Serious Common Addictions

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.