To think of addiction as meaning only drugs and alcohol is a disservice, it is a broader subject than that alone.
There are process addictions in addition to addiction to illegal drugs or alcohol. Addictions such as gambling, shopping, and disordered eating are related to compulsive behavior. When active in addiction, negative consequences can happen to self and others. Questions arise. Addiction, what is it? When does it start and how? A pattern of behavior can become an addiction when you cross the line?
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.
There is no single standard definition of an addict. There is no universal type. Despite a lot of effort and intensive study no one can seem to agree on the causes or cures of addiction. A real hard part of addictive behaviors and addiction to measure is the emotional impact on self and others. A lot of people believe they can gain relief from uncomfortable emotions by engaging in their addiction. It is a strange twist of fate that engaging in the behavior actually creates more negative emotions that require even 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. Things spin out of control.
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.
Get some help if any of those danger warning signs are occurring. Addiction will always progress toward the wars. If you eat addiction untreated, it will progress.
There is more information available here on addiction treatment.
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