About 21 million Americans suffer from an addiction of some kind. But, did you know that there are more types of addictions than most people realize; and that they all require specialized treatment?
Everyone should know a little bit about the different types of addictions. You never know when someone you love might need addiction treatment.
Keep reading, and we’ll tell you what you need to know about the different addictions that people deal with today.
Alcohol Addiction
Alcohol addiction is the most common addiction in the U.S., affecting about 15 million people ages 12 and older.
Alcohol addiction is more common in adults than children and teenagers. Long-term alcohol abuse can have deadly health consequences, most notably liver failure.
You can address alcohol addiction by going to rehab and joining a recovery support group.
Nicotine/Tobacco Addiction
Nicotine is one of the most addictive drugs on the planet, right up there with heroin. Anyone who uses nicotine has a high risk of becoming addicted, even if they are not otherwise predisposed to addiction.
Nicotine and/or tobacco use, whether via smoking cigarettes or vaping, puts you at risk of developing cancer and other lung issues.
Illicit Drug Addiction
Illicit drug addiction refers to an addiction to any illegal drug. Some of the most commonly abused illegal drugs include:
- marijuana
- cocaine
- methamphetamines
- heroin
- fentanyl
- LSD
- psilocybin-containing mushrooms
- various forms of MDMA
Illicit drugs can also include prescription drugs when they are misused recreationally.
Going to a drug rehabilitation center is essential for recovery from illicit drug addiction. You can check out this insightful article for more information on treating illicit drug abuse.
Sex Addiction
Not all addictions involve harmful substances. Sometimes, it’s possible to become addicted to compulsive behaviors.
Sex addiction is one of the few behavioral addictions that psychiatrists recognize today. When someone has a sex addiction, they will engage in self-destructive and reckless behavior in order to obtain sex.
Some people with sex addictions may also find themselves struggling with pornography addiction.
Gambling Addiction
The other major behavioral disorder that psychiatrists recognize is gambling disorder. Gambling has a lot of addictive potential due to the rush of winning a lot of money in a short period of time.
Gambling addiction most often results in grave financial consequences and damaged relationships for the person struggling with it.
Other Behavioral Addictions
Though psychiatrists may not formally recognize many behavioral addictions yet, it is possible to become addicted to virtually any behavior. Some other addictive behaviors include hoarding, binge-eating, and shopping.
Types of Addictions: Explained
As you can see, there are several types of addictions that anyone can suffer from. That might seem scary, but here’s the good news: addiction recovery is always possible.
With the best drug rehab, support from family and friends, and the necessary medical intervention, there is hope for anyone struggling with one of these addictions.
For more information about addiction and health, keep reading our blog now!
