The Different Types of Addiction

It should first be noted that not everybody that drinks or uses drugs has a problem. That being said, certain individuals do develop an addiction over time. Why this is the case is really irrelevant for our purposes here. Sometimes the signs are obvious, while in other cases the symptoms are more subtle or the person has an uncanny ability to hide their using. In either scenario, if someone has developed an addiction to drugs or alcohol certain problems have arose which have made life difficult and unmanageable for themselves and those around them. The addicted person or a care taking family member or friend may argue the points of whether or not someone is “really” an addict/alcoholic, but chances are real good that if you sought out this web site and are reading this there is a problem. Substance abuse progresses at different rates for different people. Often times people will use comparisons to other people to self determine if someone has a problem. The amount of the substance that the person uses compared to another person does not dictate whether or not that person has a drug problem. Also it should be noted that using a socially acceptable drug like alcohol or marijuana verses “hard drugs” like crack cocaine, heroin or crystal meth does not minimize the fact that the person has a problem.

Although the type, amount and duration of use of a particular drug do pose their own unique problems and does vary from addict to addict there is one common thread that unites all addicts: it’s not what or how much you use but WHY you use that is the problem. Cutting down or switching drugs does not solve the problems. Either does bargaining or empty promises to stop. The only way to stop using is to stop using. Period. It is only at this point that the healing can begin. Aside from drug and alcohol addiction there are other things a person can become dependant on. Keep in mind that the essence of all addiction is the powerlessness over their compulsive actions which over time make their lives unmanageable. The addicted person’s life eventually spins out of control. This results in the addict feeling pain, shame and self-loathing. In some cases the addicted person may stop caring altogether and feel numb about their life most of the time. Some addicts genuinely want to quit using but can’t get themselves to actually do it. Their life has become so unmanageable that they suffer loss of close relationships, difficulties at work, financial problems, legal problems and plenty of low self esteem and despair. At this point most addicts make very poor choices as much of their lives become centered on the getting, using and ways to find more drugs.

Other Addictions

Aside from drugs and alcohol there are other habits which a person can become addicted to. The progression can be slow or rapid, but when the person becomes obsessive and his or her life becomes unmanageable as a result, addiction has occurred. Below is a listing of other addictions.

Sex Addiction

Addiction to sex can involve a number of different practices and may co-occur with drugs or alcohol use. Sexual addiction is characterized by compulsive sexual activity that over time become self-destructive.

Gambling Addiction

People with gambling addictions have lost control over their gambling habits and have become compulsive to the point that their gambling has taken priority over all other things in their lives. Everyone is their lives are affected negatively by their gambling habits. A person with a gambling addiction may resort to theft, embezzling, lying and other unhealthy spending habits.

Internet Addiction

Internet addiction is an impulse control disorder which is very similar to pathological gambling. Internet addicts spend a lot of their time in seclusion and less and less time with the people in their lives. They use the internet as a way of escaping from their problems.

Eating Disorders

An eating disorder can best be characterized by a preoccupation with food. One type of eating disorder involves the consumption of food in large quantities (Bulimia Nervosa), sometimes followed by purging. Another type of eating disorder is caused by gross overeating which leads to obesity. Binge eating can occur in both cases. Eating disorders can also involve the restriction of food and a preoccupation with body image and weight (Anorexia Nervosa).

Shopping Addiction

For some people their shopping and spending habits can cause un manageability and distress in their lives. The consequences of these behaviors are similar to that of any other addiction. People who are engaged in compulsive shopping and spending spend less and less time taking care of the responsibilities in their lives, including their relationships with family and friends. In most cases their habits lead to great financial ruin.

Self Mutilation

Self-mutilation, which includes “cutting”, is a broad term for certain behaviors which result in the destruction of one’s own tissue. These behaviors can include burning, scratching or cutting of the skin. It can also include pulling out hair, breaking bones, amputation and eye enucleation. There are three observable categories: Major self-mutilation is most often associated with severe psychological disorder. Stereotypic self-mutilation is the result of a disease which causes repetitive and usually unconscious injury. Superficial self-mutilation is an intentional act that one finds psychologically valuable.

Dual Diagnosis

Describes a person with a chemical dependency which co-exists with a psychiatric illness.