There are three types of addiction: substance, drug, and behavioral. You can be dependent on a substance such as alcohol or drugs, but also on medications such as pain relievers or anti-anxiety medications. Behavioral addictions, like gambling or sex, involve the compulsive performance of a specific behavior. More information about these three types of addiction can be found below.
Substance Addiction
Addiction to a substance is usually maintained through continuous use and has a direct effect on the reward center in the brain. For example, you may be addicted to:
- Amphetamine, cocaine, and XTC are examples of stimulants.
- Alcohol, heroin, and opium are examples of narcotics.
- Means that appear to be harmless, such as nitrous oxide, marihuana, or snus.
- LSD and magic mushrooms are examples of mind-altering or mind-expanding drugs.
Drug Addiction
Addiction to prescription drugs is a type of addiction that often goes unnoticed. Because it is a legal substance, it is often a good place to start. Although anti-anxiety and sleep aids are addictive, they are prescribed because they can alleviate the symptoms of a problem.
However, anti-anxiety and sleep aids do not solve the problem, and as you use them more and for longer periods of time, you develop a dependence on them. This is frequently the case with benzodiazepines like diazepam, oxazepam, and lorazepam, as well as opiate-based pain relievers. In the United States, the latter drugs have even caused a public epidemic. Repeat prescriptions are silently collected for years until the doctor intervenes or the patient is no longer satisfied with his dose and seeks alternative means of maintaining the addiction.
Behavioral Addiction
Behavioral addiction can severely disrupt your life and have serious physical, mental, and financial consequences. Food addiction, for example, can lead to obesity and other health issues. A buying addiction or a bitcoin addiction can be disastrous to your financial situation. Other types of behavioral addictions include:
- Gambling dependency
- Video Game addiction
- Sex addiction
- Work addiction
Behavioral addictions can also be treated. If you suspect that you or someone close to you is suffering from a behavioral addiction, please contact us.
Physical and Mental Addiction
A distinction is also made between physical and mental addictions. A physical addiction develops when the body becomes accustomed to and adapts to a substance that is used. There is a tolerance for a substance, and more and more are needed to achieve the same effect. If its use is discontinued, symptoms such as fever, insomnia, and vomiting will develop. These are withdrawal signs or symptoms.
In a spiritual addiction, a person may have such a strong desire for a substance that all of their thoughts revolve around using and obtaining it. Mental addiction can disrupt the chemical balance within the brain, resulting in physical effects. This is also true for behavioral addictions, where certain actions cause the release of dopamine.
Help with addiction
Do you want to overcome your addiction? Or do you know someone who requires assistance? Always seek the assistance of a professional. Detoxification without assistance can be hazardous. Furthermore, professional assistance at the Detox Center of San Diego increases the likelihood of a long recovery.
