In speaking of addiction most people think of alcoholism and drug addiction, but the reality is that addiction is far broader than that.
In addition to substance use addictions such as alcoholism, prescription pill, and controlled substances, there are process addictions. Some compulsive behaviors have been viewed as an addictions such as gambling, shopping, and eating dysfunction. When a person is actively using or engaging in destructive behavior they hurt themselves and others. Some questions come up. What actually is addiction? Where is the starting point? When does a pattern of behavior cross the line into addiction?
It is hard to understand, but none the less it is a fact that while the majority of people can engage in behavior or use drugs and alcohol with no problems, addicts simply cannot. Those who cannot stop and control their behaviors get addicted, and that is unfortunate. Who you are or your social standing does not matter when it comes to addiction.
All addicts are not alike. There is no ‘one type’. Despite a lot of effort and intensive study no one can seem to agree on the causes or cures of addiction. On aspect that we are sure of but is very difficult to measure is the emotional aspect of addiction. A lot of people believe they can gain relief from uncomfortable emotions by engaging in their addiction. Engage in addiction creates even more negative emotions that lead to a greater need for self soothing.
While addiction manifests itself in different people in different ways, here are the most common signs and symptoms of addiction:
Symptom 1 - Unable to meet responsibilities of relationships or at home, school or work.
Symptom 2 - Compulsive preoccupation, meaning one spends a great deal of time thinking about the substance or behavior
Symptom 3 - Has tried but failed to stop using the substance or end the behavior. Loss of control occurs.
Symptom 4 - Engages in the behavior or substance use knowing it is dangerous or in dangerous situations such as driving.
Symptom 5 - Because of the addiction, one stops activities or hobbies that were fun or enjoyable.
Symptom 6 - There is a need to increase the amount and frequency of the behavior or substance to achieve the desired felling or affect.
Symptom 7 - Ones life has become centered around the addiction, isolation from others occurs.
The time has come to talk to someone if any of the above signs and symptoms are prone in your life. Everyone agrees that addiction is a progressive disease. If you do nothing, the disease will progress toward the worse.
There is more information available here on addiction treatment.