Friday, July 26, 2024

Common Addictions That Aren’t Drugs

Cocaine Type Of Addiction

Opioid Addiction Is Treatable. Why Aren’t We Doing It? | Sharon Levy | TEDxBeaconStreet

Cocaine addiction is a type of disorder indicated by the occurrence of withdrawal symptoms upon cessation of cocaine use. A person with cocaine addiction experiences symptoms such as increased agitation, disinhibition, effusive enthusiasm, hyperactivity, muscle tics, and changes in focus and concentration.

Social pressure, mental illness, and genetics are among the reasons people use cocaine and develop an addiction. Treatment of cocaine addiction is possible many inpatient and outpatient treatment centers and programs are available.

The most common approach is through behavioral therapies and counseling, like with many other disorders on this type of addiction list.

Problems With This List

There are several problems with this list of the least addictive drugs. Firstly, it is not as comprehensive as it could be many drugs simply werent taken into account. There are many other classifications of drugs that could have been included for a more complete study.

  • Addiction measurement: Some people may disagree on the measurements of addiction used in this study. It specifically takes a composite average of: pleasure, psychological dependence, and physical dependence. Someone else may believe that the measurement needs to be more comprehensive and take into account other factors such as bioavailability.
  • Not comprehensive: The research isnt as comprehensive as it could be. It would be nice to gauge the rankings of 50 or 100 drugs instead of just 20.
  • Omissions: Not only should more drugs have been included, but there were notable omissions. It would have been nice to see where substances like caffeine ranked as a reference. Additionally more psychedelics could have been included such as Psilocybin, Peyote, DMT, etc.
  • Selective: The drugs that were selected to be on this list were based off of a single study in 2007 by David Nutt. The study is the most comprehensive in terms of measuring which drugs are most addictive based on specific, scientific criteria. The problem though is that the study and this list only contain 20 drugs that were selected by the researchers.

Symptoms Of Drug Addiction

You can become addicted to a drug via prescription or recreational use. The most commonly abused substances are opiates, benzodiazepines, cocaine and stimulants such as amphetamines and other designer drugs sold on the black market.

There are certain indicators that show youve become addicted to drugs. These may include:

  • A compulsive and obsessive need to take drugs, even though youre aware of the associated dangers
  • Onset of withdrawal symptoms when you stop using a drug that youve taken for a long period or when you drastically reduce your dosage
  • Placing priority on your drug use over everything else
  • The need to increase your dosage in order to respond to the effects of the drug

Also Check: Is Alcohol The Most Addictive Drug

Anxiety Is The Most Common Mental Health Disorder Impacting 40 Million American Adults

While anxiety is entirely treatable, less than 40 percent of people suffering receive treatment. Given how prevalent and treatable anxiety isand how commonly people with substance use disorder also struggle with anxietywere going to give you an overview of anxiety, how it intersects with addiction, and some of the most popular non-addictive anxiety medications.

Also Check: What To Do If Your Child Is Addicted To Drugs

What Is Samhsa’s National Helpline

You Arent Addicted to Sugar, But Heres Why You Might Think You Are ...

SAMHSAs National Helpline, , or TTY: is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.

Also visit the online treatment locator, or send your zip code via text message: 435748 to find help near you. Read more about the HELP4U text messaging service.

You May Like: How To Get Rid Of Sexting Addiction

Types Of Addiction: List Of Addictions

Types of addiction range from everyday drugs like alcohol and cocaine to behaviors like gambling and stealing. Some types of addiction are specified in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders while others are more controversial and have been identified by some addiction professionals.

The types of addiction seen with drug use are defined in the DSM-5, but it uses the terms substance abuse and substance dependency. Neither equates to addiction directly but rather, refers to harmful use of substances. Addiction is both psychological and behavioral. Addictions are characterized by craving, compulsion, an inability to stop using the drug and lifestyle dysfunction due to drug use. .

Behavioral addictions are those not involving a substance. This type of addiction can be an impulse control disorder as defined in the DSM-IV-TR or an addiction identified by an addiction professional. Behavioral addictions outside of the DSM-5 are controversial and many don’t feel they meet the requirement of being an official addiction.

Recognising A Food Addiction

You can identify food addiction in a loved one if they exhibit the following behaviours:

  • Consuming more food than they can physically tolerate
  • Eating even when they are no longer hungry
  • Gorging excess amounts of food in secret
  • Taking desperate measures to obtain certain foods
  • Eating uncontrollably, to the point where they become ill

Don’t Miss: What Is The Best Non Addictive Medication For Anxiety

What Is A Non

Most people associate addiction with tobacco, drugs, and alcohol. A non-substance addiction includes things such as gambling, risky sex, food, the internet, mobile devices, and shopping. These are sometimes called behavioral addictions. When a person engages in these behaviors in excess and cant stop, it becomes an addiction. All addictions can interfere with your work and personal life. It can even place you in unsafe situations. Non-substance addictions can result in physical, emotional, and financial harm. Some can lead to other disorders and substance addictions. This includes depression, alcohol, drugs, and suicide.

What Is A Behavioral Addiction

Great Leaders Do What Drug Addicts Do | Michael Brody-Waite | TEDxNashville

Although even experts disagree about whether behavioral addictions are “real” addictions, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition explicitly included behaviors in the addictions category. But gambling disorder is the only officially recognized behavioral addiction.

Outside the world of professional psychiatry and psychology, the media has embraced the concepts of behavioral addictions, such as sex addiction and shopping addiction, and has also categorized other behaviors such as self-injury and self-harm and excessive plastic surgery as “addiction.”

Behavioral addictions follow the same pattern as substance-based addictions, and they result in problems in many areas of a person’s life.

Behavioral addictions have similar effects to substance addictions on relationships, which are often neglected in favor of the addictive behavior, undermining trust and putting pressure on partners and other family members to cover up and make up for difficulties arising from the addiction.

Even if you can’t find a service specializing in behavioral addiction, a psychiatrist or psychologist will still be able to help you change your problematic behaviors, improve your relationships, and cope without the addiction.

Also Check: Ted Talks Recovery From Addiction

How Addictive Can Xanax Be

If you are using Xanax over a very long period of time, it can become highly addictive. Like other benzodiazepines, Xanax carries a high risk of becoming addicted to it as long-term use lessens its effect on you. Once you build up a tolerance to the drug, your body will need more of it to achieve the same level of calmness.

Xanax is one of the most prescribed psychiatric medications in the United States, making it easily accessible. It can be easily prescribed to those who have panic disorders, and if it ends up in the wrong hands, it could be misused. People will go to great lengths to achieve the same feeling that Xanax brings.

How To Understand Which Addiction Type You Have

In order to understand which type of addiction you have, it is necessary to focus on your behavior and the compulsions you may have. In the same way, there are 3 types of love addiction there are different forms of substance or behavioral addictions. Many people dont assume they have a problem, so its difficult for them to determine whether there could be a presence of some addiction. In order to determine which addiction type you have, its necessary to:

  • Take some time to think about your behavior or potential cravings
  • Determine whether you compulsively use a certain substance
  • Think about what happens when you stop using some substance or engaging in certain actions, do withdrawal symptoms occur and cravings intensify
  • Get informed about different types of addictions
  • Consult your healthcare provider
  • Reach out to addiction treatment centers and schedule an appointment with professionals who can help you understand whether you have some form of addiction or not

Do addiction symptoms change based on addiction type?

Addiction symptoms do change based on the addiction type. An important thing to mention is that addiction can manifest itself differently in each individual. Signs of addiction are generally based on the substance or behavior to which a person is addicted. For example, physical addiction doesnt exhibit the same symptoms as a behavioral addiction.

Which addiction type is more dangerous for financial wellbeing?

Don’t Miss: What Is An Addictive Personality

Addiction Vs Substance Abuse

The term addiction often brings drug and alcohol abuse to mind, but substance abuse and addiction arent the same. A person can abuse a substance or engage in harmful behavior without developing an addiction.

In addition, not all addictions involve drugs or alcohol. People can also be addicted to behaviors or activities, such as gambling, shopping, sex, or playing video games.

Substance abuse can certainly lead to addiction, which is why preventing substance abuse is important. You may not be aware that youre at high risk for addiction until after youve started abusing drugs or alcohol.

How Do Habits Become An Addiction

Top 10 Most Common Addictions in the U.S.

A habit is something we are accustomed to doing. Maybe you have a glass of wine or a beer after a particularly stressful day at work. That is a common habit for many people. But what if that habit becomes a daily activity? What if a drink is the only answer you have to cope with stress? You are likely crossing the line from habit to addiction. It is best to acknowledge and seek help for this issue as soon as possible to avoid forming an addiction thatll become difficult to break.

Any substance or activity that becomes a compulsion something you cant stop doing even if you try is likely considered an addiction.

Read Also: How Many People In The Us Are Addicted To Drugs

The Role Of Medication In Anxiety Treatment

When youre overwhelmed by heart-pounding panic, paralyzed by fear, or exhausted from yet another sleepless night spent worrying, youll do just about anything to get relief. And theres no question that when anxiety is disabling, medication may help. But are drugs always the best answer?

Many different types of medications are used in the treatment of anxiety disorders, including traditional anti-anxiety drugs such as benzodiazepines and newer options like SSRI antidepressants . These drugs can provide temporary relief, but they also come with side effects and safety concernssome significant.

They are also not a cure. In fact, there are many questions about their long-term effectiveness. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, benzodiazepines lose their therapeutic anti-anxiety effect after 4 to 6 months of regular use. And a recent analysis reported in JAMA Psychiatry found that the effectiveness of SSRIs in treating anxiety has been overestimated, and in some cases is no better than placebo.

Whats more, it can be very difficult to get off anxiety medications without difficult withdrawals, including rebound anxiety that can be worse than your original problem.

Read Also: How Do You Convince An Addict To Get Help

Behavioral Addiction: Types And Examples

Individuals can form behavioral addictions similar to a dependence on drugs and alcohol to combat anxiety, depression, or other mental health disorders. Increases in drug and alcohol use have signaled that many people are abusing harmful chemicals however, some dont factor in non-substance addictions like food, sex, phone, video game, or gambling addiction, which often manifest as a behavioral addiction due to underlying mental health challenges. Those who become addicted to specific activities seek out feelings of comfort, happiness, and chemical releases or can form behavioral addictions to escape reality or painful emotions. Some of the most common types of behavioral addictions are:

  • Binge eating/food addiction
  • Thrill-seeking activities

Although these are the most common types of behavioral addictions, compulsive stealing , love and relationship addiction, overworking, compulsive skin and hair picking, and excessive television use and exercise are also listed as behavioral addictions.

Addiction Center is not affiliated with any insurance.

Featured Centers That Treat Behavioral Addictions

You May Like: Before And After Drug Addiction

The Truth About Addiction

Addiction is a continuum, and if its not stopped, it can take over anyones life. In the middle stages of addiction, a person may be able to present a false image to others. To outsiders, it may look like theyre successful in their profession and meeting family commitments. Thats because people who are addicted are often skilled at defense mechanisms that hide their condition. They may attribute physical signs of addiction to other causes or minimize their consumption of drugs and alcohol.

One of the most harmful beliefs for anyone whos considering treatment for addiction is that addicts cant change. With professional help and rehabilitation, anyone can beat an addiction. Medical care and addiction counseling help break the cycle of dependence. There are successful outcomes both at the first early signs of addiction and when drugs, alcohol or other physical and emotional crutches have taken over.

When Do Addictions Need To Be Treated

COCAINE. It’s a Serious Problem Drug, Too

Addiction is a complex condition caused by multiple factors. In some cases, people can recognize their addiction and break the cycle on their own. In most cases, people need help. There are trained treatment providers out there who can help you get your addiction under control so it no longer harms you.

If your addiction is negatively affecting your quality of life, you need treatment. Whether the negative consequences are physical, emotional, social, financial or any combination of those, addiction treatment can help you move forward. Treatment may be temporary, or it may be a lifelong process. If you find yourself struggling or failing to stop using a substance or participating in a particular activity, treatment is recommended.

You May Like: I’m Addicted To Food

Least Addictive Drugs List

The least addictive drugs are ones that provide the user with minimal or no pleasure, and have low ratings of psychological and physical dependence. If we wanted to get technical, we could say that something simple like Tylenol is the least addictive drug and list various antibiotics. Im sure there are plenty of prescription drugs that arent addictive at all. However, those arent the drugs people want to hear about people already know they arent habit forming.

The drugs that people want to read about are illicit drugs like heroin and controlled substances like benzodiazepines. The ratings of the least addictive drugs below do not take into account all drugs, they are simply the least addictive based on ratings of 20 illicit drugs. This isnt to say that these drugs arent addictive, but they are on the bottom half of the rankings.

Playing Video Games Type Of Addiction

Video game addiction or gaming disorder is a disorder indicated by a compulsive need to play video games even when they take a toll on a persons life. Interestingly, the WHO added gaming disorder to their medical reference book, but the American Psychiatry Association didnt include it in the addiction types list.

A person with this addiction experiences restlessness or irritability when unable to play video games. They also tend to lie to their friends or family about the amount of time they spend playing. Persons with video games addiction tend to think about video games even when doing something else.

Video games are designed to be addictive to begin with, but overexposure can influence dopamine levels and make a person keep playing to experience the pleasurable effects.

The most common treatment method for video game addiction is CBT therapy. It can be treated in inpatient and outpatient treatment centers that provide their services to persons with video game addiction too.

Recommended Reading: What Are The Effects Of Drug Addiction

People With Higher Iqs

Theres a common misconception that addiction is more likely to affect those who are less educated and who come from a poorer background, but many addicts are highly-paid and have successful careers. Many professionals, from bankers and doctors to lawyers and CEOs, have fallen victim to substance abuse and its thought that the stress, isolation and failed relationships that are so often associated with these occupations can play a significant part in this.

Some studies also believe that children who have higher IQs are more likely to use psychoactive drugs such as marijuana, heroin and cocaine in their later years. One theory for this is that smarter people can intellectualise their drug use which is different from rationalisation and denial. However, without definitive proof of causation this is a theory that remains based upon conjecture.

Treatment Options For Addiction

Meth Addiction: Signs and Symptoms

Addiction is treatable, and help is available. If youre struggling, theres hope.

Every person is different, and your treatment plan should be unique to your specific needs and challenges. Generally, though, most doctors and mental health professionals recommend one or more of the following treatment options:

  • Therapy: Many therapists specialize in treating people struggling with addiction. Professional therapy can also treat underlying mental health issues that may be related to your addiction, such as anxiety, depression, or posttraumatic stress disorder .
  • Medications: Even if you struggle with drug addictions, medication can play an important role in your treatment. Certain medications can diminish cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making it physically easier to quit. Other medications can help by causing an adverse reaction if the addictive substance is consumed.
  • Group therapy/support: It can help to talk with other people who struggle with or have already overcome addiction. Your therapist may recommend a support group like Alcoholics Anonymous in addition to your individual therapy sessions.
  • Emergency treatment: The SAMHSA National Helpline is a free, confidential 24/7 service that provides referrals to local treatment facilities and other addiction resources at 1-800-662-HELP .

Don’t Miss: Can You Get Addicted To Adhd Medication

- Advertisement -spot_img
Popular Articles
Related news