Addictions:
What is it?
Addictions are classified as a particular substance, activity, or behavior that you do not have control over. There are so many forms of addictions ranging from religion, gambling, drugs, and behavioral issues. I am sure there are lots of others addictions as well that people struggle with on a daily basis.
What is the most common form?
Alcohol addiction is one of the most common and yet most debilitating addictions due to it being legal and widely available. Nicotine addiction is another common one statistics show that only 7% of people who try to quit on their own without assistance can stop smoking for more than a year. That is a very low number showing how addicting nicotine can be, it is also the third cause of death in Americans causing heart and lung problems. A few other common addictions are drugs such as coke and meth to prescription drugs like vicodin. Some people addicted to these would rather drug themselves to death than quit. Caffeine is another common addiction although not serious considering the other addictions it can cause sleeping or anxiety issues and is one of the easiest addictions to break.
Are there different types?
There are all kinds of addictions out there ranging from Chocolate to drugs to behavioral addictions. Above I described some of the most common addictions that are out there for people today.
What are some of the characteristics and symptoms?
Some of the symptoms of the above addictions are:
Alcohol- Neglect of other activities such as social, occupational or recreational activities, excessive use, Impaired control, persistence of use, withdrawal, tolerance such as increased amounts to feel effects of alcohol consumption.
Nicotine- Someone who has become addicted to nicotine may have cravings for cigarettes, have difficulty stopping smoking, and have nicotine withdrawal symptoms when they try to do so. Some people feel irritable when they don't have a cigarette, while others find it hard to concentrate without them.
Drugs- Feeling that you have to use the drug regularly — this can be daily or even several times a day
Failing in your attempts to stop using the drug
Making certain that you maintain a supply of the drug
Spending money on the drug, even though you can't afford it
Doing things to obtain the drug that you normally wouldn't do, such as stealing
Feeling that you need the drug to deal with your problems
Driving or doing other risky activities when you're under the influence of the drug
Focusing more and more time and energy on getting and using the drug
Caffeine- Headache, Drowsiness, Difficulty Concentrating, Flue Like Symptoms

Treatment options?