When most people think about the different types of addiction, they usually imagine substance abuse disorders. Often, people forget about addictions to gambling, shopping, online activities, and other behavioral addictions. Other than substance abuse, individuals can also develop an addiction to these kinds of behaviors.
The Types of Addiction
Someone may develop an addiction to drugs like heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, ecstasy, or marijuana. In the United States, millions of people have an addiction to alcohol. Other than these kinds of addictions, there are also addictions involving compulsive use and behavioral activities.
Common behaviors and things like food, eating, exercise, and social media use can become addictive. Someone can also develop an addiction to gambling, cell phone usage, love, sex, pornography, video games, shopping, or relationships. Like substance addictions, these behaviors involve euphoria and cravings. Individuals lose control and are unable to stop themselves from repeating the activity.
If someone has an addiction, they may deny that they have a problem. They may gradually develop a tolerance over time. Before long, they are using more drugs or repeating the same behavior more and more to feel normal. If they stop engaging in their addiction, they may suffer from physical and psychological symptoms. This could result in the need for an addiction treatment center.
An Addiction Hijacks the Mind’s Reward System
No matter what types of addiction someone suffers from, the mechanism is essentially the same. Substance abuse and addictive behaviors work by targeting the reward system in the brain. This causes a sense of pleasure in the brain. Soon, the brain causes cravings because it wants the same pleasurable feelings to happen again.
Even though the individual realizes that their drug use or behavioral addiction causes negative consequences, they repeat the same activities. Someone has an addiction if they cannot stop their behavior despite the severe consequences it causes in their life. The individual’s brain changes, so they have a higher tolerance, worse judgment, and impaired learning abilities.
While the consequences depend on the type of addiction, many addiction disorders can cause a higher risk of infectious diseases, organ damage, and accidents. The addiction may lead to problems at home, work-related issues, and financial difficulties. While many people will realize that their habits are causing problems, they are unable to control their addiction.
Finding the Right Treatment Program
There are many common types of addiction, which people treat with different recovery programs. The right substance abuse program can help clients figure out a safe, effective option for treating their addiction. In a rehab center, clients can get peer support and develop a sober network of friends.
Depending on the treatment center, clients can find options such as:
- Adventure therapy
- Gardening
- Psychiatric, physical, mental and nutritional evaluations
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Trauma-informed care
- Eco-therapy
If you or a loved one suffer from different types of addiction, you do not have to seek treatment by yourself. At Red Oak Recovery®, you can gain a supportive environment and unique therapies you need to retake control of your life. Discover more information about our range of services by calling us today at 866.457.7590.
