{"id":30346,"date":"2025-08-19T10:09:49","date_gmt":"2025-08-19T08:09:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/workcarewellness.co.za\/healthwise\/understanding-substance-use-and-behaviour\/"},"modified":"2025-08-19T10:15:51","modified_gmt":"2025-08-19T08:15:51","slug":"understanding-substance-use-and-behaviour","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/workcarewellness.co.za\/healthwise\/understanding-substance-use-and-behaviour\/","title":{"rendered":"Understanding substance use and behaviour"},"content":{"rendered":"
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There\u2019s an animated video about a kiwi bird that discovers a bright, yellow lump. At first, it\u2019s hesitant, but eventually it consumes the lump, immediately lights up, and floats in the air for a while. \u201cWow, that was great!\u201d the bird seems to say.<\/em><\/p>\n

The next time the bird encounters the substance, there\u2019s little hesitation. This time, however, the flight is shorter, and the bird hits the ground hard. From here, it goes looking for the yellow stuff, becoming ever more desperate to fly. Each time it consumes the substance, the flight is shorter and the landing harder. Finally, its little body ravaged, it can hardly get itself off the ground, but it keeps looking for the yellow lump. Then, it takes its final sip and dies. (You can watch the video here.<\/strong><\/a>)<\/p>\n

This illustration skilfully demonstrates the nature of substance addiction. The first time, the user feels as if it\u2019s the best thing they\u2019ve ever experienced. But thereafter, it gets more and more difficult to reach the same high, because substances such as alcohol and drugs affect the chemistry of the brain, so that perception of reality becomes skewed.<\/p>\n

Those who\u2019re addicted struggle to resist urges, even when their logical brain tells them it\u2019ll lead to harmful consequences. Other factors, such as trauma, isolation, stress and mental health conditions, can exacerbate the problem.<\/p>\n

Addiction is a very complex condition, often characterised by stigma, which can prevent individuals from seeking help. But without profession- al help, like the bird in the video, most don\u2019t make it out of addiction, no matter how badly it affects their life, and the lives of those around them.<\/p>\n

Bottom line<\/strong><\/p>\n

Support is available in the form of medical assistance, therapy and support groups. If you realise you need help, or know someone who does, speak to a doctor or a professional who specialises in addiction treatment and recovery.<\/p>\n

Warning signs include:<\/p>\n