What Is An Addiction? The 9 Most Common Types Of Addictions

The addiction Substances or behaviors are practices commonly associated with the concept of vice, as if they were behaviors that can be controlled or abandoned at the will of the person. It is a widespread belief among the population that it has nothing to do with the reality experienced by a person with a diagnosed addictive disorder. But, in reality, we must keep in mind that addictions are more than simple vices, since they go beyond a harmful habit or frequent consumption. So, what are addictions really?, What differentiates them from vices?, and what are the most common addictions?

What is an addiction?

As defined World Health Organization (WHO), addiction is a physical and mental illness that creates a dependence or need for a substance, activity or relationship. It is a chronic, progressive and fatal disease that is characterized by a set of signs and symptoms, which involve biological, genetic, psychological and social factors.

The addictions They develop through continuous episodes of loss of control, thought distortions and absolute denial of the disease. The person, faced with his desire to stop or abandon the consumption of substances or behaviors due to the terrible personal, family and social consequences it causes, feels incapable of quitting.

To be able to speak of physical and psychological dependence, people present three or more of the following criteria in a period of 12 months:

1. Strong desire or need to use the substance or behavior (addiction)
2. Difficulties in controlling said consumption or behavior.
3. Withdrawal syndrome when stopping or reducing consumption.
4. Progressive abandonment of interests unrelated to substance consumption.
5. Persistence in the use of the substance or behavior despite clearly perceiving its harmful effects.

Furthermore, we must pay attention to the different addiction levels that exist to be able, where appropriate, to determine the best method of treatment or intervention:

1. Experimentation: The person, guided by curiosity, is encouraged to try a drug, and may subsequently continue consumption or interrupt it.
2. Use: commitment to the drug is low. It is consumed on weekends and on casual occasions. There is no work, social or family deterioration. There are no episodes of intoxication.
3. Abuse: It is used regularly almost every week and there are episodes of poisoning. The drug progressively directs life, academic, work, social and family deterioration occurs.
4. Addiction: relationships with friends and family are broken, academic and work difficulties. The search for drugs is carried out compulsively. Abstinence is difficult. There are risky behaviors such as accidents, thefts, fights, problems with the law.

Most common types of addictions

Normally, people tend to associate those people with addictions with substances such as drugs or alcohol. But, addiction is not only to a drink or a substance, but it can be a negative behavior for those who suffer from it:

1. Drug or alcohol addiction: The people with this addiction They usually experience a dependence on a specific substance, such as drugs and alcohol.
2. Gambling addiction: It is one of the behavioral addictions that has the most similarities with addiction to drugs or alcohol In fact, studies show that these types of addictions affect the same areas of our brain as drug or alcohol addictions.
3. Sex addiction: People with these types of additions They tend to lose control and have a disregard for both the risks and the consequences that this type of behavior can entail.
4. Internet addiction: Currently, we live in a very connected world. So much so that there are cases in which some people may present an ‘internet addiction’. In these cases, we must emphasize that it is generally not considered a true addiction Despite this, this can be a problem that causes people to lose control, which can lead to problems at work and at home.
5. Shopping addiction: This is another compulsive behavior due to an impulse control disorder. Research shows that people with these addictions tend to be more women than men. Furthermore, this type of behaviors They can end up generating many economic and personal problems.
6. Video game addiction: It is usually more common in men and children. This type of addiction means that the person cannot stop playing and even ends up experiencing a lack of control because of it.
7. Addiction to plastic surgery: People prone to plastic surgery can end up with one of these addictions In these cases, they are more likely to suffer from what is called body dysmorphic disorder, that is, a disorder that involves the person worrying too much about their appearance and even believing that they are ugly or deformed.
8. Food addiction: Called binge eating disorder, people with these types of additions They often eat large amounts of food to relieve their negative emotions or feelings.
9. Addiction to risky behavior: There are cases in which people are addicted to seeking extreme emotions. According to studies, there is a relationship with the chemicals that are released during these risk behaviors and addictive drugs.

Although not all addictions meet the classic definition of addiction, there are many psychological and social characteristics that end up generating a negative impact on the lives of people who suffer from it. Thus, when there is a sign that one of these addictions exists, it is important to go to a professional psychologist to receive treatment.