Self Improvement

Process addictions can occur in addition to chemical dependency. 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. What is the definition of addiction? How does it start in when? 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 problems, addicts simply cannot. Those engaged in addiction are not capable of stopping or controlling their use. Social position, economic status, race or religion does not matter when it comes to addiction.

There is not a standard addict profile. 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. 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. It is ironic 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. 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.

Get some help if any of those danger signals are occurring. Virtually all addiction professionals agree that there is a progressive element to addiction. Left untreated, it will get worse.

There is more information available here on addiction treatment.