Personal Growth Success

Addiction is a much broader topic than dependence on alcohol or drugs.

Not only is their addiction to controlled substances, illegal drugs or alcohol but there are also things called process addictions. Some compulsive behaviors have been viewed as an addictions such as gambling, shopping, and disordered eating. When active in addiction, pain is generated to self and others. Questions occur. What actually is addiction? How does all this get started? When does a pattern of behavior cross the line into addiction?

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 difficulties, addicts simply cannot. The unfortunate however, are not capable of controlling thier use, cannot stop and get addicted. Social position, economic status, race or religion does not matter when it comes to addiction.

There is no single standard definition of an addict. There is no universal type. Although there have been many studies on addiction scientists and researchers cannot agree on you the cure or cause. A truly difficult part of addictive behaviors and addiction to measure is the emotional impact on self and others. 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 occurs.

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. Everyone agrees that addiction is a progressive disease. If you eat addiction untreated, it will progress.

There is more information available here on addiction treatment.