TYPES OF ADDICTIONS: HOW WE

TREAT THEM

Addiction is the term given

to a pattern of behaviour that causes negative consequences for the
individual. Most people assume that addiction refers only to those who have
a compulsive need for a particular substance such as alcohol or drugs.
However, in reality, it is possible to become addicted to almost anything. To
be clear, this condition occurs when a person continues to do something
despite knowing that it will have an adverse impact on his or her life.
Because of the various causes and triggers, there are many different types
of addictions.
The most common are alcohol and drug addiction, but people do not just
become addicted to illegal drugs. In fact, prescription drug addiction has
been a growing problem for some time – and in all parts of the world.
Then there are those addicted to specific activities such as gambling,
shopping, or sex. And, with the growth of the internet, social media and
mobile devices, experts are warning about the increase in cases of people
addicted to gaming, online pornography, and social media. Below are a few
examples of the many types of addiction that individuals around the world
are struggling with every day.

ALCOHOL ADDICTION
Alcohol is a legal substance that is widely used by people the world over.
Nevertheless, it is also a highly addictive substance and one that can cause
a number of health problems. Those who abuse alcohol are in danger of
developing a physical and psychological dependence that will mean they
continue to drink even though doing so has harmful consequences. The
government advises that men and women should drink no more than
fourteen units of alcohol per week, having a number of alcohol-free days
during the week, as well.

DRUG ADDICTION
While some individuals can use drugs such as cannabis and cocaine
recreationally, there are others for whom drugs become an obsession. The
powerful effects of drugs such as heroin and cocaine often lead to
addiction, with those affected being unable to control their urge to take the
substance. Drug addiction often leads to the breakdown of relationships, job
losses, financial struggles, and homelessness. It can have a devastating
effect on family members and can result in a host of mental and physical
health issues.

PRESCRIPTION DRUG ADDICTION

Prescription medication is typically given to those who suffer from
conditions such as chronic pain. Nonetheless, these medications must only
be taken in the short term and should never be abused. Abuse of
prescription painkillers can lead to devastating addictions that can be very
hard to break.

GAMBLING ADDICTION
Those who are affected by a gambling addiction often become addicted to
the thrill of gambling. They may start out gambling in the hope of securing a
‘big win’, but as time goes by, they become obsessed with the thoughts of
gambling and the anticipation of winning. Gambling addiction is often
referred to as a ‘hidden’ addiction because of the fact that there are no
outward physical signs. In most cases, the loved ones of gambling addicts
do not realise the problem exists until it is very far advanced and the addict
is in serious financial trouble. Gambling addiction can lead to devastating
consequences for the entire family as many of those affected will run up
massive debts while some will even resort to crime in order to get their
hands on the money they need to continue gambling.

EATING DISORDERS
Eating disorders are also known as food addictions, and they can destroy
the lives of those affected. The most common eating disorders are anorexia
and bulimia. Eating disorders are classed as an unhealthy or abnormal
attitude towards food. Those who suffer from anorexia tend to severely
restrict the number of calories they consume, which can lead to devastating
health consequences. Bulimia sufferers will binge eat and then purge
themselves or exercise excessively to burn off the calories consumed.
Eating disorders are mental health issues and are notoriously difficult to
treat.

GAMING ADDICTION
Many teenagers spend much of their time these days living in a virtual
world. They socialise through the internet and find it difficult to interact with
people on a face-to-face basis. Online gaming becomes a problem when it
begins to affect the lives of those who take part in it. It is something that
tends to affect teenagers and can result in them becoming socially
withdrawn and isolated. It can also have a negative effect on lifestyle as
those with severe gaming addictions may neglect other responsibilities such
as personal hygiene and school work. Many gaming addicts will spend
hours at a time playing online and will forego sleep, which can result in
health problems.

PORNOGRAPHY ADDICTION
An addiction to pornography or sex may have comical undertones for a
number of people, but it is a very real problem for those affected; and one
that can destroy their lives. In fact, the spouses of those with a diagnosed
sex or pornography addiction often say it is the worst type of addiction one
could have. They feel betrayed and devastated, and it can place an
enormous strain on their relationship. Pornography addicts spend much of
their time watching porn or thinking about it. As time goes by, they feel the
need to watch more and more graphic images and material. Some
pornography addicts find it difficult to enjoy sex with a partner, and it can
have an adverse impact on many areas of their lives.

ADDICTION TREATMENT
The above are just a few of the various types of addiction that people can
be affected by. One thing they all have in common is the fact that they have
harmful consequences for those affected. Addiction is an illness that can be
treated with professional help. For substance addiction, it is generally
necessary for the person to undergo a programme of detoxification.
Recovering substance addicts will then need to abstain from this substance
in order to maintain their recovery.
However, for those who are addicted to social media, the internet or who
have an eating disorder, it is not possible to abstain from the thing to which
they are addicted. They must, therefore, learn how to manage their
addictive behaviour. Professional counsellors and therapists use a variety of
treatments to help those with addiction overcome their illnesses. These
include 12-step work, cognitive behavioural therapy, counselling, group
therapy and alternative therapies.