All addictions have the same basic symptoms; obsession, compulsion, loss of control, and continued use in the face of negative consequences. People can develop addictions to substances, behaviors or activities. Some of these behaviors or activities may be normal, everyday occurrences such as eating or shopping, which can make it much harder to determine if there is a problem with addiction.
The model for addiction is changing. In the past, addiction simply referred to physical and psychological dependence on an addictive substance such as alcohol or drugs. Without physical dependence, there could not be a diagnosis of addiction. Further research has revealed that psychological dependence has much more to do with the equation than originally thought. People may become physically and/or psychologically dependent on the following substances, behaviors or activities:
Alcohol
Cocaine
Heroin
Methamphetamine
Marijuana
Shopping
Exercise
Over eating
Under eating
Work
Sex
Pornography
Internet surfing
The reason that behaviors and activities can also become addictive is that they may create chemical changes in the brain that will cause craving. When someone engages in an enjoyable activity, chemicals are released in the brain which creates a feeling of euphoria. The person may then chase that feeling of euphoria, continually and repeatedly engaging in the behavior or activity searching for the high. Individuals often use certain behaviors as a way to cope with anxiety and depression as well, and they may overuse those behaviors or activities as a way to keep anxiety or depression at bay.
Looking at the list above, you may wonder how an activity such as exercise, normally considered healthful, can become addictive. If you exercise to the point of physical, emotional, or mental exhaustion or injury, experience extreme anxiety when you cannot exercise, or cannot function normally in the absence of exercise, you may be addicted to it. An activity or behavior becomes an addiction when it begins to produce negative consequences and you insist on continuing with the activity or behavior.
For more information on alcohol and drug addiction, please visit: Alcohol and Drug Rehab. For information on intervention, please visit: Intervention. For testamonials on how rehab worked for them, please visit: Testamonials.
Patrick McLemore has been a recovering alcoholic and drug addict since June 6, 2005. Patrick widely known as an expert in the field of addictions, he has not only studied the topic extensively, but has lived it. Patrick has worked with the Manor House Recovery Center for over two years. During that time he has been instrumental in the recovery and continued sobriety of numerous recovering alcoholic and drug addicts.
Signs of an Addiction
Addictions come in many forms. Its important to recognize the signs of addictions in order to seek out help before the problem becomes to large.Some different types of Addictions are:
Caffeine addiction, nicotine addiction, drug addiction, Alcohol a...
Drug Treatment Center FAQs
The primary purpose of a drug treatment center is to reduce the stigma of drug addiction through education and community outreach. The center provides excellent care and treatment for drug addicts. It gives physiological, emotional, and spiritual sup...
Do You Know An Addict?
Are you or someone you know an addict? If you are truthful in answering this question the most likely reply would be, yes. Believe it or not but most people in this world has one addiction or another the problem is that some are believed to be more u...
You Can Break Whatever Addiction You May Have!
Addictions are a worldwide phenomenon adversely affecting the lives of millions across all geographical boundaries and cultures. Addictions cause enormous personal harm to not only the addict, but to their families and friends as well. Psychologica...
Threads that Link Addictive Behavior
Many people have features of an addictive personality. They heed the call to the pleasure center, located in the frontal lobe of the brain. As many of us yield to the urges and cravings of the pleasure center, our negative beliefs and behaviors rei...
Recovery From Addictions, Part 5
In Part 1 of this series of articles, I defined substance and process addictions, and described the four major false beliefs that underlie most addictions:1. I cant handle my pain.2. I am unworthy and unlovable.3. Others are my source of love.4. I ca...
Teenage Alcohol Treatment
These days, teenagers are probing into alcoholism and drugs to find a way to cope with peer pressure, broken homes, and their inabilities to manage stress from schoolwork. Teens are hanging out with the wrong crowd, often thinking that drinking and d...
Recovery From Addictions, Part 4
In Part 1 of this series of articles, I defined substance and process addictions, and described the four major false beliefs that underlie most addictions:1. I cant handle my pain.2. I am unworthy and unlovable.3. Others are my source of love.4. I ca...
Houston Alcohol Treatment
Once you are convicted of a Houston DWI offense, you could be handed several forms of punishments. You may be ordered to go in for drug or alcohol treatment, for instance. Looking for a drug or alcohol rehab and treatment in Houston is not an easy ta...
Breakthrough Spiritual Research on the Root Cause of Addictions
Addictions are a worldwide phenomenon adversely affecting the lives of millions across all geographical boundaries and cultures. At a personal level, peoples lives are destroyed by their addictions and their loved ones also suffer the trauma from the...
