Other addictions: Gambling
, Sex/Porn, eating disorders, poly-drug use...
(free info page)
What is an addiction?
An intense need, desire, or physical craving to continually use or abuse a substance, or act or react in a certain way - even when it is harming our spirit, mind and body. It habitually behaving in a certain manner such that it is hard to quit or to respond in a healthier fashion.
How do you know if you are addicted to something?
Most people do not believe that they are addicted until
they try to quit, control or change their behavior.
Who can get addicted?
Anyone who can eat, drink, or breathe (smoke) or consciously behave in a certain way, and has a brain can become a drug addict, alcoholic or addicted to almost anything. Drinking alcohol or using drugs is easy. Dealing with life - is what is not always easy.
Why do people get addicted?
We drink, eat, and breathe to survive. Part of living is gaining new experiences, growing as a person from being dependent on our parents to become independent adults. We grow, feel, share, think, and understand more as we mature. Part of what makes life worthwhile, is achieving success in all areas of our lives. We all experience many things in life, both good and bad. To want more of the good and less of the bad is normal. Alcohol or drugs can be used to enhance the good times or avoid dealing with the bad times. However, when we use alcohol or drugs as the main solution to life's challenges, we stop growing and start dying as a person. Learning to enjoy life, and deal with our challenges and problems without using alcohol or drugs; is how we stay nondependent and free.