By Mark DaCosta- Almost every Guyanese knows of someone who has a problem with addiction, or has a problem himself or herself. Notably, when Guyanese think of addiction, one thinks about drug use. But consider the following fact: experts say that addiction is not only about drugs, it is also about harmful behaviours such as promiscuous sex, gambling, use of gaming machines and apps, and other dangerous or disruptive acts, including addiction to social media. When one considers the wider definitions, it becomes clear that Guyana has a big problem.
Many Guyanese know what is addiction, but cannot put that knowledge into words. There is nothing wrong with that because not even the experts agree on the words that define addiction, although there is general agreement on what it is.
Addiction is generally a neuropsychological (mind and body) disorder that results in a pervasive and intense urge or compulsion to engage in harmful behaviours that provide immediate sensory rewards – for example, consuming drugs, excessively gambling, and so on, that causes good feelings right away, despite their harmful consequences in the long term. In other words, the addicted person knows that the action is harmful, but does it anyway because the action causes an immediate good feeling, or a feeling of relief.
Psychologists divide addiction into two categories: substance addictions, and behavioral addictions.
Drug or substance addiction include alcohol, marijuana, amphetamine, cocaine, nicotine (cigarettes), opiates (such as morphine or heroin), and – notably – eating or food addiction. Alternatively, behavioral addictions may include addiction to gambling, sex, social media, video games.
At this point, some Guyanese may reasonably say that we have a drink from time to time, and many of us play the lotto, and spend time on social media – does that mean everyone is an addict?
The answer is no. Experts say that addiction occurs, generally, when the behavior begins to disrupt normal functions, and economic, and social interactions.
For example, if one is drinking so much that one cannot work or interact normally with family and friends, one may have a substance addiction.
Or, if one is spending all of one’s salary on lotto tickets, horse racing, super bets, or the pursuit of sex – and one has no money left to pay the rent – one may have a behavioral addiction.
According to FHE Health, a Florida based international healthcare and monitoring institution, addiction is a major international issue.
A report by FHE Health states the following:
As many as 35 million people throughout the world are dealing with substance abuse or addiction in some form.
Abuse of alcohol alone results in 3 million worldwide deaths annually, which is 5.3 percent of all deaths.
Globally, approximately 11 million individuals abuse drugs by injecting them.
When all illicit drug use is taken into account, around 275 million people throughout the world have used illegal drugs.
70 percent of the 0.5 million global deaths attributed to drug use are related to opioids, with 30 percent involving an overdose.
Globally, approximately 11 million individuals abuse drugs by injecting them.
When all illicit drug use is taken into account, around 275 million people aged 15–64 worldwide have used illegal drugs.
Cannabis is the most used illicit drug; around 147 million people consume cannabis.
Alcohol abuse is a contributing factor in over 200 injury and disease conditions.
Alcohol consumption is attributed to 13.5% of deaths of people aged 20–39.
Total deaths in 2017 for Alcohol and Drug Use Disorders was 351,547 deaths.
184,934 associated with Alcohol Use Disorder
166,613 associated with Drug Use Disorder
During the course of this series, Village Voice News – as a socially responsible media entity – will attempt to highlight various facets of the issue, particularly in the local context.
Guyanese who have questions about this issue, or problems with addiction may contact a Health care professional or the Guyana suicide hotline on (592) 600-7896.
