The first step in seeking recovery for addiction is understanding the many different types of addiction. Whether you are struggling with a cocaine addiction, pornography addiction, or even an exercise addiction, different types of addiction can result in similar patterns of impairment.

The Basics

While different drugs have different physical effects, the symptoms of addiction are similar. No matter what substance is being abused or how frequently, an individual who cannot control their use of drugs or alcohol suffers from addiction.

Addiction can begin with the experimental use of a recreational drug in social situations, and for some people the drug use becomes more frequent. For others, particularly with opioids, alcohol, or benzodiazepine dependence, there is often a more predictable pattern of increasing tolerance and problems controlling use even though there was no intention to take drugs for a longer period than planned.

2 Types of Addiction

Though addiction was once considered to be primarily a chemical dependency, today, most experts recognize two broader types of addiction – Chemical addiction and Behavioral addiction.

Chemical addictions are those that are related to the abuse of drugs or alcohol. Alcohol is considered a drug and therefore, alcohol abuse falls under this category as well. Some chemical addictions also come from abusing prescribed or over-the-counter medications. For example, some people will take large doses of cough medicine in order to get high.

Behavioral addictions are those that are not related to chemical use but rather to an activity. The activity can be legal or illegal depending on the situation and the laws of your state. For example, gambling has been identified as a behavioral addiction and is often referred to as “compulsive gambling.”

Causes of Chemical Addiction

There are many different factors that can cause chemical addictions. Some of the most common causes of chemical addiction include:

• Family history. If you grew up in an environment where drug or alcohol abuse was prevalent, you may be more likely to abuse these substances yourself.
• Genetic factors. If members of your family have suffered from chemical addiction, it is possible that there is a genetic predisposition for this condition.
• Prescription medication. Someone who has been prescribed medication for a legitimate medical condition may become addicted to the drug and begin abusing it. In some cases, this can be due to the fact that the person has a psychological or physical dependence on the drug; in other cases, it is simply a matter of abusing prescription medications for recreational purposes.
• Environment. If someone grows up in an environment where drug or alcohol use is prevalent, they may be more likely to start using these substances themselves.

Causes of Behavioral Addiction

There are several causes of behavioral addiction, including:

• Family history. If you have a family member with a gambling addiction, you may be more likely to develop one as well. This could be due to something other than genetics, however. For example, if your parents or siblings gambled frequently as you were growing up, you may learn and accept that behavior as normal.
• Trauma and stress. Those who have experienced trauma or stressful life events may be more likely to engage in activities that provide an escape from their reality. This can include gambling and other types of substance abuse or addictive behavior.
• Personality characteristics. There are certain personality traits that can lead to addiction, such as impulsivity and risk-taking. These traits can lead one to seek out risky behaviors for excitement and pleasure.
• Mood-Altering Experience. When an individual engages in a behavioral addiction they are often motivated by a desire to avoid negative feelings or to enhance positive ones. For instance, individuals may shop because it makes them feel good and happy or they may work excessively because it distracts them from negative emotions such as anxiety and depression. The mood-altering experience is similar to the way an individual feels when they use drugs or alcohol.

Think You’re Addicted to Something?

Addiction, in the initial stage at least, can be difficult to identify and accept. But if you think you’re addicted to anything, it’s essential to seek proper intervention. Find any of the best addiction treatment centers and approach an experienced specialist.

Google “best addiction treatment centers near me” and find a good center. Connect with the specialist, be honest about your problem, and work out a tailored treatment plan.