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UNDERSTANDING BEHAVIORAL AND SUBSTANCE ADDICTION

Addiction is a concept that some people consider as vague. The reason for this is because, not everyone has come to terms with the fact that addiction is a brain disease. Some people still feel that addiction involves undertaking a particular activity that you love doing.

All the types of addiction in the world are categorized under two broad categories: Behavioral and Substance addiction. Behavioral addiction is a form of addiction whereby an individual continually undertakes a particular activity.

While substance addiction refers to the intake of substances for the purpose of pleasure fulfillment. The types of substances people get addicted to, are alcohol and drugs.

When it comes to behavioral addiction, people do not pay much attention to it because they feel it is a normal occurrence that can be stopped.

Types of behavioral addiction include: Gun addiction, Video gaming addiction, Sex addiction, Food addiction, Internet addiction, Sleep addiction and a host of others. Taking a look at these forms of addiction, you will observe that they are activities that we might be interested in.

However, the line of addiction is crossed when these activities bring us pleasure and we look forward to the next phase. An addiction is formed when that particular activity takes priority in your life over other necessary happenings.

So, anyone who would prefer being on the internet over spending time with family most likely has an addiction in formation.

People are more receptive to acknowledging the fact that substance addiction exists because of the obvious signs.

Both categories of addiction affect the same pleasure center in the brain, and they overstimulate the pleasure hormones. So, when this addiction is in place, no matter the form, the individual enjoys the pleasure and would desire a repeat performance.

It is not easy to break free from addiction particularly when you want to do it on your own. It is important to seek help from professionals who would assist you in getting back on your feet.

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