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Types of Addiction


When most people speak of addiction, they refer to alcohol or drug abuse. Apart from these two types of addiction there are several others as well such as:

  • Food Addictions: Binge eating and eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia fall under this category.
  • Gambling addiction
  • Computer/Online Gaming
  • Sex addiction
  • Internet addiction
  • Shopping addiction
  • Nicotine addiction
  • Prescription drugs addiction
  • Work addiction
  • People addiction (co-dependency)
Addictions are abnormally strong cravings that begin as tolerance and turn into dependence over time. Addictions never just happen. There is a progression through the different stages of addiction that a person moves through:

  • Experimental Stage: This stage of addiction generally occurs due to curiosity and peer pressure. The experimental stage of addiction can first start in the early teens where adolescents tend to try out smoking and recreational drugs. It is often done as an act of rebellion or as an attempt to act ‘grown up.’
  • Recreational Stage: During this stage, the person may use his addiction of choice to wind down or ‘relax.’ Drugs, smoking or drinking are considered a means to offer relief. The usage increases during this stage and leads to an increase in the tolerance levels of the drug or habit of choice. For example, more alcohol is now needed to get drunk or ‘high.’
  • Early Dependency Stage: This is the stage where the user becomes the abuser. Merely maintaining his addictive lifestyle involves detrimental or even criminal behavior such as stealing, lying, skipping school or work and running up debts. There is an overwhelming preoccupation about where to source the drugs or alcohol or how to include an addictive behavior into his daily routine.
  • Full Dependency Stage: This is the final and self-destructive stage of any addiction. There is a complete escape from reality and sobriety where normal life is too difficult to face. If left untreated at this stage, addictions can lead to depression, suicide, legal problems, imprisonment and a complete breakdown of all relationships.

Addictions
Signs & Symptoms of Addiction
Frequently asked questions
References
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