Addiction is much larger in scope than dependence on alcohol or drugs.
Not only is their addiction to controlled substances, illegal drugs or alcohol but there are also things called process addictions. Addictions such as gambling, shopping, and disordered eating are related to compulsive behavior. Being active in addiction hurts not only yourself but everyone who comes in contact with you. Questions arise. Addiction, what is it? When does it start and how? When does a pattern of behavior cross the line into addiction?
It is a fact that some people can engage in a behavior or use alcohol and chemicals and not become addicted. Victims of addiction have lost the ability to control or stop their user behaviors. Who you are or your social standing does not matter when it comes to addiction.
There is no standard definition of an addict. No one is ‘typical’. Though addiction has been studied for years, few researchers can agree on causes or cures. The part of addiction and that is the most difficult to quantify and evaluate is the emotional part of it. A lot of people believe they can gain relief from uncomfortable emotions by taking part in their addiction. Engage in addiction creates even more negative emotions that lead to a greater need for self soothing.
While addiction manifests itself in different people in different ways, here are the most common signs and symptoms of addiction:
Symptom 1 - Unable to meet responsibilities of relationships or at home, school or work.
Symptom 2 - Compulsive preoccupation, meaning one spends a great deal of time thinking about the substance or behavior
Symptom 3 - Has tried but failed to stop using the substance or end the behavior. Loss of control becomes a reality.
Symptom 4 - Engages in the behavior or substance use knowing it is dangerous or in dangerous situations such as driving.
Symptom 5 - Because of the addiction, one stops activities or hobbies that were fun or enjoyable.
Symptom 6 - There is a need to increase the amount and frequency of the behavior or substance to achieve the desired felling or affect.
Symptom 7 - Ones life has become centered around the addiction, isolation from others occurs.
If one or more of the above symptoms are occurring, it is time to talk to someone. One thing all researchers and addiction professionals agree on is that addiction is progressive. If you do nothing, the disease will progress toward the worse.
There is more information available here on addiction treatment.