In speaking of addiction most people think of alcoholism and drug addiction, but the reality is that addiction is far broader than that.
Process addictions can occur in addition to chemical dependency. Compulsive behaviors can be addictions also for example: disordered eating patterns, gambling, and shopping. Being active in addiction hurts not only yourself but people around you. Questions arise. Do we know what addiction is? How does it start in when? Crossing the line from a behavior into addiction is a difficult point to ascertain?
It is hard to understand, but none the less it is a fact that while many people can engage in behavior or use drugs and alcohol with no difficulties, addicts simply cannot. Those engaged in addiction are not capable of stopping or controlling their use. Social position, economic status, race or religion is irrelevant when it comes to addiction.
There is not a standard addict profile. There is no ‘one type’. Despite a lot of study researchers cannot agree on the causes or cures for addiction. On aspect that we are sure of but is very difficult to measure is the emotional aspect of addiction. Often addiction is fed by the seeming relief it can bring from uncomfortable emotions. The irony is that using generates more negative emotions that require more relief.
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 is a reality.
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 seek some help if any of the above signs and symptoms are prone in your life. Virtually all addiction professionals agree that there is a progressive element to addiction. If you do nothing, the disease will progress toward the worse.
There is more information available here on addiction treatment.
