Addictions can be classified in different ways. There are many different types of addictions, but most of them are based on the process that causes loss of control over one’s behavior. Addicts often feel uncontrollable urges and compulsions to engage in the negative behavior again and again. It is also important to note that not every behaviour qualifies as an addiction. This article will discuss some common types of addictions, which might be helpful if you are struggling with a similar issue.
Psychological Addictions
Psychological addictions are similar to substance use addictions. They are based on the same biological mechanisms that lead to dependence and addiction in substances such as drugs and alcohol. A person with a psychological addiction may feel a strong compulsion to engage in the addiction behavior against their will. They may even feel shame and guilt about their behavior. Psychological addictions can be classified into two broad categories: Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders and Dissociative Disorders.
Substance Use Disorder (SUD)
A substance use disorder, also referred to as an “illness,” is defined as “a persistent use of a substance (i.e., drugs or alcohol), leading to harm to the individual’s cognitive, emotional, or social well-being.” There are many types of SUD such as addictions to certain substances, addictions to certain behaviours such as sex, gambling, and exercise, and addictions to food and/or exercise.
Binge Eating Disorder (BED)
Binge eating is a recurrent pattern of eating that is associated with a feeling of lack of control over food intake. Most people experience mild or moderate binge eating from time to time. In some people, however, binge eating becomes a serious and persistent problem. Binge eating is not a symptom of a psychological disorder. It is a behaviour that has a biological cause that can be treated.
Compulsive Shopping Disorder (CSD)
People with compulsive shopping disorder often engage in excessive shopping, most often done by visiting retail stores. They experience strong urges to shop, feel guilt and anxiety when they don’t shop, and have difficulty stopping. People with this disorder may have other co-occurring disorders such as anxiety, depression, or antisocial personality disorder. They may also have neurological conditions such as Williams syndrome, a genetic condition that affects the brain.
Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders
Obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders are characterized by intrusive and unwanted thoughts or fears that are experienced over and over again in the person’s mind. People with a spectrum disorder may also feel a strong urge to engage in certain rituals or compulsions that have no purpose. This disorder can affect anyone, but is more common in women than men.
Other types of addictions
Some other types of addictions:
- Eating Disorders: A person with an eating disorder feels extreme distress when they do not follow a restrictive diet. An eating disorder is not a psychological disorder, but a physical problem. Treatment of the disorder usually involves following a healthy diet and/or undergoing medical treatment.
- Extinction of Urges: In some cases, a person’s urges are not actually dangerous. For example, a person who has an urge to gamble may feel an urge to try their luck, but their urge is not dangerous because they do not have a gambling problem.
- Other types of addictions: There are many other different types of addictions, such as addictions to shopping, exercise, pornography, social media, and food.
Signs and symptoms of addiction
Like any other illness, the first sign of addiction is usually that the person is not feeling well. They may be experiencing aches and pains, have low energy, loss of concentration, and be moody, irritable, and bored. Rapid weight loss or gain, expensive or risky behaviours around their addiction, and constant changes in their behaviour are also commonly observed.
Help for addiction: What you can do now to overcome impulse control behavior
There is no “cure” for addiction, but you can make significant progress towards recovery. Identify your addictions and create a plan of action that includes identifying triggers, developing coping skills, and seeking help from a professional. There are many sources of help available to you. Your family, friends, religious community, and community centre can provide support and help you identify resources in your area. The Internet has become an invaluable resource for people looking for help with addiction and recovery. There are many online forums where people can ask for assistance and share information with each other. There are also many websites that offer free advice and assistance. There are also many online groups that are designed to help people recovering from different types of addiction.
Summing up
Addictions can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, race, or socioeconomic status. They are often caused by poor judgment, behavior that is considered normal in our society, or biological dysfunctions. Addictions can be very difficult to overcome, especially when they involve substances with powerful physiological effects such as drugs, alcohol, and sex. In order to overcome an addiction, you must take control of your addictive thought processes and behaviors. This can be accomplished through the identification of your addictive patterns and the implementation of a plan of action. If you are struggling with an addiction, reach out for help. The sooner you seek assistance, the sooner you can begin the process of recovery. There are many sources of help available to you, and you can overcome addiction with the right amount of motivation and effort.
If addiction is present in your life or the life of someone you care for, don’t hesitate to ask for help. The right assistance will put you on the path to healing. Ready to get started? Call us today at 833-680-0165. Our counselors are available 24 hours a day.