Most Common Addictions

The term "addiction" may vary in context. It may refer to an obsession, compulsion, or excessive psychological dependence. In medical terminology, “addiction is defined as a chronic neurobiological disorder with psychosocial, environmental and genetic dimensions”.

In no particular order, the most common types of addiction that people deal with are the following:

1. Alcohol Addiction

Considered a legal substance for adults and readily available, alcohol intake can be excessive or prolonged and lead to an addiction. More often than not, people may get addicted to alcohol as they consider intake of it as a way a way to self-medicate. Approximately 50% of accidents and crimes may be attributed to excessive alcohol drinking. Alcohol addiction is also a major factor to getting health problems such as liver or heart diseases, brain damage and cancer.

2. Smoking

Technically speaking, the act of smoking is not making people addicted to it, but it is the nicotine contained in cigarettes that smokers struggle to fight against. Nicotine is a substance that is naturally highly-addictive, which makes it difficult for most to quit smoking. To aid in the quest to end this addiction, modern society has become less tolerant of smokers by designating non-smoking areas. There are prescribed and over-the-counter drugs that help smokers control nicotine addiction. Also, several support groups have also been formed to help smokers quit.

3. Drug Addiction

Drug addiction does not pertain only to craving and abuse of illegal narcotics but also legal drugs. Contrary to the widely accepted perception, spotting a drug addict may not be easy due to different physical or behavioral drug symptoms. A good example is cocaine abuse which may be evident in persistent nasal problems, but may not affect others in the same way. Addiction to the marijuana substance may cause addicts chronic cough or memory loss, while others suffer no apparent ill effects.

4. Gambling

Games of chance have always amused people. In hopes to win money or bag other forms of prize, people find it hard to resist a compulsive want try their luck in the casino or in other gaming spots. Some individuals, however, are literally unable to quit, even as gambling is creating problems in terms of finances, or affecting their way of life.

5. Food Addiction

Unlike the average eater, the compulsive overeater does not find eating essentially enjoyable. Characterized by an inability to control eating — in certain cases as a way to fight sadness, anxiety or depression — food addicts gain weight and compound their problems with feelings of a diminished self-esteem or a negative body image. It does not stop there; the food problem creates complications in an overeater’s well-being. Overeaters tend to reverse the bad habit, and are more likely to develop food disorders such as bulimia and anorexia.

6. Video Games

Video games are a good form of enjoyment, and immortally a favorite pastime. In the case of young and old video game addicts, however, spending at least 10 hours playing games is ordinary. Game addicts also structure their way of life around their favorite games and often neglect their responsibilities or relationships.

7. Internet Addiction

The Internet makes an excellent source of information, and a great way to do seamless transactions or communicate with others. Internet use becomes Internet addiction when an individual is unable to control the urge to use the Internet at all times and feel upset or anxious otherwise. A more common factor to Internet addiction is the social connections that are developed online through forums or chats.

8. Sex Addiction

Experts reveal that sex addiction does not have anything to do with a person’s "sex drive" or the lack of it. A person with sex addiction is likely to engage in risky sexual behavior to fill the need to satisfy their urges, and as a result, loses healthy interest in sexual activities. Sex addicts may manifest their addiction by, among others, keeping several affairs or picking up prostitutes or strangers.

9. Shopping

As all women attest, shopping is enjoyably satisfying. However, when shopping becomes a way to deal with personal problems, or to simply fill an urge to own items or spend money, issues arise. The more attached to shopping a person is, the more likely that this activity will lead to financial problems, or relationship problems with family and friends who express disapproval.

10. Work Addiction

Dedication to work is worth-keeping, but it all goes down the drain when love for work turns into an obsession. Uninformed employers or companies unknowingly encourage work addiction by rewarding those who excel in their jobs. Some workers, however, are unable to strike a work-life balance and tend to neglect the concept of enjoyment or strain their relationships. As a result, they often suffer from excess stress, low morale or substance abuse.