In speaking of addiction most people think of alcoholism and drug addiction, but the reality is that addiction is far broader than that.
There are process addictions in in addition to addiction to illegal drugs or alcohol. Some compulsive behaviors have been viewed as an addictions such as gambling, shopping, and eating dysfunction. When a person is actively using they hurt themselves and others. Questions arise. Do we know what addiction is? When does it start and how? It is hard to discern when a pattern of behavior moves into addiction?
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 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 poster child. Though addiction has been studied for years, few researchers can agree on causes or cures. The part of addiction and that is the most difficult to quantify and evaluate is the emotional part of it. 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 becomes 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.
Talk to somebody if any of the above symptoms are occurring. One thing all researchers and addiction professionals agree on is that addiction is progressive. Left untreated, it will get worse.
There is more information available here on addiction treatment.
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