To think of addiction as meaning only drugs and alcohol is a disservice, it includes much more than that alone.

There are process addictions in in addition to addiction to illegal drugs or alcohol. Addictions such as shopping, gambling, and disordered eating are related to compulsive behavior. When a person is actively using they hurt themselves and others. Some questions come up. What is the definition of addiction? Where is the starting point? When does a pattern of behavior cross the line into addiction?

It is hard to understand, but none the less it is a fact that while many people can engage in behavior or use drugs and alcohol with no difficulties, addicts simply cannot. The unfortunate however, are not capable of controlling thier use, cannot stop and get addicted. Addiction is possible for everyone despite ethnic, social or economic status.

All addicts are not alike. There is no poster child. Despite a lot of effort and intensive study no one can seem to agree on the causes or cures of addiction. A really hard part of addiction to quantify is the emotional impact. Often addiction is fed by the seeming relief it can bring from uncomfortable emotions. The irony is that using generates more negative emotions that require more relief.

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 has set in.

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.

The time has come to talk to someone if any of the above signs and symptoms are prone in your life. Addiction will always progress toward the wars. Left untreated, it will get worse.

There is more information available here on addiction treatment.