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Types of Addiction

While nearly everyone has heard of one type of addiction or another, not everyone understands just what addiction is. Also, few realize just how widespread and varied addiction can be. In the United States, in 2018, over 53 million Americans used illicit drugs. A large portion of these people developed substance use disorder, the inability to regulate one’s intake of a drug. This kind of addiction is the most widely recognized physical addiction. However, there is also psychological addiction often rooted in mental health issues. Understanding the types of addiction is the first step towards getting treatment. If you or a loved one is struggling with substance use disorder, Promises Five Palms is prepared to help you heal.

Types of Addiction

Substance use disorder or addiction is a disease. When individuals abuse drugs or alcohol, they increase their risk of dependency. In the case of physical addiction, the substance alters the individual’s brain chemistry through repeated use. This causes changes in personality, affects mood and emotional response, and has deleterious medical effects on the body itself. However, addiction is highly treatable. What matters most when it comes to substance use disorder is being able to recognize the need for treatment and reaching out. Some common types of addiction include:

Almost no one can overcome a physical addiction on their own. Withdrawal symptoms can be so severe and painful that individuals would rather keep using than face them. When individuals do attempt to stop or quit using, they tend to attempt self-detox. Unfortunately, without proper supervision and support, the most common result is a failure. Individuals struggle through withdrawal symptoms like intense craving, tremors, cramping, hallucinations, and seizures only to relapse. Often, when they relapse, they don’t realize their tolerance to their drug of choice has changed. Thus, overdoses and death results.

Psychological Addiction

Psychological, sometimes called behavioral addictions, usually don’t involve a substance. Rather, as the name implies, they are rooted in a specific behavior motivated by some mental health issues. While drugs or alcohol may not be involved, individuals still exhibit symptoms similar to substance use disorder and experience similar ‘highs.’ Some examples of psychological addictions include:

  • Sex addiction
  • Gambling
  • Adrenaline addiction
  • Internet or smartphone addiction
  • Video game addiction

It’s far too easy for people to dismiss these types of addiction. However, doing so can result in serious harm not just to the individual but those around them. These behaviors share a common link. The persons engaging in the addictions cannot resist the impulse, drive, or temptation to perform them even though they are aware of their negative effects. Also, as with any disease, any addiction, if left untreated, will only worsen.

Promises Five Palms

If you or a loved one is struggling with a substance use disorder or other types of addiction, getting treatment is necessary. At Promises Five Palms, we can provide some of the best therapeutic services around to address the underlying causes of addiction. For example, we offer:

So contact us today at 1.844.675.1022 to learn more. You can begin your recovery today. Just reach out.

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