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The Five Characteristics Of Addictive Behavior

Addiction is a very serious problem. One that shouldn’t be taken lightly. If you or your loved one is suffering from an addiction, you must seek professional help. You most times cannot deal with addiction alone. The fact that the act becomes compulsive makes it hard to quit without professional help. The phases that lead to addiction is such that, the individual, loses all control over what they ought to do and rely on the substance or addiction to thrive.

addictive behavior
Source: Pinterest

In case of “light” drugs such as marijuana, it may be possible to detox before it becomes a serious addiction with special THC cleanse products, according to this study.

The sole dependency on any substance is harmful and can portend grave consequences for the addicted individual. Beyond substance abuse, individuals can get addicted to a variety of conditions and behavioral trends. Addiction may include practically anything such as gambling, sex and food. Addiction can refer to either substance dependence, such as with drug addiction or behavioral addiction like gambling, sex or the internet.

Experts agree that addicted individuals tend to exhibit certain behavioral trends that give away their addiction. These actions are often not “intentional” but key character indicators of an addiction.

 

 

The five characteristics of addictive behavior are;

Recklessness and Risky Behavior

Sometimes, the addicted person may engage in risky behavior to ensure they can get their substance of choice, such as by trading sex for drugs or money and stealing. On the other hand, an addict under the influence of substances may engage in risky activities like reckless driving, unprovoked violence, sexual perversions and reckless spending.

If the substance is costly, the addicted person may sacrifice their budget for housing or groceries to ensure they have a secure supply. When this becomes inadequate, they may resort to risky behaviors to obtain their fix.

Secrecy and Denial

Many addicts take their substance on their own as well as without anyone knowing about it. If anyone confronts them about their use of drugs or illicit substances, they often will refuse to acknowledge or are not aware that they have a problem.

Obsession

An addicted individual may spend increasingly more time and energy thinking of ways they can get more of their substance or even other ways they can use it. Their entire existence is channeled to fulfill one goal; getting their next fix.

addictive behavior gambling
Addiction to video games | Source: Pinterest

Anti-Social

Addiction can cause some people to give up or not become involved in activities. For example, an internet addict may choose not to go camping if they know they won’t have internet access. Likewise, an alcoholic may avoid long trips where they know they will not have access to alcohol.

Crime

Addicts may run into problems with the law due to the risks they take when under the influence. They can break the law to obtain their drug of choice or even commit far more grievous crimes when under the influence.

Understanding addiction is critical to know how to deal with the challenge. Most addicts didn’t set out to become so and would benefit from the support and professional help they can get.


Read More:

Signs that shopping passion becomes addiction

Digital Detoxification: Warning Signs You Need a Digital Break

Top 5 ways to quit smoking for good

Everything to know about hypnotherapy in anxiety treatment

 

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