Most people, at one time or another, indulge in substances or behavior that could become addictive. Alcohol, cigarettes, caffeine, shopping, overworking - there are many things people can get too much of if they're not careful. But what constitutes addictive behavior? When a habit or behavior crosses the line - when it interferes with a person's daily life - is when it becomes an addictive disease.
Other hallmarks of addiction are changes in behavior or personality and denying that there is a problem in the first place. If you suspect that you or someone you care about has an addiction, consider the 3 C's of addiction diagnosis - consequences, loss of control, and compulsion. There are other signs of addiction that could lead to a diagnosis of substance dependence, such as a need for more and more of a substance to achieve the desired effect.
A person can become addicted to a substance or a habit for many of reasons. A family member may have had addictions, or perhaps their friends and peers pressure them into addictive behavior. Maybe a certain addictive substance is readily available in their neighborhood, such as cigarettes, drugs, or alcohol.
Caring for someone with an addiction has its own perils, and you should take care not to enable a person's addiction. If initial steps to help an addict are unsuccessful, an intervention may be the next step. Learn what to expect from an intervention.
The dangers of certain substances are clear and well-known. A number of people become addicted to things that wouldn't normally seem harmful, including to caffeine or to work or a career, but the effects can be as negative as with any other addiction. Find out the 10 signs of work addiction to see if you are a human doing or a human being. That is, do you live for and crave the feeling of accomplishment you get from your work?