Addiction is one of the most complex diseases known to man. However, different scientists and researchers have been able to have a better insight into how addiction generally works.
When people hear of addiction, the first thing they likely think of is drug and alcohol addiction. While this is correct, it is important to understand that there are other types of addiction.
Also, addiction is divided into two big categories namely substance/chemical and behavioral addiction.
Substance/Chemical addiction
This is an addiction type where an individual is involved in the constant use of substances like drugs and alcohol. As they continue to use these substances, they find it difficult to stop or break free.
Then it gets to a point where they develop a strong dependence. If they stop using these substances for a short time, they experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms that force them back to their addiction.
The known types of substance addiction are drug and alcohol addiction. Other types of substance addiction are categorized as drug or alcohol addiction.
Behavioral addiction
Behavioral addiction is when an individual develops compulsive behaviors that become a habit in the long run. It even gets to the point where there are no real benefits in sight.
But the individual continues to indulge in their addiction because they are used to it. Some types of behavioral addiction are food addiction, sex addiction, shopping addiction, gambling addiction, video gaming addiction, etc.
For both substance and behavioral addiction, the reward system of the brain is always affected. Both types of addiction provide an enjoyable feeling that you would not want to end.
During such periods, dopamine and other known chemicals are produced in excess. These chemicals intensify the association between your brain and those activities that cause you pleasure.
Hence, you are likely to indulge in those habits in the nearest future. As addiction develops, the individual is unlikely to participate in other activities because they have lost interest. During this phase, the brain doesn’t produce much dopamine when natural triggers are in place.
Addicted individuals need to seek support from a trained health professional because it is often challenging to stop their addicted lifestyle all by themselves.