Addictions
There are many types of addictions, psychological and physical, that we
as human beings are susceptible to. There are the commonly known
addictions to substances like alcohol and narcotics, as well as other
lesser known addictions, such as love addiction and sexual addiction.
Gambling, eating, shopping, sex, internet, work, and video games can all
be as addictive and as damaging as an addiction to narcotics or
alcohol.
The reasons people develop addictions to certain behaviors are numerous.
For instance, an addiction to love can be caused by a lack of nurturing
and attention when young, or a feeling of being isolated or detached
from parents and family, while an addiction to the internet can be
caused by a persons desire to not want to deal with other people or
problems in their lives.
There are four different recognized types of addiction, which all work
in the same way:
The first and most well known of all addictions is the compulsive
ingestion of substances, which include “street” and prescription drugs,
caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, and foods that are “comforting” such as
candies and pastries containing sugar and fat. Some substance addictions
like alcohol and heroin are compounded by physical cravings.
The second group of addictions are compulsive activities, like work, sex
(including porn), cleaning, overeating, shopping, internet, and
gambling.
Thirdly there are compulsive relationships as in the case of
co-addiction or co-dependence.
And the last group of addictions, compulsive mind/body “states” like
addiction to a religion or cause (zealotry), anger, and other excitements
such as thrill-seeking.
All true addictions follow a certain path, and have common traits. All
addictions serve one purpose, to temporarily distract the individual
from some unrelenting inner pain such as anger, shame, guilt, confusion,
frustration, hopelessness, and other anxieties.
Treatment for these different types of addictions is a complicated
process. Abstinence from the substance or behavior is the first step,
followed by enrollment in a drug treatment center for drug rehabilitation and recovery.
Once the addiction is purged from the mind and in the case of substance
abuse, the body, therapy and the learning of proper coping skills are
used to ensure a lasting recovery.