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To think of addiction as meaning only drugs and alcohol is a disservice, it includes much more than that alone.

In addition to substance use addictions such as alcoholism, prescription pill, and controlled substances, there are process addictions. Compulsive behaviors can be addictions also for example: disordered eating patterns, gambling, and shopping. When a person is actively using or engaging in destructive behavior they hurt themselves and others. Questions arise. Addiction, what is it? Where is the starting point? Crossing the line from a behavior into addiction is a difficult point to ascertain?

It is a fact that some people can engage in a behavior or use alcohol and chemicals and not become addicted. Victims of addiction have lost the ability to control or stop their user behaviors. Who you are or your social standing does not matter when it comes to addiction.

All addicts are not alike. There is no ‘one type’. Though addiction has been studied for years, few researchers can agree on causes or cures. On aspect that we are sure of but is very difficult to measure is the emotional aspect of addiction. Often addiction is fed by the seeming relief it can bring from uncomfortable emotions. Engage in addiction creates even more negative emotions that lead to an increased need for self soothing.

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. Things spin out of control.

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.

If one or more of the above symptoms are occurring, it is time to talk to someone. Everyone agrees that addiction is a progressive disease. Left untreated, it will get worse.

There is more information available here on addiction treatment.

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