When people refer to addiction drug addiction or alcoholism is the first thing thought of, but inreality addiction is broader in scope than that.
Not only is their addiction to controlled substances, illegal drugs or alcohol but there are also things called process addictions. Addictions such as gambling, shopping, and disordered eating are related to compulsive behavior. When a person is actively using or engaging in destructive behavior they hurt themselves and others. This brings up questions. What is the definition of addiction? Where is the starting point? It is hard to discern when a pattern of behavior moves into addiction?
It is a fact that some people can engage in a behavior or use alcohol and chemicals and not become addicted. Those engaged in addiction have lost the ability to control or stop their use. Addiction is possible for everyone despite ethnic, social or economic status.
There is no single standard definition of an addict. There is no poster child. Despite a lot of study scientists cannot agree on the causes or cures for addiction. On aspect that we are sure of but is very difficult to measure is the emotional aspect of addiction. A lot of people believe they can gain relief from uncomfortable emotions by taking part 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. 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.
Talk to somebody if any of the above signs are occurring. Everyone agrees that addiction is a progressive disease. If you do nothing, the disease will progress toward the worse.
There is more information available here on addiction treatment.