Addictions

Addiction is rampant in our culture, and it is not limited to drugs and alcohol. In addition to substances, people can be addicted to behaviors such as eating, sex, gambling, shopping, the internet, or relationships. The reason people turn to compulsive behaviors is the same: to escape or distract themselves from pain. No one likes to hurt or suffer, yet pain is a part of life, just like happiness, sadness, and fear. Escape, while it may seem attractive, prevents us from growing, learning, and developing and it doesn’t solve the problems that are causing the pain. Usually, escape makes our problems worse or creates new ones.

 

Living with someone who relies on substances or compulsive behaviors as the means of coping with life’s problems can be extremely difficult. For positive change to occur, ultimately the person with the unhealthy coping tools needs to get help for himself or herself.

• Common Types of Addictions

 

Substance addictions include, but are not limited to the following: caffeine, cigarettes, alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, stimulants, prescription drugs, and steroids.

 

Behavior addictions can include: shopping, shoplifting, gambling, eating, compulsive internet use, compulsive sexual behaviors, and self-mutilation (or “cutting”).