Transitions Recovery Program – Make The Call That Can Save a Life
Most Don’t Admit to Being Addicted But We Help Beat Many Forms of Addiction
For many people, the word addiction most often correlates with alcohol and drug abuse. According to the World Health Organization, over 185 million people throughout the world are addicted to illicit drugs. Contrary to popular belief, however, drug abuse is not the only addictive behavior which people suffer from. This article focuses on just a few of the most common addictions that people suffer from today. Our organization helps people suffering from any of these addictions and we have the results to show for it. To talk to someone about changing your habits, call us at 800-626-1980 or visit the addiction admissions page.
Countless people all over the world suffer from common addictions regarding anything from food to gambling and even video games. The problem with many of these addictions, however, is that there is not enough data and research to prove just how widespread they are. It is also estimated that one in eight people in the United States has a form of addiction. The cycle of addiction has become a great problem and is crippling societies throughout the world. Let’s take a closer look.
The most common types of addiction across the world:
Tobacco
Tobacco is responsible for the death of over 1.3 billion people throughout the world every year. Tobacco, therefore, tops the list of the regular addictions common to people anywhere. Even though tobacco causes countless chronic diseases to both first and second-hand smokers, it is still not banned or illegal in any country. It wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see this happening in the future though.
Alcohol
Alcoholism is something which everyone is aware of. The primary reason for the widespread addiction of alcohol and other intoxicants of the likes is the easy availability and cheap prices. According to the World Health Organization, alcohol addiction is linked to at least 60 types of diseases or injuries including those caused by accidents. Anyone suffering from alcoholism is on a very scary path and you should do anything to help them seek recovery.
Drugs
Millions of people throughout the world are addicted to drugs. Even more problematic, it isn’t just street drugs like it used to be; now millions are addicted to prescription drugs as well. People become addicted to drugs because they are usually effective in providing pain relieving effects and are often legal. Whether the afflicted abuses street or pharmaceutical drugs, the dangers are many. Often most won’t even admit that they are addicted at all. The signs will be there though, so be on the lookout. Here are a few of the most dangerous addictions to be especially aware of.
Gambling
Gambling is one of the more dangerous addictive behaviors to have. The driving factor for people hooked on gambling is that they will be able to receive unbelievable amounts of money within a matter of minutes. This leads to more and more gambling to regain that rush associated with a big win. Often, people start gambling just to kill time and it becomes an addiction before they know it. The results are often staggering, leaving people homeless, in serious debt, and often divorced. It is very important to help the person understand the problem and that real solutions exist to help them.
Food
Abusive eating is a bigger problem in the world today than most people think. It is not uncommon for people to use food as a stress reliever or as a means of comfort when they are depressed or grieving. This is one of the main reasons for obesity in America today. There are several forms of eating disorders that plague people today. Perhaps the two most recognized are anorexia and bulimia. At Transitions, we have programs designed to help people with an eating disorder addiction no matter the scenario.
Sex
Sexual addiction is a much larger problem than people would like to admit. Although true numbers are incredibly difficult to determine, it is often estimated that more than 2% of the adult population suffers from an addiction to sex. The problem can afflict anyone, from celebrities to regular folks, married or not. Another aspect of this addiction can include pornography. Usually, it is incredibly difficult for someone to come forward and discuss sexual addiction.
Video Games
Addiction to gaming is most common among teens, children, and even adults throughout the world. Although this addictive tendency is relatively new, the consequences of video game addiction are devastating. Not only can sitting for long periods of time playing video games affect the health of people, but it is also likely they will develop behavioral issues and psychological problems. I suppose it would be remiss to not mention the fact that extensive gaming also leads to laziness.
Internet
The burning desire to be on the internet is not only very real but also very scary. Addiction to the internet is not limited to any age, gender or geographic location. Most people experience a sense of happiness and belonging when they are constantly using the internet to interact with friends and strangers alike. This addiction can prove to be extremely dangerous physically and mentally and, in some cases, it may even be life-threatening. This holds especially true for teens. Often teenage girls are falling victim to predators on the internet. This is alarming and authorities are getting better at catching and incarcerating these perpetrators. We will never catch them all though, so be especially vigilant in keeping your children safe.
Risky Behavior
Millions of people throughout the world are hooked on risky behavior in an attempt to look the most ‘cool’ or feel important. The rush of excitement and thrill which these people receive are their driving force to continue engaging in this type of behavior. You will regularly see these types of folks hanging out together, even documenting their antics. This is fantasized in modern media with the prevalence of YouTube. These danger junkies often have millions of views on their videos and scores of people craving their next video. Often times the end results of this form of behavior is a terrible accident or even death.
Shopping
Compulsive shopping is an activity which is growing at an unprecedented rate. This is primarily because people are constantly forced to buy a certain product using ingenious marketing techniques. Once the idea is embedded in the subconscious mind, it is nearly impossible for a person to avoid buying the product or service which was advertised. This is especially true in the coupon clipping world. Often times the craving to clip consumes the daily life of the afflicted. Their shopping tendencies often lead to purchasing items that aren’t even needed, just to get the deal. This can lead to a plethora of additional problems for everyone involved.
Work
Though many of us may find it hard to believe, work can actually be highly addictive. This is particularly prevalent among people who are constantly looking for the approval of anyone from their supervisors or bosses. This addictive characteristic will not only become extremely dangerous, but people have also overworked themselves to the point that it became fatal. Aside from that, focusing too heavily on your career can lead to problems with your marriage, or relationships in general. Keeping a good balance between life and work is paramount to leading a healthy lifestyle.
How to Identify the Symptoms
While there are no steadfast rules to identifying the behaviors of an addict, you can recognize most symptoms based on some common characteristics. Of course, some of these addictions will have signs that are easier to identify. Also, some symptoms may be a representation of many different substances that could be being abused by the user. One of the most important aspects to helping is not to make accusations prematurely. This could further distance them and make a breakthrough more difficult. If the time comes when you are considering an intervention, here are a few considerations. Just understand that you don’t want to “go it alone”. Utilize the help of a professional and have a support system of family or friends.
Get Help With Addiction
If you or a loved one are suffering from any of the most common types of addiction, understand that help is out there. Getting most treatments shouldn’t be something to be afraid of. Generally speaking though, the affected person will not want to admit that they have a problem at all. The team at Transitions has years of experience serving our community and leading the journey to an addiction-free lifestyle. Our programs and treatment plans are designed with your recovery in mind. Each person has a solution tailored to their specific needs, based on our results with previous successful patients. To talk to someone about changing your habits, call us at 800-626-1980 or visit the addiction admissions page.
