Addiction and Substance Abuse

Addiction and Substance Abuse

Addiction and substance abuse can take many different forms for people, but they all share some things in common. For addiction, it is a pattern of behavior that has a negative impact on your life. In the case of substance abuse, it is becoming dependent on a substance even though use of that substance causes serious problems in your life. No matter what a person becomes addicted to or what substance they abuse, there are some similarities that can be useful in helping you overcome your problems and live a fuller, more rich life.

Types of Addictions

Addictions come in a variety of forms, but most people suffer from one of the following types of addictions. Some may seem minor compared to others, but when you are facing any of them, it can be a troubling experience.

Shopping Addiction  

Many stereotypes of the "shopper" are perpetuated by media because it is good for business. The truth is that an addiction to shopping can really disrupt your life. From personal turmoil and problems to breaking up relationships and even marriages, shopping addiction has caused quite a few problems for people over the last hundred or so years. At the core of the problem is problems with compulsive behavior.

Television Addiction 

Many people like to "unwind" or "veg" in front of the "boob tube" after a long day of work, but some people get so drawn into the fantasy world of television that they start to have real problems in the real world because of their TV viewing habits. Excessive television watching has become a problem for many people trying to escape problems in the real world, which only causes more problems.

Pornography Addiction 

Related to sex addiction, an addiction to pornography is a constant need and desire to view pornography, with people often needing more and more to get a reaction. From financial problems to ruined relationships, the problems of pornography addiction are real. The advent of the Internet has only heightened the problem for many people because it is so much easier to access.

Gambling Addiction  

Financial problems are almost always seen in people who have a gambling addiction. The overwhelming knowledge that the next bet is "the big one," that will make it all worth it is too much for some people who fall into addictive patterns when it comes to gambling.

Sex Addiction  

Sex is a natural and healthy part of life, but for some an uncontrollable urge to have sex - sometimes with many people, even strangers - can become a problem with serious complications. In the modern world, sex addiction has become an even bigger problem, but solutions for the problem have also come a long way. For example, online therapy for sex addiction has become way for people to get help.

Computer Addiction 

An addiction to the computer can have serious consequences in your life. from financial problems to relationship problems, an addiction to the computer can be a problem. Whether it is an addiction to video games (like those addicted to FarmVille) or an addiction to other aspects of using the computer, there are many different ways computer addiction can cause trouble in your life.

Internet Addiction  

Related to computer addiction, an Internet addiction relates to surfing the web (be it YouTube, MySpace, Facebook or one of many other popular social media sites) or utilizing the Internet as a communication tool - for real live chat, webcam conversations, or even excessive use of email.

Types of Substance Abuse

These addictions are related to substances that are taken and have an effect on the chemistry of your body, causing you to become addicted.

Alcohol Addiction 

Alcohol addiction has been a problem for people for many years. Alcoholism is caused by various factors, but the road to recovery is the same for people who are serious about kicking their addiction to alcohol.

If you want to read more about alcohol addition, consider reading the following articles:

• Addiction and Rehab Statistics
• Guide to the AA and Alcohol Addiction

Amphetamine Addiction  

Habitual use of amphetamine can lead to an amphetamine addiction. This can have serious physical, social and psychological consequences. Once you are hooked on the drug, the symptoms of amphetamine withdrawal can also be difficult to face.

Caffeine Addiction 

A need for that "first coffee" or "first soda" in the morning to be able to function may be a sign that you are addicted to caffeine. This may not seem like a harmful addiction, but it can be rough on the body in ways you might not have thought about before.

Cannabis Addiction 

Smoking cannabis everyday (or even less frequently) may mean you have an addiction. An addiction to cannabis could have consequences you haven't thought through clearly. Treatment for cannabis addiction is possible.

Cocaine Addiction 

A cocaine addiction can lead to medical as well as financial problems for many people. New forms of cocaine like so called "crack cocaine" or "rock cocaine" have made the problem even worse.

Hallucinogens Addiction 

People who need to use hallucinogens frequently to escape from reality may be addicted, which can cause problems in various ways.   

Inhalant Addiction 

Huffing paint and other materials can cause serious brain damage, but because it is so inexpensive, inhaling has become a big problem for people who become addicted.   

Nicotine Addiction 

At one time advertising showed doctors recommending this or that cigarette. While laws have stopped this and have called for honesty in cigarette advertising, nicotine addiction is still a problem for quite a few people of all ages.   

Opioid Addiction 

People who are addicted to pills or other forms of opiates can cause problems for themselves as well as the people around them, making opioid addiction a serious problem.   

Phencyclidine Addiction 

More commonly known as PCP, phencyclidine addiction has caused harm to people from all walks of life and remains a problem to this day.

Sedative Addiction 

Addiction to sedatives is something that afflicts many people who think they won't have a problem with a "light" drug like a sedative, but the consequences of sedative addiction can be serious.   

Other Substance Addiction 

There are many other substances that people become addicted to over the course of their life. The good news is that even if it's not listed above, there may be a therapy solution that can help with your addiction problems.    

Treatment for Addiction and Substance Abuse

At Mentaline.com, we have trained therapists who can assist you with gaining back your life and stopping your addiction or substance abuse problem. With online therapy, getting the help you need can be a little easier, not to mention more convenient. With specialists for all types of addictions standing by, at Mentaline.com we are ready for you to succeed in your battle against addiction or substance abuse.

Definition of Addiction and Substance Abuse

Addiction and substance abuse are related, but addiction refers to any pattern of behavior that becomes habitual and results in negative effects - either physical or social - while substance abuse deals with an addiction to a substance that changes or alters the chemistry of the body.

Symptoms of / Reasons for Addiction and Substance Abuse

• Changes in behavior
• Financial problems
• Destructive, anti-social behavior
• Apathy

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