What Are the Common Types of Addiction?

Did you know that 16 million Americans abuse prescription medicines each year? These medicines are either prescribed or unlawfully obtained from someone else. Six percent of Americans are among these 16 million people.

Any type of addiction can impact your relationship with your friends and family and negatively impact your career.

If you or a loved one might be struggling with an addiction, learning more about the most common types is an important first step on your journey to recovery.

If you are looking for a starting point, read on for an in-depth look at the most common types of addiction.

Alcohol Addiction

Alcohol addiction is a physical and psychological dependence on alcohol. It can lead to serious physical and social problems. People with Alcohol Use Disorder will continue to drink, even when they know that it is hurting their life.

An individual may drink excessively and still maintain their job, relationships, and even their health. The negative effects of alcohol addiction will catch up with them.

Tobacco Addiction

Tobacco addiction is characterized by a strong physiological dependence on smoking cigarettes or other tobacco products. Nicotine is addictive.

The addictive behavior often starts before the individual even realizes it. Some common signs and symptoms of tobacco addiction include craving cigarettes, irritability, and increased weight gain.

Drug Addiction

Addiction occurs when an individual becomes dependent on a substance or drug that creates an induced high. This high usually carries an array of financial, emotional, and even physical consequences. It leads to pain and suffering for the addict and those around them.

These substances produce a range of short and long-term effects. Read about intensive outpatient services to learn more about how these services can provide important support and addiction treatment throughout the recovery process for those who are addicted to drugs.

Gambling Addiction

It involves compulsive wagering of any kind. This includes online gambling, sports betting, and playing the lottery.

People suffering from gambling addiction often feel a powerful urge to gamble. They find it very hard to resist. They may also experience other symptoms such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, and guilt.

Sex Addiction

Sex addiction is also a type of addiction and is characterized by an excessive or compulsive engagement in sexual behaviors. It can include obsessive thinking about sexual activities, engaging in dangerous behaviors to get sex, and feeling distressed or preoccupied with one’s sexual urges or fantasies.

Sex addiction does not only include engaging in physical acts of sex. It can also include activities such as frequenting strip clubs, pornography, and internet chat rooms.

Shopping Addiction

It refers to an excessive urge to buy items, regardless of their necessity or value. People who suffer from shopping addiction experience a lack of impulse control.

This leads to compulsive shopping and spending. Shopping addicts may spend beyond their means. This results in unsupportable debt, or they may buy items they don’t need or never use.

Work Addiction

Work addiction is a growing concern in many countries. This is due to the pressure to succeed in professional and personal spheres. It can involve missing sleep, not taking breaks, having a skewed work-life balance, and not enjoying leisure activities.

Understanding Different Types of Addiction

Addiction is a complex issue. Various types of addiction can cause serious health and financial problems. It can also cause relationships to suffer.

Seeking professional help is essential for dealing with addiction. Taking action is something you or someone you know is struggling with, there is help available.

Stay informed by checking our website often.