5. Social and legal consequences: Addiction to heroin can lead to strained relationships, loss of employment, financial difficulties, and involvement in criminal activities.
Some of the substances used to dilute heroin include:
1. Inert powders: Dealers may mix heroin with substances like talcum powder, sugar, or starch to stretch the quantity and increase profits.
2. Other drugs: Heroin can be mixed with other drugs like fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, which significantly increases the risk of overdose.
3. Harmful additives: Heroin can also be cut with dangerous substances such as laundry detergent, rat poison, or baking soda, which can have detrimental effects on the body.
The practice of cutting heroin presents additional risks to users since they are unaware of the exact purity or composition of the drug they are consuming. This lack of consistency and knowledge increases the chances of experiencing adverse effects or overdosing.
Heroin
MDMA, also known as ecstasy or molly, is a psychoactive drug that can lead to addiction and various dangers when abused. Here are some of the risks associated with MDMA addiction:
1. Physical health risks: Prolonged use of MDMA can have detrimental effects on physical health. It can cause increased heart rate, high blood pressure, dehydration, hyperthermia (elevated body temperature), muscle breakdown, and kidney failure.
2. Mental health risks: MDMA affects brain chemicals such as serotonin, which plays a crucial role in regulating mood. Continuous MDMA use can lead to imbalances in serotonin levels, resulting in depression, anxiety, memory problems, sleep issues, and even long-term cognitive impairments.
3. Dependence and addiction: While MDMA may not be as physically addictive as drugs like opioids, it can still lead to psychological dependence. Frequent use can result in cravings, difficulties in controlling use, and an inability to stop using despite negative consequences.
4. Impure substances: Illicit MDMA is often cut or adulterated with other substances to increase profits. These cutting agents can pose additional risks to users’ health. Common cutting agents include substances like caffeine, amphetamines, ketamine, cocaine, or even more dangerous drugs like synthetic cathinones (“bath salts”) or synthetic opioids.
5. Unknown dosage and purity: When purchasing MDMA from illicit sources, there is no guarantee of the drug’s potency, purity, or dosage. This uncertainty increases the risk of overdosing or experiencing adverse reactions due to unexpectedly strong doses.
6. Drug interactions: MDMA can interact negatively with other substances, including alcohol, prescription medications, or recreational drugs. Mixing MDMA with other substances can amplify the risks and potentially lead to severe health complications.
It’s important to remember that MDMA abuse and addiction can have serious consequences for both physical and mental well-being. Seeking professional help from healthcare providers or addiction specialists is crucial for individuals struggling with MDMA addiction.
One of the potential risks associated with MDMA use is neurotoxicity, which refers to damage to nerve cells in the brain. Studies have shown that MDMA can cause a loss of serotonin-producing neurons, which are important for regulating mood, sleep, appetite, and other bodily functions. This depletion of serotonin can result in long-lasting changes in mood, cognition, and behavior.
Furthermore, chronic use of MDMA has been linked to memory problems and cognitive deficits. Research suggests that regular MDMA users may experience difficulties with attention, learning, and decision-making. It’s worth noting that these impairments can persist even after individuals stop using the drug.
In addition to its impact on the brain, MDMA can also have adverse effects on the cardiovascular system. It can increase heart rate and blood pressure, which may pose a risk, particularly for those with pre-existing heart conditions. Over time, this strain on the cardiovascular system can lead to cardiovascular damage or even heart failure.
Moreover, MDMA abuse is associated with a range of psychological issues. Some individuals may experience depression, anxiety, or panic attacks as a result of MDMA use. These mental health problems can persist even after discontinuing the drug.
It’s important to note that the extent of permanent damage caused by MDMA can vary from person to person, depending on factors such as frequency and duration of use, dosage, individual susceptibility, and overall health. However, it is clear that chronic MDMA use can have significant long-term consequences on both physical and mental well-being.
To minimise the potential risks and permanent damages associated with MDMA use, it is advisable to avoid the drug altogether or use it only in moderation.
If you or someone you know is struggling with MDMA abuse, seeking help from a healthcare professional or substance abuse counselor is recommended.
MDMA
It’s useless to say that the mentioned illegal addictions are poison to your container. Salted and sugared food must also be consumed carefully.
It’s not about ethics or social matters. The main choice is between poisoning your container and fueling it first.
Because you are the creator of your universe and everything is in your mind, once you know your container is a unique piece of art, if you love life, there is only one choice: taking care of it.