Addiction is a condition affecting the brain’s reward center. Addiction makes it very hard to control specific behaviors even when they have negative consequences. Millions of Americans suffer from one or more addictions.
And while each type of addiction comes with different symptoms they all result in compulsive behaviors. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction it can help to understand addiction types and the related signs.
Read below to learn about 4 types of addiction – drug, alcohol, food, and exercise.
Table of Contents
Drug Addiction
Drug addiction is a condition characterized by compulsive drug use. Compulsive means that a person feels a strong desire and urge to use drugs and may feel powerless to stop. A person with a drug addiction may go through periods of not using followed by using again (relapse).
Some of the most common drugs people become addicted to include:
- Painkillers (codeine, Vicodin, oxycontin)
- Cocaine
- Heroine
- Benzodiazepines (“benzos”)
- Sedatives
Symptoms of drug addiction vary from person to person. Common symptoms include:
- Feeling a need to use the drug regularly (daily or more than once per day)
- Urges to use drugs that make it hard to think about other things
- Needing more of the drug for the same effect
If you or someone you love is experiencing these symptoms, contact a drug rehab program today.
Alcohol Addiction
Alcohol addiction is similar to drug addiction because a person feels a compulsive desire to consume alcohol. They have little to no control over their drinking behaviors.
Signs of an addiction to alcohol may include:
- Desire to limit drinking and/or unsuccessful attempts to drink less
- Strong desires/cravings for alcohol
- Spending a lot of time getting alcohol, drinking alcohol, or recovering from alcohol use
Food Addiction
A person with food addiction has trouble regulating how much they eat. They may eat until they feel ill and feel preoccupied with thoughts of food even when they’re full.
Other food addiction symptoms include:
- Going out of one’s way to get food
- Binge eating
- Eating more than one planned to eat
- Inability to stop eating even after fullness
A nutritionist, doctor, or psychologist may be able to help an individual overcome food addiction.
Exercise Addiction
While a certain level of exercise is healthy for the body, some people experience an addiction to exercise. These people feel compelled to exercise much like a person with a drug addiction feels compelled to use drugs. They crave exercise even when their body is tired or injured. Treatment for exercise addiction usually includes therapy with a psychologist.
Overcoming Addiction Types
The addiction types mentioned above can make it hard for a person to live a successful, fulfilling life. It may jeopardize relationships and the person’s overall health and well-being.
If you or someone you love is showing signs of an addiction, reach out to a medical professional for help. Recovery is possible.
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