I am here to Stop Addiction Spiritually
Addiction can be either physical or behavioral, and often they go hand in hand. Though alcohol and tobacco are commonly recognized types of addiction, there are actually hundreds of types of medically and scientifically recognized addictions.
You need to know that to Stop Addiction Spiritually, you need to sense a Cravings, compulsions, inability to stop, and lifestyle dysfunction all point to the existence of some type of addiction. A person can be addicted to Stop Addiction Spiritually just as seriously as one can be addicted to substances such as alcohol or hard drugs.
The addictive behaviours that result from both types of addiction can have serious negative consequences though, from all that comes with a substance use disorder to the perils of a gambling addiction, or even compulsive shopping and sexual behaviour to an unhealthy degree.
Addiction is a complex disease. The type of addiction doesn’t really matter as much as the underlying issue causing the patient to chase that pleasurable feeling while incurring adverse consequences.
These adverse effects with the development of addiction can include financial issues, destructive behaviour, relationship issues, family conflict, and the negative feelings that come up as a result of these things.
Physical Addictions
Physical addictions are the ones that are generally better known. These are addictions to substances that are ingested or otherwise put into a person’s body. Some common physical addictions include:
- Alcohol
- Tobacco
- Opioids
- Prescription drugs
- Cocaine
- Marijuana
- Amphetamines
- Hallucinogens
- Inhalants
- PCP
Physical addictions can generally be grouped into three categories: alcohol, illicit drugs, and prescription drugs.
- Alcohol addiction is arguably among the most common. It manifests in the form of alcohol dependency, binge drinking, or regular heavy drinking. Alcohol addiction often starts with social drinking and then progresses further and further until one finds him or herself dealing with an unbreakable addiction.
- Illicit drug addiction is an addiction to illegal substances that cause short-term disruptions in the brain resulting in an altered perception of reality. Illegal drugs cause long-term changes to the brain and other organs, leading to severe addiction.
- Prescription drug addiction is using approved medications in any way that has not been prescribed by a doctor. This is becoming increasingly problematic in the United States today.
Behavioural Addictions
Behavioural addiction is classified as any time that one loses control of their actions in order to engage in behaviours that result in brief feelings of happiness. That person becomes dependent on the pleasurable feelings that come as a result of certain behaviours and begins to compulsively act on that behaviour.
Some common behavioural addictions include:
- Food Addiction
- Sex Addiction
- Internet Addiction
- Pornography Addiction
- Using computers and/or cell phones
- Video Game Addiction
- Work Addiction
- Exercise Addiction
- Spiritual obsession (not to be confused with religious devotion)
- Seeking pain
- Cutting
- Shopping Addiction
- Exercise
- Gambling Addiction
If you have an impulse control disorder, you are especially susceptible to the compulsive behaviour that could lead to a severe addiction. Similarly, mental health issues or mental disorders can exacerbate the risk for both a substance use disorder and a behavioural addiction.
Physical and behavioural addictions are often linked. Over half of those suffering from addiction to one substance are also using other substances. Additionally, those battling substance abuse disorders often suffer from behavioural addictions as well.
There are many similarities between substance addiction and behavioural addiction. Some of the similarities include the excitement or “high” resulting from use or behaviour, craving the “high”, development of tolerance leading to increased use or repeated behaviour, loss of control, and psychological and physical withdrawal symptoms
Signs of Addiction
Addiction manifests itself differently in each person, and signs of addiction vary based on what the person is addicted to. Drug addiction changes the body, specifically the brain, and can have visible physical side effects. Behavioural addiction does not exhibit the same physical symptoms that accompany drug and alcohol addiction or substance abuse. Some signs of addiction that aren’t physical include:
- Significant amount of time spent using substance or engaging in the behaviour
- Inability to quit using or engaging in the behaviour
- Inability to fulfil obligations at school, work, or home
- Relationship or social problems
- Increased tolerance
- Withdrawal symptoms upon quitting
- Previously enjoyed hobbies abandoned
Dependency is when a person needs something in order to function normally and is often accompanied by increased tolerance and symptoms of withdrawal when the drug or behaviour is no longer present. It is a gateway to addiction. A person can be dependent without being addicted if it does not cause a person to engage in compulsive or harmful behaviour. If you find yourself or a loved one becoming dependent on any substance or behaviour, it is important to seek help as soon as possible to avoid getting to the point of addiction, which is even more difficult to overcome.
Addiction, whether physical or behavioural, impacts many parts of a person’s life. Repeated use of substances or repeated behaviours results in physical brain changes, leading to impaired learning, decision-making, memory and judgment. Over time, addiction causes organ damage and increases risk of contracting a communicable disease. Addiction is known to cause depression and/or suicide and affects relationships with family and friends. Legal problems and financial woes are also common issues that result from addiction.
