Have you heard the term “feening” used for anything recently? If you have ever been in the vicinity of the addiction recovery community or even watched a gritty drama on TV, you most likely know this term. What precisely does the word “feening” mean? Is it only a sort of colloquial language, or is there more involved here? Now that we have that out of the way, let’s explore the domain of strong cravings, the yearning for that elusive high, and a research on what it truly means to be a drug addict.
Key Takeaways
- “Feen” (or “fiend”) describes a person with an intense craving or dependency on drugs, highlighting the obsessive, uncontrollable nature of addiction.
- Using terms like “feen” can perpetuate negative stereotypes, making it harder for people struggling with addiction to seek help. Compassionate language promotes understanding and reduces stigma.
- Effective addiction treatment includes therapy, support groups, and holistic care, emphasizing that recovery is achievable with the right support and resources.
Table of Contents
What Does It Mean to be “Feening”?
Role That the Brain Plays in Drug Cravings and Drug Seeking Behavior
In addition to being the result of brain activity, cravings are also the result of both physical and psychological dependence. Dopamine is a key component in this process.
According to The Reward Foundation, substance abuse has an effect on the reward center of the brain, which is also informally referred to as the nucleus accumbens (NAcc). It is the responsibility of the reward system to encourage behaviors that lead us toward pleasure and away from pain, as well as any other behavior that requires us to exert effort and energy over time. It does not have its foundation in logic, but rather in what is pleasant in the here and now. The reward system is the reason why skipping work for a day at the beach is more appealing than the responsible choice, or why eating healthily on a consistent basis is more difficult than indulging in unhealthy foods. Repeated drug use alters the brain’s chemistry, leading to a cyclical pattern of craving and withdrawal.
The midbrain is the location where dopamine is stored. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that has an effect on learning, motivation, and pleasure. Whenever there is a sense of anticipation regarding a reward, it is released and then makes its way to the reward center. Following this, the brain will respond with a start or stop response, which will either prompt a person to take action or cause them to refrain from taking action.
Both alcohol and drugs are extremely destructive to the reward system. Initial stages of drug use are characterized by increased levels of dopamine being produced by the reward system. On the other hand, in order to achieve these levels, additional dopamine is required as the brain becomes accustomed to the substance. The concept of “chasing the first high,” which refers to the act of hoping to achieve the same level of euphoria that one experiences when using a drug for the first time, is one that is frequently discussed. In order to accomplish this, a person needs to take in a greater quantity of a drug, which results in the development of additional risk factors.
The psychological compulsion to seek drugs is driven by the brain’s altered reward system, making it difficult for individuals to resist the intense cravings associated with addiction.
The fluctuations in dopamine levels are the root cause of a craving. In situations where a person interacts with other people, visits locations, and/or performs activities that they had previously associated with substances like alcohol and drugs, the brain releases dopamine in anticipation of the possibility of receiving a reward. The release of dopamine is the component that is accountable for the phenomenon of craving. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, addiction is recognized as a chronic disease of the brain because it is a learned response, comparable to a reflex, and people can experience cravings years after they have been sober. This is the reason why addiction is considered to be a learned response.
Signs and Symptoms of Feening
The signs and symptoms of feening for drugs can vary from person to person, but common physical symptoms include:
Nausea and vomiting
Sweating
Chills
Muscle aches
Headaches
Fatigue
Psychological symptoms of feening include:
Anxiety
Depression
Irritability
Mood swings
Insomnia
Loss of interest in activities
Individuals experiencing feening may also exhibit behavioral changes, such as:
Increased secrecy and dishonesty
Manipulation of others to obtain drugs
Neglect of responsibilities and relationships
Continued use of drugs despite negative consequences
The Impact of Feening on Daily Life
Feening for drugs can have a significant impact on an individual’s daily life, affecting their relationships, work or school performance, and overall well-being. The constant craving for drugs can lead to:
Strained relationships with family and friends
Decreased productivity and performance at work or school
Financial problems due to spending on drugs
Increased risk of accidents, injuries, and illnesses
Decreased self-esteem and confidence
Understanding Drug Seeking Behavior
Drug seeking behavior is a common symptom of addiction, where individuals go to great lengths to obtain drugs, often despite negative consequences. This behavior can be driven by physical and psychological symptoms, such as withdrawal symptoms and intense cravings. Understanding drug seeking behavior is crucial in developing effective addiction treatment plans. These plans address the underlying causes of addiction and provide individuals with the tools and support needed to overcome addiction. By recognizing the signs of drug seeking behavior, healthcare providers can tailor treatment approaches to better support individuals on their path to recovery.
How long do intense cravings for drugs really last?
Throughout their entire life, a person may continue to struggle with the desire to use drugs. As a result of the fact that cravings can occur at any time, many people find it beneficial to take part in fellowship programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. These programs allow individuals to collaborate with a sponsor (or a spiritual guide) and connect with peers who share similar beliefs and can assist them in managing cravings.
Substance abuse treatment often involves support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, which provide a community and peer support for managing cravings.
The most intense and frequent cravings occur right after the beginning of abstinence from the substance in question. As the brain adjusts to life without the substance, it makes an effort to fight against the process and instead turns to things that are familiar to it. As a person continues to abstain from harmful substances and cultivates healthy coping mechanisms, the frequency of cravings decreases. On the other hand, it is essential to seek support from outside sources, such as meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous, outpatient treatment, therapy, or other options. Recognizing that cravings are a natural and expected part of the recovery process is also very important.
Due to the fact that cravings are highly individual experiences that are best understood on a case-by-case basis, it is difficult to determine how long cravings last in the moment. It has been said that cravings have a duration of approximately ten to fifteen minutes, after which they begin to diminish; however, this duration varies from person to person. In spite of this, cravings are only meant to be temporary.
The Consequences of Giving in to Feening
Giving in to feening can have severe consequences, including:
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Increased risk of overdose and death
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Worsening of physical and mental health problems
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Strained relationships and social isolation
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Financial problems and legal issues
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Decreased self-esteem and confidence
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Increased risk of relapse and continued addiction
It is essential to seek professional help and support to overcome addiction and manage feening for drugs. Comprehensive addiction treatment programs, including pharmacological approaches, behavioral therapies, and support systems, can help individuals overcome addiction and achieve long-term recovery. By addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction, these programs provide a holistic approach to recovery, ensuring that individuals have the best chance of maintaining sobriety and improving their overall quality of life.
How to Handle Your Cravings for Drugs and Overcome Addiction
Participating in constructive activities and establishing a support network are the two most effective and risk-free ways to deal with the phenomenon of drug cravings. It is essential to cultivate psychological tools and to have people you can contact in the event that cravings do, in fact, occur. When it comes to successfully managing cravings and recovering in general, support is absolutely essential.
Managing cravings is crucial to prevent repeated drug use and relapse, which can be challenging without proper support and coping mechanisms.
Managing cravings for drugs can be accomplished in a number of ways, including the following:
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The process of identifying and learning to control triggers
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Distracting yourself by doing things like reading a book, playing a video game, or going for a run;
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Leaving a situation that is triggering
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Establishing a support network consisting of family, friends, fellowship, and/or support groups; engaging in therapy; adopting a healthy lifestyle with regard to eating, sleeping, and physical activity;
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Participating in therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
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Practicing mindfulness through meditation, deep breathing, yoga, and/or spending time in nature
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“Playing the tape forward” is yet another method that is frequently advocated for individuals participating in fellowship programs. This proverb encourages individuals to reflect on their previous actions and to consider the consequences that would result from their decision to consume alcohol or drugs in the long run. When it comes to people who struggle with addiction, their outcomes are never favorable.
FAQ
Q: How to manage cravings?
Although some people could be able to manage minor cravings on their own, generally speaking, especially for severe addictions, it is advised that they see professional help. By means of tools and techniques, therapists and medical professionals can enable effective management of cravings.
Q: How long do cravings last?
Individual variances, the substance, and the length of time fogging is used determine how long it lasts. While some people may experience strong cravings for weeks, others might find them for months.
Q: Do cravings only occur with illegal drugs?
No, it is not the case; not only can it occur with legal drugs like alcohol and prescription medications, but also with behaviors like gambling for example.
To Sum Up Feening
The term “feening for drugs” is more than just a colloquial phrase; many people who suffer with addiction go through a deep experience. If we have a better knowledge of what it means to really feel, we can help those on their road to recovery and create a compassionate and healing surroundings. One must solve the fundamental reasons of the weakness if one is to have a prolonged recovery. Medical treatments, support groups, or therapy can all help one achieve this. Remember always that it is never too late to ask help and start over.
MD Mitchell Grant Cohen
Dr. Mitchell G. Cohen is a board-certified Internal Medicine specialist with over 34 years of experience in patient-centered healthcare. A graduate of Hahnemann University School of Medicine, Dr. Cohen completed his internship at the University Health Center of Pittsburgh, where he gained invaluable hands-on experience. He is also a certified addiction specialist, holding membership with the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM).
Currently based in Nashua, NH, Dr. Cohen is affiliated with Saint Joseph Hospital, where he provides comprehensive care focusing on both internal medicine and addiction treatment. His expertise includes prevention, diagnosis, and management of adult diseases, as well as specialized care for individuals facing substance use disorders.
Dr. Cohen is committed to fostering open communication, ensuring his patients are fully informed and empowered to make confident decisions about their health and treatment options.
