Addiction Behaviour and Symptoms

Addictions are most often associated with drugs, alcohol and smoking, however millions of individuals suffer from numerous other types of addictions. Some of these are related to different forms of chemical dependency such as alcohol, controlled substances and even prescription drugs. Others are related to compulsive types of behavior such as gambling, shopping, food disorders and you can even be addicted to the Internet.

An important thing to remember about any type of addiction, it’s a chemical addiction or a behavioral addiction, is that it’s not normally a matter of choice. Addicts do not usually have the willpower to merely decide to terminate abusing their ‘drug’ of choice. The frustrating thing about so many of our addictions is they strike not only the user, but also their family and friends as well.

So what exactly is an addiction? How does it begin and when does a pattern of behavior become an addiction?

Some people seem to have the ability to use a substance or engage in a behavior periodically over a period of years without becoming ‘hooked.’ Others; however are not capable of stopping and become addicted almost instantly.

Addictions affect all genders, ages, social and academic groups. There is no typical addict.

The causes have been studied for many years and it is clear that in many ways, addiction is caused by the emotion the substance or behavior created in the user. The body and mind become dependent on that feeling and seeks to

maintain it.

There are addiction risk factors that make some people more probable than others to become addicts. Studies indicate that sometimes addictions can be hereditary. The offspring of an alcoholic may not grow up to be an alcoholic, however, they may become addicted to gambling or some other type of compulsive behavior as an adult.

In addition hereditary, individuals who grow up in families with abuse, neglect and poverty are more probable to become addicts. For most addicts, it can be extremely tough to recognize that what they have associated as simply a habit is actually an addiction.

While every individual is distinct, there are some symptoms that are prevalent among most addicts and addictions:

Symptom # 1: Unable to meet responsibilities at home, school or at work.

Symptom # 2: Continues to use substances or engage in behavior even when it is dangerous.

Symptom # 3: The need increases to engage in behavior or use more of a substance to achieve the identical effect or feeling.

Symptom # 4: Has tried but failed to stop using the substance or eliminate the behavior.

Symptom # 5: Continues to engage in the behavior or use the substances even when they are apprised of the dangers.

Answering yes to three or more of the above symptoms during a 12 month period may reveal that you or a loved one has an addiction. The first step to treating an addiction is recognizing that it exists.

There is no cure for an addiction. Treatment and counseling can assist an addict to learn how to control their behavior, confront impulses and recognize the presence of a problem, but an addict is never cured. Treating an addiction can take years and requires ongoing support from friends, families and support groups.

One of the best known programs for addicts is the Alcoholics Anonymous 12 step program, however there are comparable programs for all types of addictions.

Trying to free yourself from an addiction requires a daily oath and there is always the possibility of relapsing. An addict that has been “clean” for even 20 years can succumb to temptation just as they did decades earlier.

There are several treatment programs and centers that can help with the various types of addictions that are prevalent at present. Many of them are anonymous. Support groups are also accessible to help relatives and friends who experience the effects of an addiction in a loved one. There are several sources also available by way of a website that you will discover worthwhile checking out.

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Glenn Cutforth is a writer, eBook publisher and graphic designer.

Visit his websites at: Self-Help and Wellness.com and HowToClassics.com

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