Other Common Types of Addiction
When most people think of addiction, they think of issues with drugs and alcohol. However, there are other types of addictions that can affect people from all walks of life. Anything- whether it's food or an activity- can cause an addiction if it provides a pleasurable feeling for the addict. Here are some addictions, both well-known and less common.
Alcohol- a person who is addicted to alcohol craves it and feels a compulsion to drink. Unlike a social drinker who can enjoy the pleasure of having a drink, but can also live without it, the alcoholic can't go without drinking for long. If they try to quit entirely, they will probably go through unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, because alcoholism changes the brain's chemistry.
Drugs- this is another common addiction. Some become addicted to street drugs, but some develop a dependency on prescription pills. Both types of drugs are both psychologically and physically addictive. As a person uses, they build a tolerance to the drug, and need ever-higher doses to get the same type of effect. Those addicted to drugs may have trouble sleeping, or may sleep more than normal, and changes in appetite or eating habits are common as well. Most drug addicts also undergo personality changes, such as becoming more irritable or hostile.
Food addiction- this isn't one that immediately comes to mind. Most become addicted to fat and sugar; consuming lots of this type of food changes the brain chemistry in the same way that drugs or alcohol does. Therefore, if an addict tries to abstain from the offending food, they suffer withdrawal symptoms. Binge eating is part of this category of addiction; the addict eats a lot within a short time and may or may not purge afterward. They feel as if they are powerless to stop binging, and these binges are frequently brought on by bouts of depression or anxiety.
Gambling- people can become addicted to games such as bingo or poker. With a gambling addiction, the high comes from winning or just having the chance to win.
Sex addiction- those who are addicted to sex are always thinking of their last encounter or planning the next. They often seek out prostitutes or engage in other risky behaviors in order to get their fix.
Internet addiction- it's very real, and more common that you would think. Playing games online, surfing the net, and checking email are good done in moderation, but if a person starts doing them so often that it interferes with their work or personal lives, there may be an addiction. If you get irritable or anxious when you can't play online games or check email or Facebook, you may be addicted.