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. This raises questions. What is the definition of addiction? Where is the starting point? A pattern of behavior can become an addiction when you cross the line?

It is hard to understand, but none the less it is a fact that while many people can engage in behavior or use drugs and alcohol with no problems, addicts simply cannot. Those who cannot stop and control their behaviors get addicted, and that is unfortunate. Addiction is possible for everyone despite ethnic, social or economic status.

There is no single standard definition of an addict. No one is ‘Typical’. Despite a lot of study researchers 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. Getting relief from uncomfortably emotions is a prime motivator for engaging in addictive behaviors. It is strange that the more one engages in addiction the worse the effects and the greater the need to soothe the negative effects.

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 has set in.
• 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 alone, the addiction will get worse.


Contributed by: Ajit Golatkar