Serious Common Addictions

Addictions come in a wide range of forms and anyone can fall prey to becoming addicted. While a one-time splurge may seem like no big deal, it is these small things that can quickly spiral out of control. A seemingly harmless habit can quickly turn into a need that takes hold of one’s life. Watch out for these common addictions, as they are known for getting people hooked fast and being hard to break.

10. Smoking

Cigarettes are addictive because they contain nicotine. Nicotine works to temporarily boost the body and brain by initiating the release of adrenaline. This offers a temporary buzz, making the smoker more alert and triggering a short-term high. When it wears off, the mood fades and it is not long before another cigarette is wanted.

Smoking is known for causing various forms of cancer and diseases, as well as posing health risks to those who inhale the smoke second-hand. It also causes problems with fertility, promotes tooth decay, and has negative effects on vision. Every part of the body could be affected by smoking, with no benefits gained, making it a habit to steer clear of.

9. Food

Having a food addiction means desiring unhealthy food to the point where resistance is not an option. Despite knowing the negative impacts junk food has on the body, certain people still cannot resist the urge to over-eat, thus causing weight gain and limiting their body's ability to function efficiently.

Food addiction is usually triggered by different emotions. Food releases chemicals in the brain that offer a temporary boost of happiness for times when anxiety or sadness kicks in. By bingeing on unhealthy foods, the body and brain can suffer many negative side effects, such as obesity, heart problems, depression, and many more.

8. Alcohol

Alcohol is known for helping people loosen up and relax amidst life’s many stressful situations. The more alcohol consumed, the higher a person's tolerance level gets, meaning more is needed to reach those desired levels of contentment. Whether a person drinks for temporarily relief of emotional or physical reasons or in a social setting, it is a habit that can quickly take hold of one’s life.

Overindulging in alcohol has many negative impacts. The behavior triggered by alcohol can lead to impulsive decisions that harm relationships and affect how one is viewed by friends and family. The body and brain suffer, as well. Alcoholics are known for being more prone to various diseases and it affects the brain’s ability to function as efficiently as possible.

7. Gambling

Those who struggle with gambling problems cannot resist the impulse to engage in various forms of wagering, despite not being able to afford it. Often times, secrecy will come into play and the gambler will do their best to keep how much they spend from their friends and family.

Gambling has a significant and negative impact on one’s life. It often causes the gambler to lose control of their finances, which means an inability to manage the cost of living. The person’s family is also implicated as affording basic necessities becomes a challenge. Gambling also increases anxiety and stress levels, which can have many negative impacts on a person’s health.

6. Internet

The Internet can serve as a great pathway to connecting with others and discovering new ideas or information. However, when Internet use starts replacing actual social interaction, it becomes a problem. For those who are addicted to the Internet, there is a compulsive need to be online and escape from reality. They create emotional attachments to online connections or games and cannot seem to break the bond to online activity.

This addiction is unhealthy and can cause many issues as far as mental stability. It increases the likelihood of developing depression and anxiety, and it affects how people view themselves, thus decreasing self-esteem. Also, sitting in front of a computer for extended periods of time can affect vision, joints, and posture.

5. Shopping

Everyone loves purchasing new items and a day spent shopping can offer a relaxing break from the daily routine. Yet, if not controlled, this habit can easily get out of hand and turn into a shopping addiction. Shopping addicts spend more time and money on unneeded items, and they may find themselves buying and returning purchases on a constant basis. An item may be purchased simply because it was at a discounted price.

Shopping addicts usually shop due to emotional stresses in their life and the side effects of this disorder create other problems. Relationships may get damaged as the addict loses control over his or her financial well being as the urge takes over.

4. Work

Feeling pride in work-related accomplishments is a good thing, but when the desire for success becomes an obsession, many problems can arise. People who regularly achieve new goals in the workplace may experience a high from a constantly rising status. This high can become addictive, thus causing work to consume every part of the workaholic’s thought process.

For those with a family, finding the right balance between work and personal life can be challenging. Work addicts may find their home life suffering if more time is devoted to their job than their family. The obsession with overachieving and the fear of failure in the workplace becomes the priority, while everything and everyone else gets left behind.

3. Sex

A person suffering from a sex addiction may engage in extreme fantasies or view pornography excessively. Sex addictions can quickly overtake someone’s life and resisting the urge to engage in sexual activities may seem close to impossible. It becomes an obsession and is hard to divert the brain from thinking of anything other than obtaining the next sexual fix.

As with every addiction, a sex addiction can cause a lot of damage with personal relationships. If boundaries get pushed, respect and trust can quickly be lost. It can distance the addict from their loved ones and make committed relationships hard to maintain. On top of this, the likelihood of contracting a sexually transmitted infection is heightened, due to the increase of risky behaviors.

2. Drugs

Drug addictions develop when a person becomes dependent on a specific drug to maintain a certain mental or physical state. A drug addiction can come in many forms. Whether it is painkillers, heroin, cocaine, or countless others, drugs become all consuming, causing many issues and struggles as far as maintaining a stable life.

An addiction of this kind can easily destroy a person’s life. When one becomes obsessed with obtaining a certain substance, he or she will find their close friends and family are put to the side and getting a fix will become the number one priority. This will cause strain on personal relationships, as well as increased health risks and financial struggles.

1. Caffeine

Caffeine dependence is widely common and needing a cup of coffee to get through the day is becoming a norm in society. This addiction is far less harmful than most others and is definitely one of the most socially-acceptable ones. Side effects are less severe and, although many consume more coffee than they probably should, it rarely causes a huge financial burden.

Despite being a lower-key addiction, excessive amounts of caffeine can have negative impacts on one’s life. It can affect sleep cycles, as well as trigger mood swings and affect stamina. Giving up caffeine, after forming an addiction, may result in headaches, difficulty concentrating, digestive issues, or some anxiety.