When people hear the term “addiction,” most of them are likely to think about people who are addicted to alcohol or drugs. That may be justified because there is high alcohol and drug addiction in the US. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, in 2014, about 21.5 million Americans of 12 years and above were diagnosed with a substance use disorder.
Despite the popularity of alcohol and drug addiction, they are not the only things that people can get addicted to. There are other different versions of dependencies that can grow, which can make addicts to continuously look for that substance or behavior.
The following are some of the types of addiction other than drug and alcohol addiction.
- Gambling addiction
It is not wrong to hit the slot machines once I a while like on Saturday night, but gambling can become a big problem for several people. It can make you become wholly dependent on the activity and drain you financially. Gambling is a real problem and in fact, the American Psychiatric Association [APA] classifies it as a bonafide addiction. Research shows that gambling addictions light-up brain areas just like drug addictions. If you are struggling with gambling addiction, you can visit San Diego Rehab to get professional help.
- Sex addiction
Even though it is not formally classified as an addiction, sex addicts have been treated for their dependence on treatment facilities as those in which alcohol and drug addicts find themselves. Some of the symptoms of sex addiction include loss of control and ignoring risks and consequences just to obtain that ‘high” feeling.
- Internet addiction
Since we live in a very technological world, it is easy to get carried away with it. Even though psychiatrists and psychologists don’t generally consider internet addiction as a real addiction, but it can be a big problem for a number of people, especially if it involves loss of control and negative consequences at home and work. Internet addicts spend up to 11 hours a day on the internet. Research shows that compulsive internet use affects about 14% of internet users.
- Shopping therapy
This is also another type of addiction. Shopping once in a while is not wrong, but when it gets out of control, it becomes harmful, and it leads to an impulse control disorder. If you purchase items whenever you are sad and feel guilty after getting home, or you have clothes in your closet that still have the price tag on them, you may be having a shopping addiction. Compulsive shopping is more common in women than in men. It can lead to big problems both personally and financially. Fortunately, you can get treatment for shopping addiction. The treatment involves counseling and behavioral therapy.
- Food addiction
For many years, there has been a debate on whether food obsessions are actually food addictions or just an excuse. But binge eating disorder is an actual problem that affects approximately 3% of American adults. Some of the symptoms of binge eating disorder include eating to relieve emotions, overeating while alone, and feeling guilty afterward. Binge eating disorder is linked to depression.
