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 disordered eating. Being active in addiction not only hurts the user, but also those associated with them such as friends and family. Questions occur. Do we know what addiction is? How does it start in when? It is hard to discern when a pattern of behavior moves into addiction?
It is a mystery why some can use drugs or alcohol and not become addicted, while others cannot avoid it. Those engaged in addiction are not capable of stopping or controlling their use. 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. A truly difficult part of addiction and addictive behavior to measure is the emotional impact on self and others. A lot of people believe they can gain relief from uncomfortable emotions by taking part in their addiction. It is strange that the more one indulges in addiction the worse the negative consequences and the greater the need to soothe the negative effects.
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.
The time has come to talk to someone if any of the above signs and symptoms are prone in your life. One thing all researchers and addiction professionals agree on is that addiction is progressive. If you eat addiction untreated, it will progress.
There is more information available here on addiction treatment.