Addiction is a chronic condition that involves compulsively engaging in a specific activity despite the negative and sometimes harmful consequences. While addiction is commonly associated with alcohol or drug use, there are actually two main forms of addiction: substance use disorders and behavioral addictions.
These two forms of addiction can manifest in a wide variety of addiction types. Let's learn more about the different types and what actually counts as addiction.
Substance Use Disorders
A substance use disorder is one of the main forms of addiction. Even though this is commonly associated with alcohol, people can become addicted to many different substances or drugs, including both non-medical drugs and prescription medications. They all activate the reward center of the brain and can produce strong feelings of pleasure.
These are some of the most common substance addictions:
Adderall
Alcohol
Aerosol sprays
Barbiturates
Benzodiazepines
Caffeine
Cocaine
Codeine
Gases
Heroin
LSD
Marijuana
Methamphetamine
Nicotine
Nitrates
Oxycodone
Paint thinners
PCP
Sleeping pills
Tobacco
Behavioral Addictions
Behavioral addictions are formed in the same way that substance addictions are. The behaviors that a person can become addicted to are also capable of stimulating the reward center in the brain. We'll list some examples of these behaviors below.
Eating or Dieting
People with a food addiction struggle with an inability to stop consuming certain foods. These types of foods are often high in artificial sweeteners, carbohydrates, fat, salt, or sugars. This can lead to a loss of self-esteem, weight gain, and even other emotional and physical conditions.
A dieting addiction is another form of eating disorder. This involves being addicted to managing one's weight through the food they consume. Someone with a dieting addiction might never be satisfied with their physical appearance and will often obsess over the amount of calories they consume.
Exercising
Exercising is often recommended as a way to improve one's overall mental health and wellness. But too much of something, even something that's usually positive, can have negative effects. An exercise addiction can cause an unhealthy relationship with physical activity.
Gambling
Gambling addiction involves a person continuing to engage in risky behavior despite it causing problems in other areas of their life. This addiction can ruin a person's finances and relationships.
Internet or Video Gaming
The use of computers, gaming systems, and social media has grown over the past few years, and so have internet and gaming addictions. These addictions can cause a person to self-isolate and withdraw from real life. They may neglect important relationships or avoid responsibilities by escaping into the digital world.
Sex or Pornography
Sex addiction involves the persistent urge to think about sex, watch pornography, or have sex with yourself or another person. People with a sex addiction can have a harder time feeling fulfilled or satisfied, which can lead to issues in their relationships.
Shopping or Shoplifting
Compulsive shopping involves making purchases for items you don't actually want or need just to temporarily feel better. Acquiring new items can make people feel better in the short term. While it may be a short-term solution, it can actually cause someone to feel worse in the long run and potentially experience financial problems.
Getting Help
Addiction can be viewed as a short-term solution to a much larger problem. In every case of addiction, people use substances or behaviors as a temporary solution to the problems going on in their lives. Although the substances or behaviors may provide a temporary fix, they can cause larger issues and a cycle of negative behaviors.
If you or a loved one are struggling with a form of addiction, addiction or depression therapy can help. If you're interested, give us a call to set up an appointment.