Addictions, Do You Have Them

After taking a great deal of time to study exactly what the word "Addiction" means and how to be able to detect them in the people who are in your life we have decided to take a closer look at some of the more common known forms of them.

As depicted in our little photo here on the left side, addictions can come in a variety of shapes and sizes and have the ability to not only take control over a person life but to nearly make them debilitated.

The reasoning behind a persons addictive behavior can come from a variety of sources and issues and go as far back into their life as their childhood.  Some people are able to recognize that they have issues with various things in their life and are able to take full control over them immediately without allowing them to become so large that rather than being an element in their life it become what controls their life.  Being a recovering addict myself I can tell you that I, personally, do not feel as though a person who has an addictive behavior is born with this illness into their body.  I feel that it is something that is developed over a period of time and for a multitude of reasons.

Some people have the ability to recognize when an aspect of their life is becoming compulsive or addictive, however, what often times happens once the person recognizes the problem is that they transfer their addiction to something else thinking that it will make the previous one disappear.  Sadly enough this just is not true and anyone who has spend any time in a counseling environment will tell you the same thing.  All they have usually done is to create an escape from one to another as not to have to deal with the embedded issues that caused their addictive behavior to begin with.  We are going to take a total and comprehensive approach to some of the leading types of addictions and the personalities associated with them.

Seeing The Signs


Doctors and psychologists can sometimes tell, just from meeting a person, tell that a person has an addiction or at the very least an addictive behavior.

For example some people suffering form addictions may display some of the following symptoms

• suffer from anxiety and depression
• appear anxious
• seem awkward, angry, arrogant or impatient
• ask for narcotic medications for no apparent reason

There are certain traits and behaviors that certainly more common in addicts than in those people who do not suffer from them.

• making impulsive choices
• constantly seeking excitement and new sensations
• feeling alienated from mainstream society
• valuing deviant or nonconforming behavior
• have difficulty in patience such as waiting for delayed gratification

It is important to know and understand that not every addict has a personality disorder nor do people who have personality disorders necessarily have to be an addict.  However, studies have proven that there is a direct correlation between the two and usually are seen within both types of personalities.

What is sad about addictions is that it is almost like being in jail but worse.  Those in jail usually know that sooner or later they will be released.  People who suffer from addictive behaviors feel as though they are in prison all the time if nothing else than to be a prisoner of their own mind.

Breaking the chain of addictive behavior is a timely process and one that requires not only the active participation from those who have the addiction but from the family or friends that are closely knit with the ones they affect.  It is important to realize that many addictive behaviors did not form overnight thus they are not going to be cured overnight!  Patience and consistency are vital in dealing with a person who suffers from an addictive behavior.  We can spend an eternity in describing some of the more noticeable behaviors that are exhibited in those who suffer from addictions but by no means would it be a comprehensive list nor would it necessarily be able to help you identify if a loved one you know may be suffering from such a behavior.

Addictions come in a variety of shapes and sizes and may not have the same symptoms in any two people so being able to diagnose or be aware of the situation can be difficult and frustrating at times.  The important key is to be able to isolate it and find it early on then finding a program that will work for the person(s) that are directly affected.  One must keep in mind as well that just because a person may demonstrate what are stereotypically addictive behaviors is not necessarily an indicator that they have or will develop one either!  I realize that may vary well cause some confusion in a lot of minds, however, if you check with leading researchers on this ailment they will all come to the same opinion.

Word of Caution


One reason why addictions tend to go undiagnosed is that every addict is different. While some people with addictions behave recklessly, seem depressed or make poor decisions, others are able to carry on their lives amazingly well. Looking for personality traits of addiction can help you decide if friends or loved ones have a problem, but it won't tell you for sure whether they're an addict.

We would love to hear each of your stories about your addiction or those whom you know who are suffering with this disease. Keep in mind that the biggest way to help each other is through sharing your own strength, hope and most importantly love. It is important that you realize that you are not alone and there are millions who suffer form addictive behavior and there is help available.  It is all about whether you are ready to take the next step and take control over the part of your life that is controlling you!