The Five Most Common Types of Addiction and How to Recover From Them

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Addiction is one of the most severe health concerns in the United States. It is estimated that more than 20 million Americans suffer from addiction.

Addiction can be defined as a chronic, relapsing disease characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences. It is a brain disease that causes people to lose control over their ability to stop using drugs or certain activities even when they want to.

There are many types of addiction, but the five most common are alcohol, drugs, gambling, sex, and shopping. This article will discuss each in detail and how you can recover from them.

Recover

Alcohol Addiction

Alcohol addiction is part of a group of mental disorders known as substance use disorders. It is a chronic and relapsing disease characterized by compulsive alcohol seeking and use, despite harmful consequences.

An estimated 14 million adults in the United States suffer from alcohol use disorders. Alcohol addiction can lead to several problems, including financial difficulties, job loss, relationship problems, legal troubles, and health problems.

Since it is one of the most common forms of addiction, there are many treatment options for you, and they don’t even require you to go to rehab. For example, AA or Alcoholics Anonymous is a 12-step program that effectively treats alcohol addiction. Other forms of treatment include CBT and SMART Recovery.

Drug Addiction

Drug addiction is a chronic and relapsing disease characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences. It is also part of the family of substance use disorders.

It is estimated that more than 20 million Americans suffer from drug addiction. The most commonly used illegal drug in the country is Marijuana and cocaine. But drug addiction can also come in over-the-counter medications, such as painkillers and tranquilizers.

Like alcohol addiction, illegal drug addiction can lead to several problems, including financial difficulties, job loss, relationship problems, legal troubles, and health problems. In addition, they are more severe than alcohol and nicotine use disorders.

As with alcohol addiction, there are many different treatment options for drug addiction. –But most of those addicted to illegal drugs are likely given prescription medicine and undergo rehab. The most common out-of-rehab treatment is from Narcotics Anonymous, a 12-step program.

Gambling Addiction

Gambling addiction isn’t part of a substance use disorder but is classified as an impulse control disorder.

It is estimated that up to 5 million adults in the United States suffer from gambling addiction. And it’s not just limited to casinos or poker. Gambling addiction can come from online gambling, sports betting, horse racing, etc.

Unlike substance abuse disorder, gambling is more related to the activity but can lead to substance use eventually in the future. The problem related to gambling addiction is primarily financial, but marital and familial issues are also common.

CBT is the most effective form of treatment for gambling addiction.

Sex Addiction

Sex addiction is a process addiction characterized by compulsive sexual behaviors, despite harmful consequences.

It’s a rare addiction, with only a small percentage of the population affected. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t a real problem. Sex addiction can usually be traced to sexual abuse in childhood or a traumatic event in adulthood.

Treatment for sex addiction varies. However, many experts believe that sex addiction rehab is the best way to recover from it. The rehab center can help you work through the underlying issues that led to the addiction in the first place. It can also keep you away from the activity.

Shopping Addiction

Lastly, there is shopping addiction. Shopping addiction is the act of impulsive buying, even if the person has no means to pay for it. In addition, this kind of addiction can lead to kleptomania, which is the act of stealing to get what you want.

Shopping addiction is usually traced back to traumatic experiences, but it can also be a maladaptive behavior. It is yet unknown how to effectively treat it. However, many experts believe that CBT can help treat shopping addiction.

Although shopping addiction is rare, some people experience it daily. Much like gambling addiction, shopping addiction mostly leads to financial problems. But sometimes, it can lead to family troubles as well. Legal issues are also common for those who can’t control their addiction.

As you can see, there are various types of addiction. And while they may all seem different, they all have one thing in common: they can be highly harmful to your life.

Getting treated for addiction is a long and challenging process, but it is possible. With the help of a professional, you can overcome addiction and lead a healthy and happy life.