Types of addictions
There are different types of addictions. We distinguish between substance, drug and behavioral addiction. For example, you can be dependent on a substance such as alcohol or drugs, but also on medicines such as painkillers or anti-anxiety drugs. Behavioral addictions again relate to the compulsive performance of a certain behavior such as gambling. Below you will find more information about these three types of addiction.
Substance addiction
Having an substance addiction is maintained through continuous use and usually has a direct effect on the reward center in the brain. We then speak of a psychoactive substance or a drug. We also make a distinction within these means. For example, you may be addicted to:
- Stimulants such as amphetamine, cocaine en XTC.
- Narcotics such as alcohol, heroin, opium.
- Seemingly harmless means like nitrous oxide, marihuana of snus.
- Mind-altering or mind-expanding drugs, such as LSD and magic mushrooms.
Drug addiction
Having an drug addiction is a type of addiction that often goes unnoticed. You often have a good reason to start with a drug, since it is a legal substance. Although anti-anxiety and sleep aids are known to be addictive, these substances are prescribed because they can reduce the symptoms of a problem.
However, anti-anxiety and sleep aids do not solve the problem and as you use more and longer, a dependence on these drugs develops. This is often the case with benzodiazepines such as diazepam, oxazepam and lorazepam or opiate-based pain relievers. The latter drugs have even led to a public epidemic in the United States. Repeat prescriptions are silently collected for years until the doctor intervenes or the patient is no longer satisfied with his dose and looks for other ways to maintain the addiction.
Behavioral addiction
Do you want behavioral addiction can seriously disrupt your life and can have a major impact physically, mentally and financially. For example, food addiction can lead to obesity and health problems. While a buying addiction or bitcoin addiction can have a devastating effect on your financial situation. Other examples of behavioral addictions are:
- Gambling addiction
- Game addiction
- Sex addiction
- Work addiction
Behavioral addictions are also treatable. If you feel that you or someone close to you has a problematic behavioral addiction, take it contact without obligation.
Physical and mental addiction
Another distinction made is between physical and mental addictions. A physical addiction arises because the body has become accustomed to a substance that is used and has adapted to that substance. There is a tolerance for a substance and more and more is needed to achieve the same effect. If its use is stopped, symptoms such as fever, insomnia and vomiting will develop. These are withdrawal or withdrawal symptoms.
In a spiritual addiction, a person may desire a substance to such an extent that all thoughts revolve around using and obtaining it. The mental addiction can disrupt the chemical balance within the brain and therefore also have a physical influence. This is also the case, for example, with behavioral addictions where certain actions cause dopamine to be released.
Help with addiction
Do you want to get rid of your addiction? Or do you know someone who needs help? Always enlist the help of a professional. Detoxification without help can be dangerous. In addition, you increase the chance of a long recovery through professional help. Do you want to take the first step? Then you can fill in the form below.